Nausea & Digestion
Constipation in Pregnancy
Infrequent or hard-to-pass stools — common throughout pregnancy and usually eased by fibre, fluids and gentle movement.
Written and fact-checked by the ParentVibes editorial team against WHO, NHS, ACOG and peer-reviewed guidance. Not yet reviewed by a named clinician.
Quick facts
- How common
- Affects roughly half of pregnancies
- When it happens
- Any trimester — often worse later on
- Main causes
- Hormones, growing uterus, iron supplements
- First-line relief
- Fibre, fluids and gentle activity
- See a doctor if
- Severe pain, bleeding, or no improvement
Feeling backed up, bloated and uncomfortable is an unglamorous but very common part of pregnancy — constipation affects a large share of people at some point, often from the first trimester and sometimes right through to birth. It happens because pregnancy changes both the speed of your digestion and, later on, the space your bowel has to work in.
The good news is that constipation usually responds well to simple, safe changes — the right fibre, enough fluids, and staying active where you can. This guide explains why it happens at each stage, what genuinely helps, and the less common warning signs, like severe pain or noticeable bleeding, that need medical attention rather than home remedies.
What is constipation in pregnancy?
Constipation means passing stools less often than usual, straining to go, or passing stools that are hard, lumpy or uncomfortable to pass. Some people also feel bloated, sluggish or that they haven't fully emptied their bowel. It can start as early as the first trimester, when hormone levels rise sharply, and often continues or reappears in the third trimester as your growing uterus presses on your bowel.
It's extremely common — many people who've never had bowel trouble before find pregnancy is the first time they experience it — and on its own it's uncomfortable rather than dangerous. Left unmanaged for a long time it can contribute to other problems like haemorrhoids, which is another reason to address it early with simple, safe measures.
It can come and go across pregnancy
Some people notice constipation mainly in the first trimester (linked to rising progesterone and sometimes iron supplements starting), improve in the second, then find it returns in the third as the baby grows. Both patterns are normal.
What causes constipation in pregnancy?
Constipation in pregnancy usually results from a mix of hormonal, physical and dietary factors.
Pregnancy hormones
Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle throughout your body, including your bowel, slowing the muscular contractions (peristalsis) that normally move waste along. Slower transit means more water is reabsorbed from stool, making it harder and drier.
Your growing uterus
As pregnancy progresses, your expanding uterus can press on your bowel and rectum, making it physically harder for stool to pass, especially in the third trimester.
Iron supplements
Iron tablets, commonly recommended in pregnancy, are a well-known cause of constipation. Your doctor or midwife can advise on managing this without stopping a supplement you need.
Not enough fibre or fluids
Pregnancy nausea, changing appetite or simply busy days can mean less fibre and fluid than usual, both of which your bowel needs to work well.
Less activity
Tiredness, discomfort or reduced mobility later in pregnancy can mean less movement overall, and gentle activity helps keep your bowel active.
You may be more prone to constipation if…
- You've had constipation before, including outside pregnancy
- You're taking iron supplements
- You have limited mobility or are on bed rest
- You're not drinking much fluid or eating much fibre
When constipation is normal
Occasional, uncomplicated constipation is one of the most common and expected digestive changes of pregnancy. The following are reassuring:
- Going less often than usual, or passing firmer stools, without severe pain.
- Mild straining, bloating or a feeling of fullness that improves with fibre, fluids or gentle movement.
- Occasional spotting of bright blood on the toilet paper from a small tear or haemorrhoid caused by straining.
- Symptoms that ease within a few days of adjusting diet, fluids or activity.
- No fever, vomiting or severe abdominal pain alongside it.
| Usually normal constipation | Needs medical attention | |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Mild discomfort or cramping when trying to go | Severe abdominal pain, especially if constant |
| Bleeding | A few streaks of bright blood on paper or stool | More than streaks, or blood mixed through stool |
| Vomiting | None | Constipation together with vomiting or inability to pass wind |
| Response to self-care | Improves with fibre, fluids and activity | No improvement despite trying self-care for several days |
Small tears are common — and treatable
Straining can cause a small tear (fissure) or haemorrhoid that bleeds a little and stings. This is uncomfortable but common and usually settles once constipation improves. Mention it to your midwife if it doesn't.
Warning signs — get medical help now
Rarely, constipation is severe enough, or comes with symptoms, that point to something needing urgent attention. Contact your doctor or midwife urgently, or go to your nearest emergency department, if you have any of the following:
Seek urgent medical care if you have
- Severe abdominal pain that doesn't ease, especially if it's constant rather than crampy.
- Rectal bleeding that's more than a few streaks on the paper — for example, blood mixed through the stool or in the toilet bowl.
- Constipation together with vomiting, or being unable to pass wind at all, which can suggest a bowel obstruction.
- A hard, swollen or very tender tummy.
- Fever alongside abdominal pain or bowel changes.
- No bowel movement at all for a week or more despite trying self-care.
If your baby's movements feel reduced or different from usual, contact your maternity unit the same day, regardless of your bowel symptoms.
Vomiting plus no wind is a red flag
Constipation combined with vomiting and an inability to pass wind can point to a bowel obstruction, which needs prompt hospital assessment. Don't wait this out at home.
Self-care & home remedies
Most pregnancy constipation improves with simple, safe changes to diet, fluids and activity. Give changes a few days to work.
Boost your fibre
- Add wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, beans and pulses to meals.
- Try naturally gentle options like prunes, pears or kiwifruit.
- Increase fibre gradually — a sudden jump can increase bloating.
Fluids
- Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Warm drinks, especially in the morning, can help stimulate your bowel.
- Limit drinks that can be dehydrating, like excess caffeine.
Keep moving
- Gentle regular activity, like walking or pregnancy-safe exercise, helps keep your bowel active.
- Don't ignore the urge to go — respond promptly when you feel the need.
- Try elevating your feet on a low stool while on the toilet, which can make passing stool easier.
If diet changes aren't enough
- Ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist about pregnancy-safe fibre supplements or gentle laxatives before trying anything yourself.
- If iron supplements seem to be the main cause, ask about adjusting the dose or type rather than stopping them.
Many bulk-forming and osmotic laxatives are considered suitable in pregnancy, but stimulant laxatives are usually only used with medical advice — always check first.
Small, consistent changes work best
Gradually increasing fibre and fluids, and staying as active as you comfortably can, tends to work better than a sudden big change — and is gentler on a bloated tummy.
When to consult a doctor
Book a non-urgent appointment with your doctor or midwife if:
- Constipation hasn't improved after several days of diet, fluid and activity changes.
- You're relying on remedies regularly and want advice on what's safe long-term.
- You develop haemorrhoids or a tear that's painful or not settling.
- You suspect your iron supplement is the main cause and want to discuss alternatives.
- You're worried about any change in your usual bowel pattern.
Keep track of your symptoms
Noting your bowel habits alongside other symptoms can help your midwife spot patterns and offer the right advice sooner.
Open the Pregnancy TrackerFrequently asked questions
Why does pregnancy cause constipation?
Rising progesterone relaxes your bowel muscles and slows digestion, so more water is reabsorbed from stool, making it harder to pass. Later in pregnancy, your growing uterus also presses on your bowel, and iron supplements can make things worse.
Are laxatives safe to take during pregnancy?
Many bulk-forming and gentle osmotic laxatives are considered safe in pregnancy, but you should check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any laxative, as some types are better avoided without medical advice.
Can constipation harm my baby?
Ordinary constipation doesn't harm your baby. It's uncomfortable for you and can lead to complications like haemorrhoids if it continues untreated, which is why it's worth managing with diet, fluids and, if needed, pregnancy-safe treatments.
Is it normal to see a little blood when I'm constipated?
A few streaks of bright red blood on toilet paper, from straining or a small tear or haemorrhoid, is common and usually not serious. Heavier bleeding, or blood mixed through the stool, needs to be checked by your doctor or midwife.
Could my iron supplement be the cause?
Yes, iron supplements are a common cause of constipation in pregnancy. Don't stop taking them without advice — speak to your doctor or midwife about managing the side effects or trying a different form.
When does pregnancy constipation usually improve?
It varies — some people find it eases in the second trimester once early hormone surges settle, only for pressure from the growing uterus to bring it back later. Consistent fibre, fluids and activity help at every stage.
Your next steps
Track your pregnancy
Log symptoms week by week, get personalised tips, and see how your pregnancy is progressing.
Open Pregnancy TrackerPregnancy week-by-week
Follow your baby's growth and your body's changes from week 1 to 40 in plain language.
Explore the guideFind a gynaecologist
Have a personal concern? Book with a trusted obstetrician or gynaecologist near you.
Find a doctorRelated pregnancy symptoms
Helpful resources
Sources
- NHS — Pregnancy: common symptoms & concerns
- ACOG — Pregnancy resources (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- WHO — Maternal health & pregnancy care
- NHS — Constipation in pregnancy
- ACOG — Common discomforts of pregnancy
Next review due: 6 January 2027.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information about a common pregnancy symptom and does not replace personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, a bad headache with vision changes, reduced or absent baby movements, breathing difficulty, fever, or you feel something is seriously wrong, contact your doctor or midwife or go to your nearest emergency department straight away. When in doubt, always get checked — it is never a waste of anyone's time.
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