Functional Constipation in Pregnancy; Need to Furnish Some More Emphasis

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of functional constipation in ob- stetric population in our context and to explore the extent to which pregnant females were aware of the problem and their usual practices to deal with it. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted on 332 pregnant females, from June 2017 to June 2018 in gynaecology unit 3, Karachi Medical and Dental College (using a convenient sam- pling technique after taking ethical approval). All the pregnant females visiting antenatal out-patient department from age 17 - 46 years were included in the study. The validated Rome III criteria were used to diagnose functional constipation. Information regarding awareness of constipation and de- mographic data, with the measure used for relief of constipation identified.The data analysis was per- formed by SPSS version 20. Qualitative data was presented as frequency and percentage. Bar graph was also used for presentation of the qualitative data. Results: Out of the total of 332 pregnant females, functional constipation was observed in 207 (62.3%) females according to the Rome III Criteria. Evaluating the awareness of constipation and its associated problems during pregnancy our study showed that 61.1% pregnant females responded positively when reporting to doctor about constipation. While encountering functional constipation the most commonly used remedial measure was Ispaghol (Husk) observed in 74 (35.7%) pregnant fe- males. The observations of our study revealed that 89 (43.0%) pregnant women having functional constipation were well aware about constipation and its consequences in pregnancy. Conclusion: It is concluded that functional constipation occurs commonly in pregnancy in our context. Moreover, these females were mostly well aware of constipation and its worst outcomes during pregnancy.