How to relieve constipation during pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can relax the bowel and slow the passage of stool. As the uterus grows, it can also leave less room for the bowel. Iron supplements, nausea, lower activity and not drinking enough can add to the problem. Constipation may mean hard or lumpy stool, straining, fewer bowel movements than is usual for you, or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied fully. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis; persistent constipation can also occur with conditions such as hypothyroidism or irritable bowel syndrome.

Sip water regularly unless your maternity team has given you a fluid restriction. Add fibre gradually through vegetables, fruit, beans, whole grains and nuts; increasing it suddenly may cause more gas. A short walk or other pregnancy-appropriate activity can encourage bowel movement. Respond to the urge to open your bowels, allow unhurried toilet time, and place your feet on a low support so your knees are slightly higher than your hips. If iron is making symptoms worse, do not stop it yourself: ask whether the preparation or timing can be changed. A nutrition counsellor can help you choose practical fibre-rich meals.

Contact your maternity clinician if constipation does not improve with self-care, keeps returning, or makes eating and daily activities difficult. Seek urgent assessment for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, inability to pass gas, black or bloody stool, or rectal bleeding that is more than a small streak. Get advice promptly if you feel faint, have very dark urine or cannot keep fluids down, because dehydration can need treatment during pregnancy.

Ask which fibre and fluid targets suit your pregnancy, whether an iron supplement could be contributing, and which stool softener or laxative is appropriate if lifestyle measures are insufficient. Mention all medicines, vitamins and herbal products before starting anything. Ask how long to try the plan and what symptoms should prompt an earlier review.