Relief Strategies

How to Relieve Constipation

Safe, evidence-based strategies to help manage constipation during pregnancy.

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About This Symptom

Difficulty having bowel movements, hard stools

Most common: Weeks 1-40Peak weeks: 8, 12, 28, 32

πŸ’‘ Effective Relief Strategies

βœ“Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily
βœ“Eat high-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
βœ“Prunes or prune juice
βœ“Exercise daily - even walking helps
βœ“Take stool softener (Colace) if approved
βœ“Try Metamucil or fiber supplements
βœ“Don't ignore urge to go

πŸ” Understanding What Causes It

Understanding the root causes can help you choose the most effective relief strategies:

  • β€’Progesterone slowing digestion
  • β€’Iron in prenatal vitamins
  • β€’Growing uterusεŽ‹pressing intestines
  • β€’Reduced physical activity
  • β€’Not enough fiber or water
  • β€’Hormonal changes

βš–οΈ Normal vs. Concerning Signs

βœ“ Normal Signs

These symptoms are typically normal and can be managed at home:

  • βœ“Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
  • βœ“Hard, dry stools
  • βœ“Straining
  • βœ“Bloating

⚠ Concerning Signs

Call your doctor if you experience:

  • ⚠No bowel movement for 5+ days
  • ⚠Severe pain
  • ⚠Blood in stool
  • ⚠Vomiting
  • ⚠Alternating with diarrhea

πŸ₯ When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these warning signs:

⚠No bowel movement for 5+ days
⚠Severe abdominal pain
⚠Rectal bleeding
⚠Black stools
⚠Fever with constipation

Remember: It's always better to call your doctor if you're unsure. They're there to help and would rather hear from you than have you worry unnecessarily.

Week-by-Week Relief Tips

Get specific relief strategies for each week this symptom commonly occurs:

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
moderate
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Week 17
Week 18
Week 19
Week 20
Week 21
Week 22
Week 23
Week 24
Week 25
Week 26
Week 27
Week 28
moderate
Week 29
Week 30
Week 31
Week 32
Week 33
Week 34
Week 35
Week 36
Week 37
Week 38
Week 39
Week 40

By Trimester

First Trimester (Weeks 1-13)

Common - 40% affected, iron supplements worsen it

View all first trimester symptoms β†’

Second Trimester (Weeks 14-27)

Continues, may worsen with prenatal vitamins

View all second trimester symptoms β†’

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40)

Often worsens as uterus compresses intestines

View all third trimester symptoms β†’

Related Symptoms & Relief

These symptoms often occur together. Managing one may help with others:

Hemorrhoids→Abdominal Pain & Cramping→
← Back to Constipation OverviewView All Symptoms