Constipation at 39 Weeks Pregnant: What to Know

Because labour can begin around this time, do not assume every new abdominal or pelvic sensation comes from the bowel. Contact your maternity team if you are unsure whether tightening, pressure, or pain could be a sign of labour.

Pregnancy hormones can slow movement through the bowel, allowing stools to become drier and harder to pass. The enlarged uterus can add pressure around the bowel, while reduced activity, changes in eating, dehydration, and iron supplements may contribute. Constipation may cause straining, bloating, hard stools, or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied fully.

Constipation itself does not show whether labour is near. Regular tightenings that become stronger, leaking fluid, vaginal bleeding, or a change in your baby's usual movements need maternity advice rather than constipation care alone.

Sip water regularly unless your maternity clinician has told you to limit fluids. Add fibre gradually through vegetables, fruit, pulses, and whole grains; a sudden large increase can worsen gas or bloating. Gentle walking may help bowel movement if activity remains comfortable and your maternity team has not advised rest.

Use the toilet when you feel the urge, allow time without straining, and support your feet on a low stool if this feels steady and comfortable. Do not stop prescribed iron on your own. A clinician may be able to adjust the preparation if iron is contributing.

If these measures are not enough, ask a pharmacist, midwife, or doctor which laxative is suitable in pregnancy and how to use it. Avoid starting herbal remedies, enemas, suppositories, or over-the-counter laxatives without checking first, especially when you are close to delivery.

Seek urgent maternity assessment for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen with inability to pass stool or wind, heavy rectal bleeding, vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, fever, regular painful contractions, or a change in your baby's usual movements. Get emergency help if you feel seriously unwell, faint, or unable to reach your maternity service.

Arrange clinical advice if constipation continues despite self-care, keeps returning, causes ongoing pain, or is accompanied by blood mixed through the stool. A clinician can check for stool impaction, review medicines, and choose a treatment that fits your pregnancy and other health conditions.

Ask whether your iron or another medicine could be contributing, which laxative is appropriate for you, and what symptoms should prompt assessment before your next planned maternity contact. Mention when you last passed a comfortable stool, whether you can pass wind, any vomiting or bleeding, and whether your baby's movements and possible labour signs are normal for you.