Constipation in the third month of pregnancy

Hard or infrequent stools, straining, bloating and a feeling of incomplete emptying are typical features. Nausea may reduce food and fluid intake, and iron may change stool consistency. Constipation is a bowel symptom, not a reliable way to judge how a pregnancy is progressing. Dehydration can worsen it. If you have a history of irritable bowel syndrome or thyroid disease, mention this because it may shape the assessment.

Take small, regular drinks and choose fibre-containing foods that you tolerate, such as oats, fruit, vegetables and pulses. Increase fibre slowly if your diet has been low in it, and keep fluids alongside it. A short gentle walk may help if your pregnancy clinician has approved normal activity. Try not to delay the urge to pass stool. Review prenatal vitamins with your clinician rather than stopping them yourself; a different formulation may be possible. Nutrition Counselling can support meal planning when nausea limits choices.

Get prompt advice for severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, a hard swollen abdomen, inability to pass stool or gas, fever, or blood in the stool. Contact your maternity service urgently for vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, faintness or pain that feels different from usual bowel discomfort. A routine appointment is sensible when constipation lasts, repeatedly returns or follows a new medicine.

Could my prenatal supplement be contributing? What bowel medicine is suitable at this stage? How much fibre and fluid fits my symptoms? Which warning signs should prompt same-day assessment?