Pregnancy, Childbirth & Fertility
Constipation in Pregnancy
Bowel sluggishness during pregnancy caused by progesterone relaxing intestinal muscles and the growing uterus pressing on the bowel — relieved by drinking more water, increasing fiber (prunes, dried fruits, bran), daily walking, and avoiding iron supplements in favor of blackstrap molasses.
Also known as: pregnancy constipation, gestational constipation
📝 At a glance
Likely root causes: Progesterone hormone relaxes intestinal muscles, slowing normal contractions.; Growing uterus compresses intestines.; Iron supplement use..
First thing to try: Drink much more water — begin immediately upon rising each morning.
See a doctor if: See a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or if you are unsure — natural supports are meant to complement, not replace, professional care.
🙏 Begin with prayer
Prayer is the first remedy, not the last resort. Whether you are facing this yourself, caring for someone who is, or simply reading to understand — here is a simple prayer you are welcome to make your own, in your name or in theirs:
Dear God, this pregnancy has slowed so much inside me, and the discomfort is a constant, unwelcome companion. Thank You for water, fiber, and gentle movement that bring some relief. Give me patience with a body doing hard, wonderful work as it grows this child, and wisdom to care for myself without worry over every small symptom. Bless this baby growing within me, and ease this particular discomfort soon. In Jesus' name, Amen.
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”— Psalm 127:3
🔎 Start with the cause
Lasting relief rarely comes from covering a symptom. First find what is feeding the problem, change what you can, and then help the body do what it was designed to do — heal.
Likely root causes
- Progesterone hormone relaxes intestinal muscles, slowing normal contractions.
- Growing uterus compresses intestines.
- Iron supplement use.
- Insufficient fluid and fiber intake.
Change what you can
- Drink much more water — begin immediately upon rising each morning.
- Increasing fluids is the most important step.
- Increase dietary fiber significantly: eat fresh and dried fruit (especially stewed prunes), whole grains, and vegetables.
- Bran may be added but must be accompanied by a lot of water, or it will worsen constipation.
- Do not eat constipating foods: soft bread, hard cheese, processed foods.
- Avoid iron supplement tablets — they commonly cause constipation and may increase miscarriage risk.
- Get pregnancy iron needs from blackstrap molasses instead.
- Do not use over-the-counter laxatives — they are unsafe during pregnancy.
- Walk daily — regular physical activity stimulates bowel motility.
- Establish regular daily toilet time.
- Elevating legs on a stool during bowel movements relaxes the anal muscle and reduces straining.
🌿 Overview
Constipation is common in pregnancy, most frequently in the third trimester. Higher progesterone levels slow intestinal contractions, and the growing baby adds pressure to the intestines. If untreated, constipation in pregnancy can lead to high blood pressure, water retention, toxemia, leg cramps, backache, fatigue, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. Iron supplements (commonly prescribed) can worsen constipation and should be replaced with food sources.
Constipation is very common in pregnancy, affecting many women, because pregnancy hormones (especially progesterone) relax and slow the muscles of the bowel, and later the growing uterus presses on the intestines; iron supplements can add to it. The result is infrequent, hard, or difficult-to-pass stools, sometimes with bloating and discomfort.
Gentle, pregnancy-safe natural measures are usually very effective and are the first approach: plenty of fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, drinking plenty of water, regular gentle activity like walking, and not delaying when the urge comes. These align well with a healthy pregnancy generally. If iron supplements are contributing, a doctor or midwife can advise. Because some remedies and strong laxatives are not suitable in pregnancy, it is best to check with a midwife or doctor before using any laxative or supplement. Persistent constipation, or any severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms, should be discussed with the maternity care team.
Common signs
- Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
- Hard, dry stools.
- Abdominal bloating, discomfort, straining.
- May lead to hemorrhoids if untreated.
🩺 When to see a doctor
- See a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, or if you are unsure — natural supports are meant to complement, not replace, professional care.
🌿 The seven pathways to health
Seven pathways for your constipation in pregnancy — tap the circle to check one off (saved on your device), or ask Remy for help.
“Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health... In case of sickness 1cause should be ascertained, 2go to work intelligently to remove the disease. 3Unhealthful conditions should be changed, 4wrong habits corrected. 5Then nature is to be assisted in her effort 6to expel impurities and 7to re-establish right conditions in the system.”
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🍽️ Eating to help
Food is one of the gentlest medicines — small, steady changes help most.
Favor these
- fiber
- dried fruit
- prunes
- water
Go easy on
- soft bread
- hard cheese
- iron supplements
Iron supplements can cause constipation and induce miscarriage.
⚖️ Good to know
- Do not use over-the-counter laxatives during pregnancy — many are contraindicated.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements — it can aggravate hemorrhoids and increase pelvic pressure.
- Constipation with severe abdominal pain should be evaluated promptly.
- Blackstrap molasses provides safe, food-form iron; discuss iron supplementation needs with your midwife or physician.
⚕️ What a doctor may offerConventional treatments for this condition — for your information.Show ▾
RemedyRank's heart is natural healing — and honest information. Here is what conventional medical care commonly involves for this condition, listed to inform, never to promote. Decisions about treatment belong with you and your own physician.
Pregnancy constipation is managed with diet, fluids, and pregnancy-safe options.
Commonly offered
- More fiber, fluids, and gentle activity–
- Pregnancy-safe bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives if needed–
- Reviewing iron supplements (a common contributor)–
- Discussing options with the provider–
Worth knowing
- Check with your provider before any laxative in pregnancy.
- Severe pain, bleeding, or no bowel movement with vomiting needs evaluation.
- Avoid stimulant laxatives unless advised.
👍/👎 shares whether a treatment helped you — community experience, not medical advice. For full professional details, see the sources under “Learn more” below.
📚 Learn more
Sources for further reading. These open in a new tab.
🌿 Deeper natural detail
Curated links coming for this one.
🩺 The conventional view
💬 Ask Remy about Constipation in Pregnancy
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