When pregnant woman’s body’s hormone levels begin to support the pregnancy, they might begin to experience constipation. As early as the second or third month of the first trimester, changes may take place.
So when does constipation in pregnancy start most commonly? Constipation during the first trimester is common and a symptom that almost half of all pregnant women experience at some point.
The food can stay in the digestive system for more time, and the Progesterone‘s ability to relax the muscles in the bowels. The advantage is that there is more time for nutrients to enter the bloodstream and get to the growing baby. The drawback is that a waste-product traffic jam results. Additionally, as the uterus grows, the bowel experiences cramping due to the valuable space it usually occupies.
1. Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Some pregnant women may start to feel symptoms a week or two after conception, while others may feel them closer to four or five weeks. Some women might experience no symptoms until their period is noticeably late or later in the pregnancy.
The following are the most common symptoms in early pregnancy:
- Missed Periods
- Areolas Darkening in Sore Breast
- Fatigue
- Increased Smell Sense
- Mood swings and bloating
- Cramping
- Increased Baseline Body Temperature
- Urination Frequently
- Morning Malaise
2. When Do Symptoms of Pregnancy Start?
Each pregnant woman experiences a unique set of symptoms.
50% of women had some pregnancy symptoms by the fifth week of their pregnancies.
70% of women had pregnancy symptoms by the sixth week.
90% of women had pregnancy symptoms by the eighth week of their pregnancies.
Eight-week pregnant women reported some additional pregnancy symptoms.
- Heartburn
- Nasal Clogging
- Breathing Difficulty
- Lightheadedness
- Syringe Veins
- Itchiness
- Darker-skinned regions (on the face, abdomen, or areolas)
Other signs and symptoms of pregnancy include
- Forgetfulness
- Dizziness
- Hunger pangs
- Higher Appetite
- A lower back ache
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Luminous skin
- Variations in hair and nails
- A breast leak
- Pelvic pain
- Sciatica
- Dysfunction of the Pubic Symphysis
- Swelling
- Vision alters
- Hemorrhoids
- Clumsiness
- Nosebleeds
- Increased discharge from the cervix
3. When To Take a Pregnancy Test?
It’s a good idea to do a pregnancy test if you have any doubts. How early a pregnancy can be detected by home tests varies. An at-home test may frequently yield a positive result as early as ten days after conception. But wait until you have missed your period before taking a test for a more accurate result. Always keep in mind, that even if you are pregnant, the test you take too soon may come back negative. Repeat the test if you receive a negative result and then miss your period.
Urine tests and blood tests are the two main types of pregnancy tests. With a home pregnancy test, you will frequently perform a urine test. There are several price points and over-the-counter options for this kind of test. Giving a sample of your blood is required for blood tests to detect pregnancy, which performs by the healthcare provider. Pregnancy can also be verified using an ultrasound. The doctor can do an ultrasound test.
4. What Is Constipation?
Stools become tough to pass, and regular bowel movements become less frequent, which results in constipation. While some individuals use the restroom frequently, others only do so once or twice a week. Whatever your bowel movement pattern is, as long as you don’t stray too far from it, it’s unique to you and typical.
Common symptoms of constipation include:
- Hard and Dry stools.
- It hurts to go to the bathroom, and it is difficult to pass the stools.
- It seems as though one’s bowels are still not empty.
5. When Does Constipation in Pregnancy Start?
Constipation in Pregnancy is the most common factor. Constipation occurs when there is discomfort or abdominal pain, bowel movements are difficult and infrequent, and hard stools are passed.
When does constipation in pregnancy start? Is it the second to the third month of pregnancy? Yes, as the uterus expands and the pregnancy progresses. Constipation could worsen. Constipation during pregnancy has several causes, including the following factors.
5.1 Progesterone
Progesterone levels rise sharply after ovulation. The hormone progesterone relaxes muscles. Since its calming effects are potent enough to counteract uterine contractions, it is even administered to pregnant women to delay labor and prevent preterm birth. Because progesterone levels are so high during pregnancy, it can be challenging to get things moving down there, which is another reason why so many pregnant women complain of constipation.
Peristalsis, a process in which the muscles lining the bowel contract and relax to create a rippling, wave-like motion to move things through the intestines, is how stool moves through the bowel. This effect may be muted by progesterone. After ovulation, you might even experience slight constipation.
5.2 The Fetus
Pregnancy constipation is more common as the uterus grows heavier as a result of the fetus’s development. This additional weight may put more strain on the bowel, which will make the bowel movement more difficult for waste to leave the body.
5.3 Iron Supplements
The prenatal vitamin the pregnant women are taking contains iron, which is necessary for their body to produce the blood that will carry oxygen to both mother and their unborn child’s bodies. However, having too much of iron supplements can make it more difficult for intestinal bacteria in the bowel to break down food.
Severe constipation may occur if they don’t have enough fluid intake to soften the waste that is lodged in their digestive tract. Constipation can result from a buildup of waste.
5.4 Lifestyle
When does constipation in pregnancy starts? It starts only after the unhealthy lifestyle start. Constipation during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors, including the mother’s diet, how much fluid they drink each day, and how much exercise they get. Most pregnant women don’t consume enough fiber supplements in their diet, drink enough water, or exercise enough to aid their digestive systems in eliminating waste from the body.
6. How To Prevent Constipation During Pregnancy? 6 Important Tips You Should Know
At some point during their pregnancy, nearly three out of every four pregnant women will suffer from constipation in pregnancy and other bowel problems. There are many options for managing constipation, ranging from over-the-counter medications to herbal treatments.
6.1 High-Fiber Foods
A high-fiber diet can help to relieve constipation. Additionally, it gives vitamins and antioxidants to expectant mothers. To maintain a proper and healthy digestive system during pregnancy, one should consume 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber daily.
When does Constipation in Pregnancy starts? Constipation starts, when the mother not taking enough Fiber. Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, lentils, bran cereals, prunes, and whole-meal bread are healthy-option for easy bowel movements. Make a delicious side dish by roasting sweet corn, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.
6.2 Water
While pregnant, to prevent constipation, it is essential to drink plenty of water. That might require the mom to drink twice as much water.
At least eight 12-ounce glasses of water per day should a mother drink. We can include fresh fruit juice along with the water intake. This habit will keep bowel movements soft and in the digestive tract without obstruction.
6.3 Eating Habits
When does constipation in Pregnancy starts? Usually, constipation starts when increasing the foods like Refined Grains, Milk, Cheese, Processed Meat, Red Meat, Bananas, Fast Food, Chocolates, and Alcohol.
To ease constipation try dividing the daily healthy diet intake into 5 or 6 smaller meals. As a result, the stomach won’t have to work as hard to digest food and can move food smoothly into the intestine and colon. Large meals can overstuff the stomach and make it more difficult for the digestive system to break down the food eaten.
6.4 Workouts
When you are pregnant, you can expect to do moderate exercise. Such as carrying around extra weight. The strain that pregnancy can place on our joints and pelvic floor muscles may make it uncomfortable to move around.
However, if you have constipation, sitting is bad for the bowels. The trash is left to rot. Consult the healthcare provider about safe exercises that will increase the strength of the muscles in the bowel area.
6.5 Stool Softeners
In general, stool softeners are considered to be safe during pregnancy constipation. Stool softeners, like Docusate Calcium and Sodium, moisten the feces and make them easier to pass. Due to the little active ingredient absorbed by the body, these products are unlikely to harm an unborn child.
Because they aren’t absorbed by the body, bulk-forming laxatives like Polycarbophil and Psyllium are typically considered to be safe to use during pregnancy. Saline laxatives like Magnesium Hydroxide or Magnesium Citrate; stimulant laxatives like Bisacodyl and Lactulose are additional laxatives that are regarded as safe to use during pregnancy and for constipation relief.
6.6 Magnesium Supplements
Including enough magnesium in the diet may also help with constipation relief. Osmotic laxatives are oral magnesium supplements. These imply that they draw water into the digestive system, which aids in softer stools.
In pharmacies and health food stores, one can buy magnesium capsules. Magnesium can also be obtained through food. If the mother has a history of kidney issues, consult your healthcare provider before taking Magnesium.
Most of the foods are high in Magnesium that also tend to be high in fiber, which is convenient. For Example, both nutrients are abundant in whole grains and dark leafy greens.
7. Will Constipation During Pregnancy Hurt The Fetus?
No. The mother might be concerned for the unborn child due to the pressure that constipation causes to build up in the abdomen.
However, don’t worry. Although it may be uncomfortable for the mother, constipation won’t harm the child.
Conclusion
To manage constipation during pregnancy, one should have a healthy lifestyle. However, there are simple things that you and your health provider can do to help you feel better.
When it’s time to use the restroom, your diet, the fluids you drink, the exercise you do, and the medications you take; all have an impact. Establish a healthy routine to ensure the unpleasant bowel movements aren’t among your pregnancy memories.
We now have an answer to the question when does constipation in pregnancy start?
Read more from us: When Do You Start Gaining Weight In Pregnancy: 3 Best Trimesters
As an Amazon Associate, Icy Health earns from qualifying purchases.