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Constipation during pregnancy
6-minute read
Key facts
- If you suffer from constipation, your stools (poo) may become hard, dry and painful to pass.
- About 2 in 5 people experience constipation during pregnancy.
- Common causes of constipation during pregnancy include hormonal changes, medicine and supplement use, and not getting enough fibre in your diet.
- You can help prevent or manage constipation by increasing the amount of fibre and water in your diet and maintaining good toileting habits.
- If diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve your constipation, speak to your doctor about medicines that might help.
What is constipation?
'Normal' bowel movements vary between people. Constipation is when your stools (poo) become hard, dry and difficult or painful to pass.
Constipation is very common during pregnancy. Up to 2 in 5 people have constipation during pregnancy.
What symptoms are related to constipation?
Being constipated can make you feel uncomfortable. You may need to push or strain when passing a stool.
Some people with constipation feel they have not fully emptied their bowels. After passing stools, you may feel the need to pass more.
If you had constipation before pregnancy, your symptoms may worsen during pregnancy.
What causes constipation during pregnancy?
Constipation during pregnancy can be caused by:
- hormonal changes
- medicines or supplements
- diet
- lack of exercise
Hormonal changes
The pregnancy hormone, progesterone, relaxes your muscles and slows the movement of food in your gut. This increases your chance of constipation.
Medicines or supplements
Some medicines used during pregnancy can cause constipation. These include:
- medicines for nausea and vomiting
- medicines for heartburn
- strong pain medicines
Sometimes supplements can also cause constipation. These include:
If you have constipation and are taking these medicines, speak with your doctor. Sometimes a change in dose or brand can help.
Diet
Not eating enough fibre can lead to constipation during pregnancy.
Exercise
Not getting enough exercise.
How is the cause of constipation in pregnancy diagnosed?
To make a diagnosis, your doctor will ask you about:
- your symptoms
- any medical conditions you have
- any medicines or supplements you are taking
- your lifestyle
Your doctor may also examine you. Most people don't need any tests for constipation.
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if you notice any changes in your bowel habits during pregnancy, or if you see blood in your stools.
Constipation is very common in pregnancy. But sometimes it can be a sign of another condition.
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How is constipation treated during pregnancy?
Self-care at home
The first steps are to increase:
- fluids — drink at least 7 to 8 glasses a day and even more in hot or humid weather
- fibre in your diet — eat wholegrain foods, fruit and vegetables
Good toilet habits also help.
- Go to the toilet as soon as you get the urge — don't wait.
- Try sitting on the toilet about 20 minutes after meals, especially breakfast.
- Sit on the toilet, lean forward with your feet apart and your back straight.
- Relax your abdominal (tummy) muscles — think about making them ‘bulge' out. This helps you to avoid straining.
- Use a footstool when on the toilet.
Medicines for constipation during pregnancy
If your symptoms continue, your doctor may recommend fibre supplements or laxatives. Taking laxatives can sometimes cause side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
Most laxatives can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Always check with your pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.
Will constipation continue after I've had my baby?
New parents are often more busy than usual. But it's important to take care of your health.
If you have a caesarean birth, you may experience constipation for a few days.
If you have stitches after a vaginal birth, you may feel worried about opening your bowels. This can lead to constipation.
Strong pain medicines you take after having your baby can also cause constipation.
Be sure to have a fibre-rich diet and increase your fluid intake while breastfeeding to keep your bowels healthy.
What are the complications of constipation?
Untreated constipation can cause complications such as:
- anal fissure
- haemorrhoids
- faecal impaction
- rectal prolapse
These complications are rare, as constipation rarely becomes serious.
Will constipation during pregnancy affect my baby?
You may feel uncomfortable from constipation, but it's not harmful to your baby.
Can constipation during pregnancy be prevented?
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy maintain regular bowel motions by:
- eating a healthy diet
- drinking plenty of fluids
- taking regular exercise
It's better to prevent constipation rather than wait to treat it later.
Resources and support
The Royal Hospital for Women has developed a leaflet on Constipation in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, with suggestions on lifestyle changes as well as medicines to treat constipation.
Ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist for help with constipation during pregnancy.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.