Constipation in the third trimester of pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can slow the bowel, while the enlarging uterus leaves less room for comfortable bowel movement. Pelvic pressure, lower activity, altered meals, and iron supplements may make stools harder or harder to pass. Constipation itself is separate from regular tightening or labour symptoms, so new pelvic pain, fluid loss, bleeding, or contractions should be discussed with the maternity team.

Keep fluids available and choose fibre from fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts, increasing portions gradually. Gentle walking or pregnancy-approved activity may help if your clinician has not advised rest. Allow unhurried toilet time, avoid forceful straining, and use a footstool if it improves comfort. Before taking a laxative, suppository, enema, or supplement, ask your obstetric clinician or pharmacist to confirm the option and dose.

Seek urgent assessment for severe abdominal or pelvic pain, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding, fever, black tarry stool, a markedly swollen abdomen, or inability to pass stool or gas. Contact your maternity unit for regular painful contractions, fluid leaking from the vagina, reduced fetal movement, or symptoms that feel different from your usual constipation. Seek medical advice for persistent constipation, rectal bleeding, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness and reduced urination.

Ask whether your symptoms fit constipation or need obstetric assessment, whether iron or another medicine is contributing, and which bowel treatment suits the third trimester. Bring a list of medicines and describe stool texture, pain, contractions, fluid intake, and fetal movement changes.