How to solve the problem of abdominal pain in late pregnancy and wanting to defecate but being unable to do so?

Pregnancy is both a happy and difficult thing for expectant mothers. Happiness comes with the birth of a new life, but it is also accompanied by hardship. If morning sickness is severe in the early stages of pregnancy, you may not be able to eat for the whole day. In the late stages of pregnancy, you may have stomach pain and want to defecate but cannot - constipation in the late stages of pregnancy. Why are mothers in late pregnancy prone to constipation? Is there any way to prevent constipation in late pregnancy?

If you haven't experienced constipation during pregnancy, you can never imagine how it affects your life and mood throughout your pregnancy. Therefore, we would like to ask you to read the following 18 questions and answers carefully to prevent any problems from happening.

1. Why is constipation common during pregnancy?

In addition to the influence of hormones, there are many other reasons. Constipation can generally be divided into three types: atonic, spastic, and rectal. Atonic constipation is more common during pregnancy. After pregnancy, almost everyone will reduce their physical activity, which is the most common cause of constipation. In addition, a small number of expectant mothers in the late stages of pregnancy are always worried that the fetus will fall out during bowel movements, and not daring to force bowel movements is also a cause of constipation.

2. Does it mean constipation if I can’t defecate for many days?

Generally speaking, if you don’t have a bowel movement for 3 days, you are constipated. But it also depends on individual circumstances. Some people will feel bloated and painful even if they don't have a bowel movement for one day. This is also constipation. In short, if the changes compared to before pregnancy are obvious and defecation is painful, it can be said to be constipation.

3. Does constipation have adverse effects on the body? Can we just ignore it?

Constipation will increase toxins in the intestines, which is not conducive to the body's metabolism and affects physical health. Do not let it develop. If you have not had a bowel movement for more than 5 days, you should go to the hospital for treatment.

4. Does active fetal movement help speed up gastrointestinal motility and relieve constipation?

Medically speaking this is still a question mark, but based on clinical experience, it is very likely.

5. Will the fetus feel pain when the mother is constipated? Will it feel crowded?

No. Because the fetus lives in amniotic fluid, the amniotic fluid can buffer various pressures and protect the fetus from harm. So don't worry too much. However, the painful feeling and distress that the mother feels when she is constipated will have a certain impact on the emotions of the fetus.

6. In the late stages of pregnancy, if I strain to defecate when I am constipated, will it cause the fetus to be born?

You won't be able to give birth to a baby if you just hold your breath and push. Labor pains, the fetus's own internal rotation movement, and holding breath are three necessary conditions for the birth of the fetus, and none of them can be missing. When you are constipated, the abdominal pressure will increase because you have to hold your breath, but because it is short, the fetus will not feel pain. It generally does not trigger the onset of labor. However, there are cases where water breaking occurs when holding breath due to constipation, but the cause is most likely related to infection.

7. In order to have smooth bowel movements every day, what should you pay attention to in your diet?

The most effective way is to actively consume fiber-rich foods.

Foods rich in water-soluble fiber, such as seaweed and potatoes, can not only increase the absorption rate of the small intestine, but also excrete cholesterol. Shellfish, beans, root vegetables, fungi, etc. are rich in insoluble dietary fiber which can help "clean" the intestines.

In addition, vitamin B1 can protect gastrointestinal nerves and promote intestinal peristalsis. Sufficient daily intake of vitamin B1 can help prevent constipation. Foods rich in vitamin B1 include whole grains, wheat bran, beans and lean meat.

The best way is to plan your diet scientifically every day and choose two different foods rich in dietary fiber to eat together.

8. I heard that aloe vera should not be consumed during pregnancy. Why is that?

Because the anthraquinone contained in aloe vera can cause strong stimulation to the large intestine. There is a suppository that promotes bowel movements that is made with anthraquinone. It must be avoided in the early stages of pregnancy, otherwise, due to excessive intestinal peristalsis. Can induce miscarriage or premature birth. A little bit of aloe vera in yogurt is harmless to expectant mothers.

9. It is said that eating yogurt at night can make bowel movements smoother. Is this true?

Yogurt contains lactic acid bacteria which are beneficial to the body and are very beneficial to intestinal activity. In particular, the whey contained in yogurt will increase the residence time of lactic acid bacteria in the intestines, maintain intestinal peristalsis, and facilitate bowel movements.

10. What exercises are helpful in preventing constipation?

Relatively gentle aerobic exercise such as walking. Moderate exercise can promote gastrointestinal activity and is very effective in eliminating constipation.

11. After pregnancy, can I do a “の” shaped massage on my abdomen to help gastrointestinal motility?

The intestines are behind the uterus, so even massage will not have any effect.

However, such massage can have a relaxing effect. Be careful not to overdo it, as it may cause uterine contractions.

12. Does taking a bath help relieve constipation?

Bathing is effective in relieving constipation. Taking a bath can raise body temperature, promote gastrointestinal movement, and also have a good relaxing effect. Therefore, expectant mothers with constipation can try it, but they must pay attention to the water temperature not being too high and the bathing time not being too long.

13. Can I take the health products or medicines sold on the market to relieve constipation?

Be sure to consult your doctor before making a decision. Neither health products nor medicines should be taken casually.

Of course, if the product instructions clearly state that it is forbidden for pregnant women, then you must not use it. Also, do not use those containing alcohol. Unless otherwise specified, please consult your doctor before consumption. If your doctor says it's okay, you can drink it according to the labeled dosage.

14. Use medication to aid defecation as little as possible. Excessive use will lead to dependence, and the effect will become increasingly worse. Is this statement correct?

It depends on the type of medicine and bowel movement. The amount of stool that can be discharged and the cause of constipation will vary depending on the medication used. Irritant drugs are irritating to the stomach and intestines and can promote gastrointestinal motility, but if used continuously, the stomach and intestines will adapt to this stimulation and the drug will become ineffective. These medicines should be used only for short periods of time if possible. Although medicines containing magnesium oxide are irritating, the stomach and intestines are not accustomed to this irritation, so they will not become ineffective if used continuously. Expectant mothers can make appropriate adjustments according to the doctor's advice based on their bowel movements and their physical condition. You must not endure not taking the medicine, as this will aggravate constipation and increase the pain.

15. There are many kinds of medicines for constipation. Which ones are suitable for expectant mothers?

The medicines generally used by expectant mothers are laxatives. Drugs for constipation can be divided into two categories according to their different efficacy and strength of effect. Even the different drugs in laxatives have different effects. The drugs used by expectant mothers should be mainly for lubricating the intestines, and mechanical or irritating drugs should not be used. Because these drugs may induce uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

Depending on the actual situation of the expectant mother, you can take sesame oil orally or the Chinese medicine Ma Ren Run Chang Wan. If necessary, use enema and 1/3 tube of glycerin lubricant.

The above is relevant information about abdominal pain in late pregnancy and the desire to defecate but being unable to defecate. Constipation in late pregnancy can also be improved through exercise. You can walk back and forth at home and slowly adjust your condition. The best way is to drink more water when you wake up in the morning and develop the habit of defecating at a fixed time. In addition, you can cook some walnut porridge and sweet potato rice, which are foods that help with bowel movements.