Human Hormones

The same hormones that help your body adjust to carrying a baby for nine months can also cause constipation when you’re pregnant. Some of the most significant hormonal changes occur during the first few months of pregnancy. Because constipation is more common in the early stages of pregnancy, hormones are likely to play a role in constipation at this stage.

Progesterone, relaxin, and aldosterone are hormones that can cause constipation during pregnancy.

Progesterone

During the second to third month of pregnancy, progesterone levels rise. Progesterone’s role is to stimulate the thickening of the uterine lining, allowing a fertilized egg to implant. However, it can cause your gut muscles to move more slowly than usual. Food takes longer to pass through your gut when your gut muscles move slowly; more water is reabsorbed from your poop, resulting in harder stool.

Relaxin

Relaxin prevents muscle contractions and relaxes gut smooth muscles. Smooth muscle relaxation can also lengthen the time it takes for food to pass through your gut, resulting in constipation.

Aldosterone

Another important hormone in pregnancy is aldosterone, which can increase water absorption. This can result in ‘colonic dehydration’ and the formation of hard, difficult-to-pass poop.

A Fiber-deficient Diet

You may have difficulty having bowel movements if you are pregnant and do not consume foods high in fibre. Fibre-rich foods have numerous advantages for pregnant women. Aside from the fibre content, these foods are generally very nutritious. Fibre-rich foods such as asparagus, avocados, and lentils can help you increase your fibre intake.

An Absence Of Physical Activity

Constipation can occur if you do not stay physically active during your pregnancy. Routine activity can aid in the movement of things in your gut. Light physical activity, such as aerobic exercise, can help promote bowel movements, as can maintaining an upright posture as much as possible.

Supplements For Iron

In pregnant women, iron deficiency is common. Taking iron-fortified prenatal vitamins is one of the simplest ways to ensure that you and your baby get enough iron during pregnancy. Iron is essential during pregnancy but can cause constipation. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re taking an iron supplement and experiencing occasional constipation during your pregnancy.

Pressure In The Uterus

Your uterus expands and takes up more space as the fetus grows. This puts a lot of strain on your stomach. This pressure can cause food to move more slowly through your intestines, resulting in difficult-to-pass stool.