Overview
Pregnancy constipation can happen due to a variety of complications during pregnancy. It could be a direct consequence of hormonal changes or it could be due to the sudden shift in daily habits, including the kind of diet one is following.
What Causes Pregnancy Constipation?
In most cases of pregnancy, women experience constipation as a direct consequence of hormonal changes. But it could also happen during the third trimester as the fetus grows and develops, further pressing down on the bowel, preventing regular bowel movement.
There are several causes worth considering. Some of the most important ones are:
Hormonal imbalance – The high secretion of progesterone often delays bowel movement by relaxing the intestines and bowel, leading to constipation.
Developing fetus – As the fetus grows and develops within the womb, it acquires extra weight, which presses down the bowel and the adjoining organs, affecting normal functions.
Prenatal vitamin – The iron that’s present in the prenatal vitamin also contributes to constipation. The iron counteracts the functions of the bacteria that break down the food and cause the stools to pass.
Lifestyle choices – Eating a diet with high protein and less fiber and drinking less water is other reasons why you could experience pregnancy constipation.
