Facts about Constipation

Constipation is a change in normal bowel movement pattern;  irregular, different infrequent and/or difficult movements.  Constipation is very common in pregnancy as the metabolism slows down; it is not a serious problem.

Symptoms:  

• Bloated feeling
• Infrequent bowel movements (fewer than two a week)
• Hard, dry stools that are difficult & painful to pass
• Sensation of a full rectum, even after you have had a bowel movement
• Any change in YOUR NORMAL bowel habits

 
Caused By: 

• Unwilling to spend enough time to have a bowel movement 
• Low roughage diet
• Certain medicines (i.e. iron, cough mixtures, narcotic pain pills)
• Hemorrhoids or anal fissure can inhibit bowel activity through fear of pain
• Severe Depression, anxiety and stress
• Ignoring the urge to defecate
• Lack of exercise

Helped  or Preventedby: 

• Eating plenty of fiber: fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grain or bran cereals & bread
• Drinking more than 8 glasses of water per day.
• Eating regular meals & chew food thoroughly and slowly
• Exercising daily
• Responding immediately to the urge of a bowel movement
• If not responding to the above suggestions, we suggest one of the following types of laxatives: fiber or chemical laxative, or stool softener (use only as directed)

***We recommend :  Metamucil, Citrucel, Fibercon, Du Colax, Colace, Dialose

When to Worry: 

• If constipation persists after you have made all the above changes
• If constipation occurs alternately with diarrhea
• If you have blood in your stool or intense abdominal pain

Remember high fiber foods can produce excessive gas or bloating. Don't take too much too soon or you will experience those side effects.