This is an automatically translated article.
The article was written by Master, Doctor Vu Van Quan - Gastroenterologist - Department of General Surgery & Anesthesia - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.During pregnancy, the times of constipation in pregnant women are often of little concern. Maybe because the symptoms of the disease are not too serious, many pregnant women and their families are subjective. If you look closely, you will realize that the disease has many potential risks affecting the health of both mother and baby. It is estimated that half of pregnant women experience constipation problems during pregnancy, but many of them still do not know the treatment and prevention measures.
1. Is constipation in pregnant women dangerous?
Constipation in pregnant women may not be life-threatening, but it can also have an extremely negative impact on quality of life and can contribute to miscarriage, premature delivery, fetal malnutrition, ...Constipation in general and constipation in pregnant women in particular is one of the causes that give rise to or aggravate hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse,... Feeling very difficult then pain, abdominal pain, bloody stools, burning pain in the anal area, ..., constipation in pregnant women accompanied by nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite,... All affect very bad for both mother and fetus. There are also some unpredictable consequences that you need to know if you are suffering from constipation during pregnancy:
When pregnant women push hard, putting solid waste out can cause miscarriage or premature birth. Toxic substances in feces such as phenol, ammonia, indole... if they remain in the intestine for too long, they will be absorbed back. The mother's psychology is under pressure, stress and often irritable. Fetal malnutrition, reduced resistance of children.
Trắc nghiệm: Bạn có hiểu đúng về dấu hiệu mang thai sớm?
Các dấu hiệu mang thai sớm không phải chỉ mỗi trễ kinh mà còn có rất nhiều dấu hiệu khác như xuất huyết âm đạo, ngực căng tức,… Điểm xem bạn biết được bao nhiêu dấu hiệu mang thai sớm thông qua bài trắc nghiệm này nhé!
2. Causes of constipation in pregnant women
Ignorance about constipation in pregnant women, especially the cause of the disease, can lead to wrong treatment, making the disease worse. Let's find out a few causes of constipation in pregnant women:The increase in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy causes relaxation of your muscles. That includes your gut. And slower moving intestines mean slower digestion. The uterus grows, compressing certain nerves, pelvic veins, and inferior veins. On the other hand, the fetus is also growing larger and taking up space in the abdomen, compressing and narrowing the space of the digestive tract, also making food move slower. Pregnant women lose water due to morning sickness in the first trimester, causing constipation. Pregnant women are very lazy to exercise, especially near the end of pregnancy because their abdomen is already heavy and their legs are swollen and painful. This also leads to constipation in pregnant women. Many pregnant women need calcium and iron supplements for fetal bone development. However, too much intake of these two trace elements will also cause constipation. Pregnant women who have been or are abusing high-dose laxatives. Gestational diabetes or hypothyroidism is also a cause of constipation in pregnant women. The habit of fasting to the toilet also causes digestive disorders and constipation. In addition, eating too much, the body cannot absorb and digest in time also leads to constipation.
3. Effective treatment and prevention of constipation in pregnant women
If you need to be constipated, pregnant women can and apply a few safe temporary and preventive treatments as follows:
Drink more water. Drink an adequate amount of 2.5 - 3 liters a day for easier bowel movements. Supplement with probiotics and prebiotics to increase resistance to intestinal bacteria, support fermentation in the large intestine. Stop using drugs, laxative foods , mineral oil Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables Change your sitting position when having a bowel movement: Lean forward and rest your elbows on your knees. Gentle exercise such as swimming, walking, yoga during pregnancy Practice for yourself the habit of going to the toilet on time to avoid digestive disorders, causing constipation Reduce stress, because stressful mood can aggravate the disease. In addition, doctors also advise pregnant women to avoid certain foods with high calcium content such as cheese, cereals, juices... and foods with seeds during constipation.
Useful knowledge about symptoms of constipation in pregnant women will help pregnant women quickly overcome this unpleasant disease. Very few people care or feel afraid to talk about this disease during pregnancy. Therefore, please see doctors at reputable hospitals to get the best advice and treatment for both mother and soon-to-be unborn baby.
Understanding the health difficulties that a mother may face during pregnancy, Vinmec International General Hospital now offers a comprehensive maternity care program for pregnant women right from the beginning of their pregnancy. from the first months with a full range of antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and routine tests to ensure that the mother is always healthy and the fetus develops comprehensively. In addition to regular check-ups, pregnant women will also be advised on nutrition and exercise so that the mother can gain weight reasonably while the fetus still absorbs nutrients well and limits many diseases. effects on the mother's health such as constipation, insomnia, back pain.
Besides, the mother is also consulted by doctors on the prevention of diseases that can be dangerous for the mother and the fetus by being fully vaccinated with vaccines such as flu vaccines, vaccines. tetanus,.... In addition to comprehensive health care and examination, mothers can also use high-class vaccination services, imported vaccines, have clear origins and are protected. cryopreservation according to standards to ensure the best quality of vaccines. Therefore, mothers can rest assured that during pregnancy as well as after the baby is born, they will enjoy the best that Vinmec medical services bring.
If there is a need for consultation and examination at the Hospitals of the National Health System, please book an appointment on the website to be served.