Disorders of gastrointestinal tract are extremely common during pregnancy. Pregnancy might change gastrointestinal secretions and absorption with an effect on gastrointestinal motility. The change may be mainly related to increased female sex hormones. Enlarging uterus can also have a mass effect on bowel which can result in slow transit time. Knowledge of gastrointestinal adaptation to hormonal and mechanical changes in pregnancy is important for interpretation of gastrointestinal problems in pregnancy. Although rarely causing life-threatening complications, they are major causes of patient discomfort, morbidity and impairment of quality of life requiring frequent hospital admissions. Constipation is second only to nausea and vomiting as the most common gastrointestinal complaint in pregnancy. The majority of cases are simple constipation that occurs due to combination of hormonal and mechanical factors affecting normal gastrointestinal function. However, a number of women suffer from constipation prior to conception and find their symptoms worsen during pregnancy. Patients with simple constipation can usually be treated by explanation, reassurance and advice. It is important that all patients be evaluated by detailed history, physical examination and basic investigations to rule out gastrointestinal system pathology that may be present. Drugs which are frequently used for constipation must be chosen carefully with a knowledge about possible risks on mother and fetus. In this review, the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and management of constipation in pregnancy is summarized.
Key Words: Constipation, Pregnancy
|
