HomeAnswersMedical GastroenterologyconstipationWhy has my constipation problem worsened during pregnancy?

My constipation problem has gotten worse during pregnancy. Please help.

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At August 17, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 21, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 20 years old, and currently, I am pregnant. I have had constipation issues since birth, but with pregnancy, it has got worsen. In the beginning, I go every few days, but it will be super uncomfortable if it was more than three days. I have a super bloated, sick feeling. So I would do an occasional enema and milk of magnesia. But as the pregnancy progressed and constipation got worse, it stopped working. I was told to do stool softeners and Miralax. It just gets pretty bloated, and I have to use an enema. Eventually, I stopped being able to go on my own. Now for the past few weeks, I have had liquid stools. The doctor says it is not diarrhea because I am not going multiple times a day and having spasms. I can only get it out with the enema. So they thought it was a fecal impaction. They had me do a colonoscopy preparation to try to cleanse me out. I had bad gurgles and a distended stomach but still could not go on my own. When I did the enema, it cleared out some harder stools, and the rest was liquid. But I am scared that was not the only problem. They cannot do imaging on me because of the baby, but they said they could not rule out colon cancer. I have not had any bleeding, my laboratory work looks good, and pain subsides once I go to the bathroom. But I still will get lower abdominal tenderness to touch off and on.

Answered by Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Since you have constipation since birth, there is a possibility of Hirschsprung disease. Second, you might have functional constipation or pelvic dyssynergia. The latter is most likely. The pelvic dyssynergia is basically an incardinated mechanism of passing stool. This can worsen in pregnancy due to pressure of the gravid uterus over the rectum and large bowel. Since you already used laxatives which would only cause liquefaction of the stools and can lead to spurious diarrhea or false diarrhea. Colonoscopy is not recommended in the pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. You can do two things.

  1. Increase the fiber in your diet, and increase the water intake in a day to 3 liters per day. Take vegetables and fruits.
  2. Biofeedback therapy. This can be performed in the nearby physiotherapy department of the hospital.
  3. Do not use a phosphate-based enema.
  4. You would need some testing but let the pregnancy go on safely. Let me know if you have some baseline investigations in the pregnancy? Like thyroid, complete blood count, and liver function tests? If already done, upload the tests. Otherwise, it is wise to get them tested.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ajeet Kumar
Dr. Ajeet Kumar

Medical Gastroenterology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Medical Gastroenterology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy