Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Constipation during pregnancy

7-minute read

Key facts

  • If you suffer from constipation, your stools (poo) may become hard, dry and painful to pass.
  • About 2 in 5 people experience constipation during pregnancy.
  • Common causes of constipation during pregnancy include hormonal changes, medicine and supplement use, and not getting enough fibre in your diet.
  • You can help prevent or manage constipation by increasing the amount of fibre and water in your diet and maintaining good toileting habits.
  • If diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve your constipation, speak to your doctor about medicines that might help.

What is constipation?

'Normal' bowel movements vary between people. Constipation is when your stools (poo) become hard, dry and difficult or painful to pass.

Constipation is very common during pregnancy. Up to 2 in 5 people have constipation during pregnancy.

What symptoms are related to constipation?

Being constipated can make you feel uncomfortable. You may need to push or strain when passing a stool.

Some people with constipation feel they have not fully emptied their bowels. After passing stools, you may feel the need to pass more.

If you had constipation before pregnancy, your symptoms may worsen during pregnancy.

What causes constipation during pregnancy?

Constipation during pregnancy can be caused by:

  • hormonal changes
  • medicines or supplements
  • diet
  • lack of exercise

Hormonal changes

The pregnancy hormone, progesterone, relaxes your muscles and slows the movement of food in your gut. This increases your chance of constipation.

Medicines or supplements

Some medicines used during pregnancy can cause constipation. These include:

Sometimes supplements can also cause constipation. These include:

If you have constipation and are taking these medicines, speak with your doctor. Sometimes a change in dose or brand can help.

Diet

Not eating enough fibre can lead to constipation during pregnancy.

Exercise

Not getting enough exercise.

How is the cause of constipation in pregnancy diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will ask you about:

  • your symptoms
  • any medical conditions you have
  • any medicines or supplements you are taking
  • your lifestyle

Your doctor may also examine you. Most people don't need any tests for constipation.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you notice any changes in your bowel habits during pregnancy, or if you see blood in your stools.

Constipation is very common in pregnancy. But sometimes it can be a sign of another condition.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is constipation treated during pregnancy?

Self-care at home

The first steps are to increase:

  • fluids — drink at least 7 to 8 glasses a day and even more in hot or humid weather
  • fibre in your diet — eat wholegrain foods, fruit and vegetables

Good toilet habits also help.

  • Go to the toilet as soon as you get the urge — don't wait.
  • Try sitting on the toilet about 20 minutes after meals, especially breakfast.
  • Sit on the toilet, lean forward with your feet apart and your back straight.
  • Relax your abdominal (tummy) muscles — think about making them ‘bulge' out. This helps you to avoid straining.
  • Use a footstool when on the toilet.

Medicines for constipation during pregnancy

If your symptoms continue, your doctor may recommend fibre supplements or laxatives. Taking laxatives can sometimes cause side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Most laxatives can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Always check with your pharmacist before taking any medicine while pregnant.

Will constipation continue after I've had my baby?

New parents are often more busy than usual. But it's important to take care of your health.

If you have a caesarean birth, you may experience constipation for a few days.

If you have stitches after a vaginal birth, you may feel worried about opening your bowels. This can lead to constipation.

Strong pain medicines you take after having your baby can also cause constipation.

Be sure to have a fibre-rich diet and increase your fluid intake while breastfeeding to keep your bowels healthy.

What are the complications of constipation?

Untreated constipation can cause complications such as:

These complications are rare, as constipation rarely becomes serious.

Will constipation during pregnancy affect my baby?

You may feel uncomfortable from constipation, but it's not harmful to your baby.

Can constipation during pregnancy be prevented?

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy maintain regular bowel motions by:

It's better to prevent constipation rather than wait to treat it later.

Resources and support

The Royal Hospital for Women has developed a leaflet on Constipation in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, with suggestions on lifestyle changes as well as medicines to treat constipation.

Ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist for help with constipation during pregnancy.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: February 2025


Back To Top

Need more information?

Constipation

Constipation is when you have difficulty passing stools (poo), need to strain when going to the toilet or have infrequent bowel movements.

Read more on WA Health website

Constipation: treatment options - myDr.com.au

Find out the treatment options for constipation. What's suitable for you will depend on the cause, severity and duration of your constipation.

Read more on MyDoctor website

Constipation - Better Health Channel

Most cases of constipation are treated by eating a diet high in fibre, drinking more fluids, and exercising daily.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Pelvic Floor | Family Planning NSW

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles in the pelvic area that support the bladder, bowel and uterus (womb). These muscles are important in helping to control your bladder and bowel, and play a role in sexual function. Pelvic floor muscles can become weakened through pregnancy and childbirth, constipation, heavy lifting, and being overweight.

Read more on Family Planning Australia website

Pelvic floor exercises & care: in pictures | Raising Children Network

Your pelvic floor holds your bladder, bowel and uterus in place, but pregnancy and birth can weaken it. Do pelvic floor exercises: squeeze, lift and hold.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

The Fourth Trimester | Ausmed

The fourth trimester is characterised by a myriad of profound changes that affect the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of a woman as she adjusts to motherhood. Given the significance of all these changes, why are monitoring, support and anticipatory guidance not offered with the same intensity as during the antenatal period?

Read more on Ausmed Education website

Third and Fourth Degree Perineal Tears Explained | Ausmed

A perineal tear occurs when the perineum - the area between the vagina and anus - is injured during childbirth. Tears are caused by the fetal head stretching the vagina and perineum during delivery.

Read more on Ausmed Education website

Urinary incontinence - Exercise Right

Read more on Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) website

Haemorrhoids - Better Health Channel

A diet high in fibre can both treat and prevent haemorrhoids.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Stomach pain or ache: children & teens | Raising Children Network

Children and teenagers often get stomach pain, which can have many causes. Your child should see a GP if their stomach ache is severe or doesn’t go away.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.