Constipation, Haemorrhoids and Pregnancy Gas

There are some pregnancy symptoms nobody really prepares you for.

For me, constipation was probably one of the worst parts of the first trimester.

It was awful.

And then there was the bloating and gas, which could make my stomach feel so uncomfortable.

I somehow escaped haemorrhoids during pregnancy, only to get them after birth.

Let me tell you, they were horrible.

It is not exactly the glamorous side of pregnancy and birth, but it is incredibly common, so we need to talk about it.

Why does pregnancy make you so constipated?

Pregnancy hormones can slow down your digestive system.

That means food moves through your gut more slowly, which can make your poo harder and more difficult to pass.

Later in pregnancy, your growing uterus can also put more pressure on your bowel.

Iron supplements can make constipation worse for some mothers too.

You may notice:

Going less often.

Hard poo.

Straining.

Feeling like you have not fully emptied your bowel.

Bloating.

And a lot more gas.

Why am I so gassy?

A slower digestive system means gas can build up more easily too.

So you may feel:

Bloated.

Burpy.

Gassy.

Or like your stomach is uncomfortably full.

And yes, you may fart more during pregnancy.

There. We said it.

What actually helps constipation?

Start with the simple things:

Drink enough water.

Eat foods with fibre, including fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.

Keep moving gently if you are able.

Increase fibre gradually.

Suddenly eating a huge amount of fibre without enough fluid can actually make bloating feel worse.

If that is not enough, ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist about pregnancy suitable options.

You do not have to just suffer through it because constipation is common.

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, also called piles, are swollen blood vessels around or inside the anus.

Pregnancy puts more pressure on the veins in the pelvis, and constipation and straining can add to that pressure.

They can feel:

Itchy.

Sore.

Swollen.

Painful.

Or like a small lump near your bottom.

You may also notice a small amount of bright red blood after a bowel movement.

They can also happen after birth, particularly with the pressure and pushing involved in a vaginal birth.

What can help haemorrhoids?

The biggest goal is to keep your poo soft and avoid straining.

Water, fibre and gentle movement can help.

You can also try a cold pack or warm soak if the area feels sore.

If you are considering a cream, suppository, stool softener or laxative, ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist what is suitable during pregnancy or postpartum.

When should I get checked?

A small amount of bright red blood can happen with haemorrhoids.

But do not automatically assume all bleeding is from haemorrhoids.

Speak with your healthcare provider if:

There is a lot of blood.

The bleeding keeps happening.

You are not sure where the blood is coming from.

You have severe abdominal pain.

You are vomiting.

Or you feel very unwell.

The one thing to know

Constipation, gas and haemorrhoids are incredibly common during pregnancy and after birth.

They may not be the symptoms anybody wants to talk about, but you do not have to quietly put up with them either.

There are things that can help.

Related articles

• Pregnancy Symptoms Nobody Warns You About

• Cramping in Pregnancy: When Is It Normal?

• What Can I Actually Eat During Pregnancy?