Pregnant women have difficulty defecating (BAB) is a condition that occurs quite often, especially in the second trimester. Although generally harmless, it is important for pregnant women to know how to deal with them properly.
Pregnant women can be said to have difficulty defecating when defecating less than 3 times a week. There are many factors that make it difficult for pregnant women to defecate, one of which is the increase in the hormone progesterone which can relax the intestinal muscles, so that food and feces move more slowly in the digestive system.
The First Step for Pregnant Women Who Have Difficulty BAB
Difficult bowel movements in pregnant women are usually easily overcome by changing diet. One way is to increase the intake of nutritious foods rich in fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, cereals, and whole wheat bread.
Not only that, there are also other ways that pregnant women can do as a first step in overcoming difficult bowel movements, including:
1. Drink enough water
Drinking enough water can help soften stools and facilitate bowel movements. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to fulfill body fluids at least by drinking 2-3 liters of water every day.
2. Eat in small portions
Eating large portions of food at once can make the intestines work harder. Try to eat at least 5-6 times a day, so that the intestines can digest food slowly until it is complete. That way, the work of the intestines will remain optimal and bowel movements can be smoother.
3. Actively moving
Not being active can make pregnant women more at risk of having difficulty defecating. Come on, try to exercise for at least 20–30 minutes, 3 times per week, for example by swimming, yoga, or walking. This activity can stimulate bowel movements and help the intestines work more smoothly.
4. Reduce consumption of iron supplements
Taking iron supplements can also cause constipation. However, pregnant women also need to meet the needs of iron to prevent anemia. Therefore, consult with your doctor whether the condition of pregnant women is safe enough to stop supplements and meet iron needs from food alone.
Laxatives for Pregnant Women with Difficulty Defecation
If none of these natural remedies can help, maybe pregnant women can use laxatives. Before consuming it, it is important for pregnant women to know that the way laxatives work can be divided into two, namely:
- Laxatives that soften stool or are called emollient laxatives
- Laxatives that stimulate the work of the intestines or are called stimulant laxatives
For pregnant women who have difficulty defecating, the safest laxative to take is emollient laxative, such as: macrogol and magnesium hydroxide. These emollient laxatives tend to be harmless to the fetus because the active ingredients are only slightly absorbed by the body.
Meanwhile, stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl and sennosides are not recommended for pregnant women. This is because stimulant laxatives work by stimulating the intestinal wall to speed up the passage of stool through the intestines, thereby causing diarrhea and stomach cramps.
However, keep in mind that pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Difficult defecation in pregnant women is not something serious, but this can interfere with comfort. In addition, if it is difficult to defecate and the pregnant woman is forced to push frequently, complications can occur, such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
If difficult bowel movements do not subside after treatment, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, such as abdominal pain that does not go away or bloody stools, pregnant women should consult a doctor for further treatment.
