Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made clinically, i.e. based on the symptoms of the pregnant woman. As already described above, it is difficult to find a general definition to decide when constipation occurs. Due to the very different stool habits, constipation is also a very subjective perception, since the woman herself knows best how her bowel movements are normally and how they have changed during pregnancy.

Signs of constipation are a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements, i.e. less frequent bowel movements, and the depositing of hard stool, which is often associated with heavy pressing. If a pregnant woman with constipation presents herself to her doctor, the doctor will take a detailed medical history. So he will ask when the symptoms started, what the symptoms are and what the stool habits were before.

He will also ask about diet, physical activity and the amount of water she drinks. This should be followed by a physical examination. An ultrasound examination of the abdomen may also be performed. This is not a burden on the child and can provide rough information about the conditions in the abdominal cavity.

What helps or what can be done for constipation during pregnancy?

The main means of treating constipation are very simple and can be implemented by any pregnant woman who is otherwise healthy. First of all, a sufficient fluid intake is essential. The stool that collects in the intestines can only drain well if it is damp enough.

If not drunk enough, the stool becomes very solid and hard, the intestinal activity is not stimulated sufficiently and the stool accumulates. During defecation, strong pressing occurs due to the hardness of the stool. Drinking 2 liters a day ensures that the stool in the intestine is supplied with enough liquid.

It becomes softer and more voluminous. This stimulates intestinal activity and makes bowel movement much easier. A second essential factor in the treatment of constipation is sufficient physical exercise.

This is the only way to sufficiently stimulate bowel activity. Physical exercise does not necessarily mean sport.Even that – in a moderate form – cannot hurt. For the treatment of constipation, however, it is sufficient to go for a walk every day and get enough exercise.

A third important factor is a healthy and balanced diet for constipation, which should not be missing during pregnancy anyway. The pregnant woman should eat fruit and vegetables every day and not eat too fatty foods. Dietary fibre, as found in fruit, vegetables, wholemeal products and muesli, among other things, stimulates digestion.

In addition to these three main measures, various household remedies can also be used. Drug therapy for constipation should only be used if all these measures have not been successful. There are numerous household remedies for the treatment of constipation.

Most of them can also be used during pregnancy without hesitation. Dried fruits such as figs or plums are said to have a good laxative effect. It is important that they are not eaten like this, but soaked in sufficient water for some time.

They can then be eaten either like this or, for example, as an addition to yoghurt or muesli. Drinking a glass of (lukewarm) water or tea in the morning on an empty stomach should also have a positive effect on digestion. Another effective option is flaxseed or fluff.

They must be soaked in sufficient water and can then be consumed, for example as an addition to muesli. Floo and linseed are swelling agents that swell in the intestine and thus stimulate the intestinal activity. With these agents, however, an additional sufficient fluid intake is essential, otherwise constipation symptoms may increase.

Also the morning intake of one tablespoon of oil on an empty stomach is to stimulate the digestion clearly. Olive oil can be used for this purpose. With the selection of the oil is with pregnant women however carefully required since also Rhizinusöl a good effect is after-said.

This can however promote the contractions and should therefore not be taken by pregnant women. Sauerkraut is also said to help against constipation. In addition, measures such as a stomach massage or a hot water bottle can be helpful.

Lactose should be added as an intermediate between household remedies and medication. It is freely available in pharmacies. Some of the powder is put into a glass of water and the mixture is then drunk.

However, this household remedy may also be only moderately suitable for pregnant women. The gynecologist treating the patient should be consulted beforehand whether this type of household remedy may be used. Overall, the most effective remedies, and safe for pregnant women, are the fillers and swelling agents such as fluff, linseed or wheat bran.

However, care must be taken to ensure a sufficient fluid intake. Each woman should however test for herself to which of these household remedies she responds best. If the measures already mentioned do not show sufficient effect, a drug therapy may be necessary.

However, special care should be taken during pregnancy; not all laxatives are suitable for pregnant women. The laxative lactulose is the product of choice for pregnant women. It works similar to the milk sugar lactose.

It draws water into the intestine and thus has a moderate laxative effect. Lactulose can be used at all stages of pregnancy. It is available as a syrup.

Alternatively, Macrogol can be used. This active ingredient also draws water into the intestinal lumen. It is a powder that is put into a glass of water and then drunk.

Macrogol can also be used in all phases of pregnancy. Only if these drugs do not help either should bisacodyl be used. This is a means that stimulates intestinal activity and stool transport.

The application in pregnancy is possible, but not the first choice. Mannitol or sorbitol can also be used, but should only be considered after the other possibilities have been exhausted. Common homeopathic remedies for the treatment of constipation, also during pregnancy, are alumina (aluminium oxide), sulphur (sulphur), pulsatilla pratensis (kitchen cuff), graphites (graphite) and nux vomica (nux vomica).