These are common in pregnancy due to the natural pressure put on your abdomen. Hemorrhoids are aggravated by straining during a bowel movement or passing a hard stool. Hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable, though they rarely cause serious problems. In most cases, they go away fairly soon after your baby is born.
However, if the pain is severe, or if you have rectal bleeding , call your provider. Straining with bowel movements can also affect your pelvic floor muscles, which help control your bladder. This can lead to a condition called stress urinary incontinence , when your urine leaks during activities — and that includes laughing, sneezing, or coughing. This condition is already often related to pregnancy and childbirth because of the added pressure on your body from carrying a pregnancy and the process of vaginal deliveries, but your risk of developing it could increase due to constipation.
If the measures above don't help or it's hard for you to follow them , talk to your provider about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement. Just make sure you also increase your water intake to compensate for the extra fiber. These supplements are usually appropriate most women, but sometimes they can cause uterine contractions so it's important you follow your doctor's guidance. Also, if you're taking too much, you may actually experience diarrhea.
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Constipation in Pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. Urinary Incontinence. According to Dr. Simhan, prevention is the best medicine for constipation. Try to drink at least eight ounce glasses of water daily. That will keep solids moving through your digestive tract and help keep stools soft.
The increased fluid intake will also help with blood volume. A diet rich in fiber — whole-grain bread and cereals, beans, fresh fruits, and vegetables — will help you eliminate waste. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day. Spread out your food intake by eating smaller, more frequent meals.
Try to eat 5 or 6 smaller meals each day. Simply getting up and moving can help constipation. Aim for regular exercise during pregnancy. Aim for about 25 grams each day. Walk or do another safe exercise every day.
A simple walk around the block will help things get moving. Ask your doctor about bulking agents such as FiberCon , which add fiber and water to your digestive system, or stool softeners. Be the first to comment! No comments yet.
Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy? Prevention and treatment of constipation involve many of the same steps. Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it: Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran.
This helps ensure bulkier stools that are easier to poop. Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly when increasing fiber intake helps ensure softer stools. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and plenty of liquids that best help you eliminate your waste. Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises will help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels.
Schedule exercise three times a week for minutes each. Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil Category B which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation.
Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications. Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation.
Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy.
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