Constipation
Difficulty passing stools, infrequent bowel movements, and hard stools. Affects up to 40% of pregnant women due to hormones and iron supplements.
Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals | Last reviewed: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Can begin early pregnancy, typically worsens throughout pregnancy
📊 How Common
Affects 30-40% of pregnant women
Overview
Constipation is one of the most common digestive complaints during pregnancy. You may find yourself going days without a bowel movement, straining when you do go, and passing hard, painful stools.
The combination of hormonal changes slowing your digestive system, prenatal vitamins (especially iron), and your growing uterus putting pressure on your intestines creates the perfect storm for constipation.
Left untreated, constipation can lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures, both painful conditions. Fortunately, dietary changes and lifestyle modifications can usually provide significant relief.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Can begin early due to hormonal changes and prenatal vitamins
Second Trimester
Often persists or worsens as uterus grows
Third Trimester
Usually most severe as baby takes up maximum space
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Progesterone hormone relaxing intestinal muscles and slowing digestion
- •Iron in prenatal vitamins causing harder stools
- •Growing uterus pressing on intestines and restricting movement
- •Not drinking enough water
- •Not eating enough fiber
- •Reduced physical activity
- •Anxiety about bowel movements making problem worse
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, more if possible
- ✓Eat 25-30 grams of fiber daily (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans)
- ✓Start your day with warm water with lemon to stimulate digestion
- ✓Eat prunes, prune juice, or dried apricots - natural laxatives
- ✓Exercise regularly - even a 20-minute walk helps
- ✓Don't ignore the urge to go - respond promptly
- ✓Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals
- ✓Add ground flaxseed or chia seeds to foods (soaked in water first)
- ✓Try a fiber supplement like Metamucil (with doctor approval)
- ✓Consider switching prenatal vitamins if iron is the issue
- ✓Use a stool softener like Colace (docusate sodium) - safe in pregnancy
- ✓Establish a regular bathroom routine, ideally after breakfast
🛍️ Comfort Products That May Help
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Pregnancy-Safe Fiber Supplement
A gentle daily fiber option many moms use to stay regular and comfortable.
Check Price on Amazon →Motivational Water Bottle
Staying hydrated eases many pregnancy aches; a time-marked bottle makes it easy.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠No bowel movement for more than 4-5 days
- ⚠Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- ⚠Rectal bleeding or black, tarry stools
- ⚠Vomiting accompanying constipation
- ⚠Constipation with severe hemorrhoids
- ⚠Over-the-counter remedies aren't providing relief
- ⚠Constipation so severe it's affecting your quality of life
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: