Pregnancy Guide – Week 13
Let’s talk about poop. It might be a touchy subject for you, but let me be the first to inform you that the first several weeks of your baby’s existence are going to be centered on poop – the color, consistency, frequency and volume. And not just for the fun of potty humor, but to be sure that your baby’s digestive system is adjusting to the new diet and outside world. So why not get used to the topic by discussing your own bowel movements. You may actually be experiencing a lack of movements at this point, which in fact is incredibly common. As your body is still getting used to the idea of sharing your body with your baby to be, you may experience constipation. It can also be a direct result of the extra iron you are getting from your prenatal vitamins. While constipation can be a side effect of pregnancy, a lovely side effect of constipation is hemorrhoids. Pregnancy in general makes you more prone to hemorrhoids, just as it makes you more prone to Varicose Veins. Essentially the physical strain of trying to pass a bowel is what can cause hemorrhoids – which is a varicose vein (enlarged/strained vessel) that is pushed from the rectum out into a bulge on the anus. If you are unable to pass poop for more than 7 days you need to speak with your OB/GYN about the matter (unless this is normal for you – pre-pregnancy – and then add a few more days). It is highly likely that your doctor is going to suggest a mild laxative, however do not take anything without the express direction of your OB/GYN. This becomes especially important as your pregnancy progresses and the use of laxatives can actually cause your baby to prematurely void meconium into the amniotic fluid, causing the baby’s aspiration of the poop and resulting in them being born with serious lung infections. Other ways to alleviate constipation are to increase your fluids, as well as your fiber (fiber one bars are a great way to get enough fiber without a bunch of added carbs). For more information on fiber intake please read my article called What’s Your Fiber Intake?
Another quick note on poop: If you have a vaginal delivery, natural or assisted, it is very probable that you will poop on the delivery table while you are pushing. While you may find this incredibly embarrassing, you really shouldn’t. You are using many of the same muscles to push the baby down the birth canal as you do to defecate. Also your nurses will be ready for it and won’t even mention it, they will simple clean it up and get back to work. It happens to more woman than not so it not something to be concerned about.
Word of the Week
Constipation – noun a condition of the bowels in which the feces are dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent. (www.dictionary.com)
