Why Do Pregnant Women Have Frequent Bowel Movements?

Update Date: 2024-06-17 Source: Network

It is very important for pregnant women to have a good diet during pregnancy, especially in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. Some pregnant women may increase their food intake, which is a normal physiological phenomenon. This is mainly because the baby is gradually developing, and in order to allow the baby to develop better, the food intake of pregnant women is relatively large, which naturally leads to more frequent bowel movements for pregnant women. At the same time, this is also directly related to the compression of the digestive system of pregnant women.

1. Why do pregnant women have frequent bowel movements? This phenomenon is normal. The increase in the number of bowel movements during the fourth month of pregnancy is due to the enlarged uterus compressing the rectum, resulting in the phenomenon of "unable to hold stool" for pregnant women. As the fetus grows and develops, the uterus also enlarges to accommodate its growth. Since the abdomen of pregnant women is limited in size, once the uterus enlarges, other organs will be compressed, resulting in a decrease in the available space and natural volume. This leads to compression of the rectum and frequent bowel movements for pregnant women. Additionally, compression of the bladder can also lead to increased urination for pregnant women. Other symptoms such as difficulty breathing and a feeling of reduced oxygen levels are also common due to the compression of organs by the uterus. These are all normal phenomena for pregnant women and there is no need for excessive anxiety or concern. 2. Precautions during the fourth month of pregnancy:

1. After increasing food intake, it is easy to develop constipation. To prevent constipation, pregnant women should eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables with coarse fiber, drink plenty of water, and engage in physical activities. Drinking yogurt and honey can also help lubricate the intestines and facilitate bowel movements. However, laxatives should not be abused as they may cause uterine contractions leading to miscarriage or preterm birth.

2. It is important to increase and ensure the quality of food to maintain a balanced diet. Pregnant women should absorb various nutrients from different foods. The demand for nutrients such as protein, calcium, and iron, which are crucial for the formation of the baby's blood, flesh, and bones, is much greater during this stage. The need for vitamin D, which promotes bone growth, is four times higher than usual. The increase in caloric intake should only be 5% to 10%.

3. It is advisable for pregnant women to bathe every day. The water temperature should be moderate, around 34-35℃, and showers or baths are preferred. Choose underwear made of cotton that is breathable and absorbent, and change it daily. Experimental evidence suggests that wearing synthetic underwear during pregnancy can be a significant factor in insufficient milk production after childbirth.