Fact 5: Pregnancy’s Role
Pregnancy is a whirlwind of hormonal changes, and one of the major players in this symphony is progesterone. This hormone, essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, also has a relaxing effect on the body’s muscles, including those in the intestines. As these muscles relax, the transit time for food residues lengthens, leading to slower bowel movements. This deceleration can result in stools spending more time in the colon, making them harder and more challenging to pass.
As the fetus grows, the expanding uterus exerts pressure on the surrounding organs, including the intestines. This additional physical pressure can impede the natural rhythmic contractions of the intestines, known as peristalsis. Slowed peristalsis can lead to the stool moving at a leisurely pace, again culminating in constipation.
Many pregnant women are advised to take iron supplements to prevent anemia. While these supplements are crucial for the mother and the baby’s health, they have a known side effect of causing constipation. The increased iron intake can make the stools harder, leading to difficulties during bowel movements. (5)
