Pregnancy Constipation: Causes, Symptoms & Relief

Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it comes with unique challenges—constipation being one of them. 

If you’ve noticed your bowel movements have become irregular or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Approximately 40% of pregnant women experience constipation during pregnancy, but there are several ways to help you get relief. 

Addressing constipation is not just about comfort—it also helps prevent complications like haemorrhoids or blockages (faecal impaction). 

Here are some helpful tips about the causes, symptoms, and ways to manage constipation during pregnancy, so that you can stay as comfortable as possible. 

Causes of Constipation During Pregnancy 

Constipation in pregnancy is often triggered by the changes to your body and lifestyle factors unique to this stage of life. 

1. Hormonal Changes 

The levels of an essential hormone called progesterone, increases during pregnancy. Progesterone relaxes the muscles in your digestive tract (bowel), slowing down the movement of food. This slower digestion often leads to constipation in early pregnancy and in later trimesters. 

2. Dietary Changes 

Pregnancy cravings and nausea may lead to changed eating patterns such as eating less foods containing fibre or drinking less water.  Fibre is essential to regular bowel function.  Water also helps soften stools (poo). 

3. Reduced Physical Activity 

As your body changes and energy levels fluctuate, staying active may become more challenging. This decrease in movement, can lead to slower digestion and irregular bowel movements. 

4. Resting More 

Fatigue and physical discomfort in the later stages of pregnancy often result in more resting time. While rest is important, reduced mobility slows digestion and contributes to bloating and constipation. 

5. Increased Iron Intake 

Taking iron supplements to prevent anaemia during pregnancy, may also cause or worsen constipation. Iron is beneficial for both yours and your unborn baby’s health but too much iron can also make it harder for bacteria in your gut to break down food. Don’t stop taking your pregnancy supplements before speaking to a healthcare professional. They may be able to suggest an alternative that contains less iron. 

Signs of Constipation during Pregnancy 

Recognising the signs of constipation can help you identify the best way to manage it.  

You might be experiencing constipation if 

• You have fewer than three bowel movements per week or less often than usual. 

• Your stools are hard, dry, or lumpy. 

• You’re straining or have discomfort during bowel movements. 

• You feel a sensation of not completely emptying your bowels after a bowel movement. 

• You have stomach pain, or feel bloated. 

When to speak to a doctor 

While constipation is common and can happen to people of all ages, seek advice from a healthcare professional if you experience: 

• long-lasting or regular constipation or bloating 

• constipation that doesn’t improve after treating it 

• blood in your stool 

• stomach pain 

• you’re losing weight without trying 

• sudden changes in your bowel habits or stools 

• you're constipated and feel tired all the time 

• constipation caused by medicines (Don’t stop taking medicines before talking to your doctor) 

How to Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy 

Finding relief from constipation during pregnancy often starts with simple lifestyle and dietary adjustments. 

1. Increase Your Fibre Intake 

Fibre softens stools, making them easier to pass. Add the following fibre-rich foods to your diet: 

• Wholegrain cereals and pasta, wholemeal bread 

• Potatoes with skins – baked potato or boiled new potatoes. 

• Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans. 

• Fresh fruits like apples, apricots, grapes or prunes. 

• Vegetables, especially broccoli, carrots, and leafy greens. 

• For snacks, you can try fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, rye crackers, oatcakes and unsalted nuts or seeds. 

2. Stay Hydrated 

Drinking plenty of water and other fluids daily, is essential for keeping stools soft and supporting digestion. A study showed that drinking prune juice daily, can help stimulate bowel movements, soften stools and relieve the discomfort of constipation. 

3. Start or keep on exercising 

Exercise can help relieve constipation and it also has other benefits during pregnancy, such as strengthening joints, improving circulation, easing backache and helping your feel well. If you were inactive before falling pregnant, speak to a healthcare professional about how to start gentle exercise. Activities like walking, swimming, dancing or yoga are all good daily activities that you can continue as long as you feel comfortable. 

4. Establish a Routine 

Set aside a regular time each day to use the bathroom, ideally after meals when digestion is naturally more active. Respond promptly to the urge to go, as delaying can make constipation worse. 

5. Get Advice about constipation relief from a healthcare professional 

If you’ve switched up your diet, exercise regimen, and toilet routine, and you’re still not seeing results, speak to your healthcare professional about other ways to relieve your constipation during pregnancy. 

Healthcare professionals can provide advice or recommend other types of remedies that you might consider during pregnancy. Don’t stop taking the medicines you’re on, without talking to a doctor. 

Important information 

All information presented on this web page is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health matters and for further information or medical advice, please speak to a medical professional.