I hate to ask this but...?

Question

Is constipation a sympton of pregnancy?
I know that this is going to be TMI. I went to the bathroom this morning because when I awoke my tummy was hurting a little, I was going to have a bowel movement but only one "pebble" came out! Usually days before my period (due on Friday) comes I guess I would have what you could call a very "active bowel" but nothing is happening. My last couple of BM's have been just about the same. And I have been having mild cramps but they feel weird and I've been a lot more gassy this cycle than usual, I've also been feeling a bit mildly nauseated. Can someone help me please

For those with negative feedback go to hell...Anyways I researched it IS a common symptom I want only women who have pregnant to help me out with this one-Black Barbie

Answer 1

Don't them ignorant people on here piss you off? All you did was ask a decent question. I am 4 weeks pregnant and awake every morning with an upset stomache and can't go. Then around late morning I go. My bowels haven't been regular since I've conceived. Are you taken any prenatal vitamins yet? Good luck to you and you just have to look pass ignorant people who really need lifes.

Answer 2

Yes, Pregnant women can be constipated. There are more reasons too. Here is a website were you can read more and I have copied and pasted some info from it: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/

Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.

Some people think they are constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. However, normal stool elimination may be three times a day or three times a week, depending on the person.

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.

Who gets constipated?
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States. More than 4 million Americans have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year. Those reporting constipation most often are women and adults ages 65 and older. Pregnant women may have constipation, and it is a common problem following childbirth or surgery.

What causes constipation?
To understand constipation, it helps to know how the colon, or large intestine, works. As food moves through the colon, the colon absorbs water from the food while it forms waste products, or stool. Muscle contractions in the colon then push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum it is solid, because most of the water has been absorbed.

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon's muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard and dry. Common causes of constipation are

not enough fiber in the diet
lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
medications
milk
irritable bowel syndrome
changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel
abuse of laxatives
ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
dehydration
specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
problems with the colon and rectum
problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)

Answer 3

Constipation is not a sign used to DIAGNOSE pregnancy, but can be a side effect or discomfort of pregnancy. Pregnancy increases progesterone levels (a female hormone), which relax smooth muscles. Your intestine is smooth muscle, so the time it takes food to move through increases and there is more time for water to be absorbed from the food and the stool becomes harder. Remedy - more water, and more fiber in the diet to absorb the water and keep it in the gut.

Regarding could this mean you are pregnant? It may only mean that you are constipated! If your period does not arrive on schedule, you can use an over-the-counter pregnancy test.

Answer 4

Generally, no. Pregnant women are usually constipated because of their pre-natal vitamins and the iron they contain, not because of the pregnancy. However, pregnancy can cause lots of hormonal changes which could manifest themselves in changes in your bowel. I would go ahead and take a test if you want to know. Check the boxes and find one that you can take early in your cycle. Remember that the test will be more accurate later in your cycle, but many highly sensitive tests exist. Good luck!

Answer 5

well when i was pregnant with my daughter i started out that way then i ended up always having an upset stomach. now i'm pregnant again and i'm always constipated. it's horrible. i get so annoyed with not being able to use the bathroom. but yes it is a symptom of being pregnant. if you haven't already i'd recommend taking a pregnancy test just to make sure. you can never be too sure when it comes to finding out whether you're pregnant or not.

Answer 6

Being constipated does not mean you are pregnant. You cannot even go by morning sickness, as many women never get sick. You need to get a home pregnancy test kit at your local pharmacy and know who or whom you have had sex with in the past 1 to 3 weeks so you will know if you are pregnant whom the daddy is. Next time, remember swallowing is always much safer. Good luck......

Answer 7

Hun, if you think you may be pregnant.... don't play the guessing game. I recommend a test. Constipation can be a sign of anything.... from pregnancy, to IBS (irritable Bowel Sydrome) which really isnt pleasant and seems to be very common these days. To make yourself comfortable get a test done and talk to your doctor.

Answer 8

Bowel movements don't really have anything to do with pregnancies. The symptoms you are having sound like your period is approaching. If you are not sure, just go and get a pregnancy test, now days you can do them on your own, they are cheap and very effective.

:)

Answer 9

constipation is a pregnancy symptom. call your doctor. book an appointment. in the meantime take a home pregnancy test. they're fun. you do sound pregnant with the symptoms you've described. your doctor would be able to tell for sure.

Answer 10

Every woman's body is different, and reacts differently to changes. A pregnancy test is cheap enough these days, and available over the counter. Go buy a pregnancy test, and put your mind to rest.