{"id":3423,"date":"2024-11-18T16:49:49","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T15:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/3-causes-of-pregnancy-constipation-and-how-to-avoid-them\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T18:12:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T16:12:56","slug":"3-causes-of-pregnancy-constipation-and-how-to-avoid-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/3-causes-of-pregnancy-constipation-and-how-to-avoid-them\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Causes of Pregnancy Constipation and How to Avoid Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Pregnancy is often associated with several <a href=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/3-reasons-to-book-a-prenatal-reflexology-session\/\">discomforts<\/a>, including constipation. It is sometimes difficult to discuss, so I have decided to shed light on a potentially painful topic: constipation! Among the main causes of pregnancy constipation, three are very frequently encountered in consultations.  <\/p>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_d2c45a-20, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_d2c45a-20[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_d2c45a-20\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_d2c45a-20 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_d2c45a-20[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_d2c45a-20\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_d2c45a-20 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_d2c45a-20\"><strong>Hormonal Causes of Pregnancy Constipation<\/strong><\/h2>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_bc4547-4e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_bc4547-4e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_bc4547-4e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_bc4547-4e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_bc4547-4e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_bc4547-4e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_bc4547-4e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_bc4547-4e\">Impact of progesterone on intestinal transit.<\/h3>\n\n<p>During pregnancy, hormonal changes play a significant role in various symptoms and bodily transformations. While nausea and mood swings are well-known (thanks to American movies for that), pregnancy constipation is less understood. <\/p>\n\n<p>Naturally, pregnancy is a hormonal bath for the expectant mother. Among these hormones, progesterone, essential for a healthy pregnancy, also influences intestinal transit. As it naturally increases, it relaxes smooth muscles, including the intestinal walls. This relaxation leads to a slowing of food passage, often experienced as constipation.   <\/p>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_f522fe-f3, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_f522fe-f3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_f522fe-f3\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_f522fe-f3 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_f522fe-f3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_f522fe-f3\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_f522fe-f3 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_f522fe-f3\">Influence of hormonal changes during trimesters.<\/h3>\n\n<p>This phenomenon is particularly common during the first and third trimesters. In the first trimester, the rapid increase in progesterone prepares the body to welcome the baby. Later, in the third trimester, this slowing of transit is exacerbated by the pressure of the fetus on the intestines. Although sometimes uncomfortable, this <strong>pregnancy constipation<\/strong> is a natural reaction to the body&#8217;s needs during this period, and simple solutions exist to gently alleviate it.   <\/p>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_752a7b-36, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_752a7b-36[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_752a7b-36\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_752a7b-36 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_752a7b-36[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_752a7b-36\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_752a7b-36 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_752a7b-36\"><strong>Dietary and Lifestyle Factors<\/strong><\/h2>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_161c94-d1, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_161c94-d1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_161c94-d1\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_161c94-d1 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_161c94-d1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_161c94-d1\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_161c94-d1 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_161c94-d1\">Role of a diet low in fiber and water.<\/h3>\n\n<p>Diet plays a crucial role in managing pregnancy constipation. A diet low in fiber and water can exacerbate this symptom. If you are also taking iron supplements, the phenomenon is even more pronounced. Fibers, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are essential for promoting regular bowel movements. By increasing your consumption of these foods, you will help soften stools and facilitate their passage.    <\/p>\n\n<p>Furthermore, hydration is equally important. Drinking enough water daily helps keep stools soft and prevents constipation. Do not hesitate to hydrate regularly, especially if you experience increased thirst.  <\/p>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_77f850-d2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_77f850-d2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_77f850-d2\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_77f850-d2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_77f850-d2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_77f850-d2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_77f850-d2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_77f850-d2\">Importance of physical activity.<\/h3>\n\n<p>Finally, gentle physical activity, such as walking or prenatal yoga, can also stimulate intestinal transit. Movement helps activate the digestive system, thereby reducing the risk of pregnancy constipation. Adopting these habits can provide natural relief and contribute to your well-being during this period.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"2717\" src=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-pregnant-woman-touching-her-baby-pump-7155528-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A Pregnant Woman Touching Her Baby Bump\" class=\"wp-image-2717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-pregnant-woman-touching-her-baby-pump-7155528-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-pregnant-woman-touching-her-baby-pump-7155528-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-pregnant-woman-touching-her-baby-pump-7155528-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-pregnant-woman-touching-her-baby-pump-7155528-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-pregnant-woman-touching-her-baby-pump-7155528-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"2708\" src=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-person-massaging-a-persons-foot-5793976-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A Person Massaging a Person's Foot\" class=\"wp-image-2708\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-person-massaging-a-persons-foot-5793976-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-person-massaging-a-persons-foot-5793976-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-person-massaging-a-persons-foot-5793976-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-person-massaging-a-persons-foot-5793976-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/a-person-massaging-a-persons-foot-5793976-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"2720\" src=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pregnant-standing-near-the-flower-2100340-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Pregnant Standing Near the Flower\" class=\"wp-image-2720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pregnant-standing-near-the-flower-2100340-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pregnant-standing-near-the-flower-2100340-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pregnant-standing-near-the-flower-2100340-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pregnant-standing-near-the-flower-2100340-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pregnant-standing-near-the-flower-2100340-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_e951c5-1d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_e951c5-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_e951c5-1d\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_e951c5-1d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_e951c5-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_e951c5-1d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_e951c5-1d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_e951c5-1d\"><strong>Physical and Psychological Factors<\/strong><\/h2>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_e570b4-36, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_e570b4-36[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_e570b4-36\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_e570b4-36 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_e570b4-36[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_e570b4-36\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_e570b4-36 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_e570b4-36\">Impact of fetal pressure on the intestines.<\/h3>\n\n<p>As pregnancy progresses, the pressure exerted by the fetus on the intestines will significantly contribute to <strong>pregnancy constipation<\/strong>. From the second trimester onwards, the expanding uterus can compress the digestive tract, thereby slowing down food transit. This pressure can make stool passage more difficult, leading to additional discomfort for the expectant mother.  <\/p>\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_beb8f2-b3, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_beb8f2-b3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_beb8f2-b3\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_beb8f2-b3 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2805_beb8f2-b3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_beb8f2-b3\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2805_beb8f2-b3 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2805_beb8f2-b3\">Stress and anxiety: how they contribute to constipation.<\/h3>\n\n<p>Concurrently, stress and anxiety, common during pregnancy, can also play a role in constipation. You will find a very <a href=\"https:\/\/shs.cairn.info\/reflexologie-et-troubles-fonctionnels--9782100840984-page-387?lang=fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">interesting study on this topic<\/a>. Concerns related to motherhood, life changes, and expectations can affect the digestive system. During periods of stress, the body tends to focus on managing anxiety, which can slow down digestive functions and worsen the symptoms of <strong>pregnancy constipation<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<p>It is therefore essential to find ways to relax, such as meditation, breathing exercises, reflexology (I discuss this in more detail in an article explaining how <a href=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/reflexologie-plantaire-grossesse-2-allies\/\">reflexology can be an ally during pregnancy<\/a>) or gentle activities, to promote overall well-being and alleviate this discomfort. Taking care of oneself is paramount to navigating this period with serenity. If you wish to learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/reflexology-during-pregnancy-4-myths\/\">pregnancy reflexology<\/a>, I debunk 4 myths surrounding this practice in a dedicated article.  <\/p>\n\n<p>I can also show you in consultation how to self-massage your hands or ears (depending on your preference) to relieve your constipation.<\/p>\n\n<p>And I have a complete article on how to relieve <a href=\"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/baby-foot-reflexology-for-constipation-when-should-you-consult\/\">baby constipation<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pregnancy is often associated with several discomforts, including constipation. It is sometimes difficult to discuss, so I have decided to shed light&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3422,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_surecart_dashboard_logo_width":"180px","_surecart_dashboard_show_logo":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_orders":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_invoices":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_subscriptions":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_downloads":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_billing":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_account":true,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pregnancy","category-reflexo"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":31,"label":"Pregnancy"},{"value":1,"label":"reflexo"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/expectant-mother-embracing-nature-during-a-fall-day-by-the-ocean.-132730-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Fiona Helle","author_link":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/author\/fiona\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":31,"name":"Pregnancy","slug":"pregnancy","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":31,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":3,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":31,"category_count":3,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Pregnancy","category_nicename":"pregnancy","category_parent":0},{"term_id":1,"name":"reflexo","slug":"reflexo","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Your blog category","parent":0,"count":20,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":1,"category_count":20,"category_description":"Your blog category","cat_name":"reflexo","category_nicename":"reflexo","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3423"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3424,"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3423\/revisions\/3424"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3422"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fionahelle.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}