Causes of Constipation During Pregnancy

• Progesterone hormone: As your pregnancy progresses, the level of progesterone hormone in your body increases. This hormone is responsible for maintaining your pregnancy, but it also reduces the motility of your intestines, leading to constipation.
• Reduced physical activity: Pregnancy can often lead to a decrease in physical activity, which can further slow down the movement of your intestines.
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can reduce your appetite and fluid intake, both of which can contribute to constipation.
• Pressure on the colon: As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your colon, which can also lead to constipation.
• Iron tablets: Many expectant mothers take iron tablets during pregnancy, but these can also be a cause of constipation.
• Stress: Stress can slow down the movement of your gut, leading to constipation.

Management of Constipation

• Fiber-rich diet: To prevent constipation, it's important to have a diet that is rich in fiber. This can include fruits, raw vegetables, and salads.
• Adequate fluid intake: Your water intake should be adequate, and you can also have buttermilk with ginger powder, rock salt, and cumin powder as a pre-probiotic.
• Laxatives: Laxatives are safe to use during pregnancy when taken with your doctor's advice.
• Yoga and meditation: Yoga and meditation can be effective stress busters and can help to reduce constipation.
• Anal pain and fissures: If you are experiencing anal pain or fissures, there are remedies that can help, including creams and ointments. Surgery is also an option, but it should only be done under the guidance of a doctor.
• Indigestion and constipation: Indigestion and constipation do not affect your baby's growth, so you can take comfort in knowing that your baby is not at risk.

In conclusion, constipation is a common symptom of pregnancy and can be managed with a combination of dietary changes, fluid intake, and stress management techniques. If you are experiencing anal pain or fissures, it's important to seek advice from a doctor to prevent complications. And, finally, it is important to know that indigestion and constipation do not affect your baby's growth.