5 min
Updated: Nov 13, 2019
Progesterone: Constipation during pregnancy and the postpartum period is thought to be caused by the high progesterone levels. Progesterone decreases gut transit time and slow peristaltic mobility. (17)
Food: Constiation can be linked to different type of food consumed during and after pregnancy. Also, interruption in dietary intake can affect constipation(8).
Hemorrhoids are also a common complaint among pregnant women due to the increased pressure on the rectum, the larger blood supply to the rectum, and straining from constipation.
Tearing/Episiotomy: Stitches from Perineal injury, lacerations, and episiotomy can contribute to constipation.
Fear of expected pain from swollen hemorrhoids, pain at the episiotomy site or lacerations, may also contribute to the increased incidence of postpartum constipation.
Activity: Reduced physical activity following delivery can increase the risk of developing postpartum constipation (9).
Food: High‐fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and legumes can help to relieve symptoms and prevent constipation in the postpartum period (11). Exercise: Walking is encouraged to lower the chance of constipation.
Educational: Incident of postpartum constipation is quite high, and providing information about the incidence of postpartum constipation, quality of life, time to first bowel movement after delivery can help prevent and resolve the condition faster. (14)
Behavioral interventions: Educating about the proper defecation techniques. Avoiding straining while passing the stool is essential, and alternative methods to promote defecation helps to prevent constipation.
Medication: Laxatives are the drugs of choice in preventing and relieving symptoms of constipation and can be taken in a variety of formulations. Laxatives are grouped into categories according to their method of action:
Bulk-forming laxatives: Bulk-forming laxatives are bran and methylcellulose that increase the weight and water content of stool to facilitate movement of the stool through the colon, called peristalsis. (12)
Stool softeners and Lubricants: Osmotic laxatives, such as magnesium (Milk of Magnesia) and lactulose, work by retaining water in the colon to soften the stool (9).
Stimulant laxatives: stimulant laxatives directly stimulate the colonic nerves, thereby irritating the walls which ease bowel movements (13). Stimulant laxatives are reserved for occasions when the others are ineffective.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine: Chinese herb works by improving the peristaltic mobility. Lin and colleagues found a significant benefit of traditional Chinese herb in treating constipation. (18)
References
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9.National Institutes of Health (NIH) 2013
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