Bowel Issues In Pregnancy

Bowel issues is a decent way of addressing your poop problems in pregnancy. Yes, you may have problems shitting during your pregnancy, but do not worry, you are not alone and there are ways to prevent and treat such problems.

What are the bowel issues you may face during pregnancy?

• Your shit may be hard and really difficult to pass (constipation)
• You may notice an increase in the frequency of stools
• The stools may be blood stained or discolored
• Passing stools may get painful
• You may notice heamorrhoids (swollen and enlarged veins in and around the rectum and anus)

Should I discuss my bowel issues with my doctor?

Of course, you should discuss such issues with your doctor, even if you are not questioned about it. Because it's these issues which develop during pregnancy, that later become worse and have a significant impact on your lifestyle. Many of these problems are completely treatable and also preventable.

How can I prevent such problems?

• Document your symptoms: 

During pregnancy, it is easy to blame everything on pregnancy and take many of your symptoms for granted. This is not true, many of the symptoms and uneasiness of pregnancy can be avoided by making conscious changes in our lifestyle.

• Maintain a food journal:

This will help you identify if any, foods you eat is aggravating your problem. And common sense will tell you to avoid those foods in the future.

• Drink, Drink, Drink, plenty of water:

I cannot stress enough on the fact that water,is the elixir of life. The demand for fluids by our body increases during pregnancy, so, it is important to keep your body hydrated. Bowel issues are a sure fire sign that your body is not getting the adequate amount of water it needs.

• Take in a high fiber diet:

Fibres are natural laxatives and are essential for a healthy bowel. Apart from helping shit out your troubles, they also provide you and your baby with an abundance of vitamins and minerals.

• Avoid spicy, greasy, fatty and fried foods:

These provide no extra nutritional value. Apart from being unhealthy, they also add strain to your digestive system giving rise to digestion problems during pregnancy.

• Move your body:

If you have not started yet, consult with your obstetrician and start a mild exercise routine. A sedentary lifestyle does more harm to the digestive tract than good.

• Visit your obstetrician at the earliest:

If you experience a change in bowel habits, it is always best to inform your doctor at the earliest and get professional help, lest the problem gets worse.