Pregnancy and constipation

Hormonal changes can slow the bowel during pregnancy. Nausea, a changed diet, less activity, dehydration, and iron-containing supplements may add to the problem. Constipation may mean hard or lumpy stools, straining, a feeling of incomplete emptying, or fewer bowel movements than usual. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis; ongoing constipation can also occur with irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, or another bowel condition, so the wider pattern matters.

Drink fluids regularly unless your clinician has limited them, and increase fibre gradually through fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, or other tolerated foods. Gentle walking can stimulate bowel movement. Go when you feel the urge, allow unhurried toilet time, and use a small footstool to keep the knees higher than the hips. Ask your maternity clinician before taking a laxative or changing an iron supplement. Nutrition counselling may help if nausea or food restrictions make a balanced diet difficult.

Seek prompt advice for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, blood or black stool, fever, or inability to pass stool and gas. Arrange a review if constipation does not improve, keeps returning, or began after a medicine change. A clinician can check for dehydration, bowel disease, or thyroid symptoms and select a pregnancy-appropriate treatment.

Could my iron or another medicine be contributing? How much fibre and fluid suit me? Which bowel treatment is appropriate, and what symptoms should prompt urgent care?