Functional constipation during and after pregnancy

Abstract

Functional constipation is a common problem in pregnancy and postpartum period and is now considered not just a medical problem but also a factor influencing the quality of life. The frequency of defecation differs in people. Recent years specialists prefer personalized evaluation of the frequency of defecation for exact diagnostics of the condition, but not the classic definition. Functional constipation in pregnancy is caused by functional and anatomy changes of gastrointestinal tract and also by hormonal changes in pregnancy. Early diagnosis and correction of this pathology is one of the main objectives when managing normal pregnancy. This review covers current information on the theme, contains recommendations about the lifestyle during pregnancy and postpartum period and treatment options. Some foreign and Russian authors note the effectiveness of sodium picosulfate which accelerates the passage of the feces in a short time. It can be used during II and III trimesters of pregnancy as well as in the postpartum period and breastfeeding. Thus, complex correction of factors causing functional constipation decreases the risk of colon diseases as well as of all gastrointestinal tract in pregnant women and in the puerperium.

Keywords

• functional constipation
• constipation
• pregnancy
• postpartum period
• sodium picosulfate