Constipation is one of the most common problems during pregnancy and often overlooked. In the late stages of pregnancy, constipation can become more severe, with some women going days without a bowel movement, resulting in abdominal pain and bloating. In severe cases, it can lead to intestinal obstruction and premature birth, posing a risk to both the mother and the baby. So, what are the specific risks of frequent constipation during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby? Let's take a look.
1. Accumulation of toxins
The accumulation of toxins in the intestines can cause enterogenic endotoxemia, which has serious consequences for the body and can have a significant impact on the development of the fetus, potentially leading to birth defects.
2. Impact on infant development
Research has found that 23.2% of women with constipation have abnormal breast development, compared to only 5.1% of women without constipation. Prolonged constipation can lead to the absorption of intestinal toxins into breast milk, causing diarrhea in infants and affecting their growth and development.
3. Abdominal pain and bloating in pregnant women
In the late stages of pregnancy, constipation can become more severe, with some women going days or even weeks without a bowel movement, resulting in abdominal pain and bloating.
4. Intestinal obstruction
Serious constipation can lead to intestinal obstruction, rectal prolapse, premature birth, and pose a risk to both the mother and the baby. There have been cases where a significant portion of the small intestine had to be removed due to constipation-related intestinal necrosis at 38 weeks of pregnancy.
5. Impact on childbirth
In some cases, constipated pregnant women may have fecal impaction in the intestines, which hinders the descent of the fetus and can cause prolonged labor or even difficult labor.
6. Facial pigmentation
Constipation can increase the accumulation of toxins in the body, leading to metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, and imbalance of trace elements, resulting in pigmentation, itching, dull complexion, dry hair, and the development of spots on the skin.
7. Development of hemorrhoids
Prolonged sitting during bowel movements can worsen venous congestion in the anus, leading to the development of hemorrhoids. As the saying goes, "Nine out of ten people have hemorrhoids," and many pregnant mothers also suffer from hemorrhoids, which not only significantly affects their daily lives but also affects the development of our baby, increasing the likelihood of restricted fetal growth and fetal distress.
8. Increased risk of miscarriage
Straining during bowel movements can cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of premature birth or miscarriage.
9. Prolonged labor
Some constipated pregnant women may experience fecal impaction in the intestines during labor, which can hinder the descent of the fetus and result in prolonged labor or even difficult labor.
It turns out that constipation, which pregnant women often neglect, can have such serious consequences for the body. Take action now to cleanse your intestines!
