I am pregnant and feeling constipated. What to do?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 11 weeks 2 days pregnant. I did not get motion for the last three days and have lower back pain and gas problem. Please suggest what to do.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

During pregnancy, progesterone hormone increases. The progesterone hormone has effects on the bowel. The movement of bowel decreases, the secretions from the lining of bowel increases and sphincter becomes tight. So, the net response is that you will have constipation, gastritis, vomiting tendency, heartburn and bloated feeling in the abdomen. Use of hormone tablets or medicines can further aggravate the bowel problems. To avoid or treat this problem,

1. Please have lots of fluids daily in the form of milk and juice. Also, have lots of fruits and vegetables.

2. Keep dry grapes in water overnight. Early morning squeeze it and have the grapes as well as the water.

3. If the problem of bowel movement is not resolved, then I suggest syrup Duphalac (Lactulose) or Cremaffin plus (Liquid Paraffin) two tablespoon at night once a week.

Consult your treating doctor, discuss with him or her and take treatment with consent. Once you have proper motion, the low back ache will resolve. Till then apply some local heat or fomentation. Do have morning walk and regular daily activities. This will relieve you from all muscle pains and gastritis problems.