Experts from Zhengzhou Anus and Intestine Hospital pointed out that the prevention of constipation during pregnancy should first pay attention to lifestyle adjustments. Spicy and greasy foods should not be consumed excessively, and more fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables should be eaten. Secondly, it is necessary to combine activity with bed rest and develop a habit of regular bowel movements. If dry stools occur, measures should be taken in time to soften the stool and ensure smooth defecation! How to care for constipation during pregnancy?
1. Menstrual protection: During menstruation, the stimulation of menstrual blood and toilet paper friction can irritate the anal skin, causing congestion, itching, pain, or external hemorrhoids swelling! Therefore, it is necessary to wash and apply heat externally with hot water frequently to improve blood circulation and enhance resistance! The sanitary paper should be soft, absorbent, and disinfected to reduce irritation to the anus. Also, pay attention to changing sanitary napkins in time!
2. Treatment of diseases and rest: During menstruation, proper rest should be paid attention to and relevant diseases should be treated in time, such as diarrhea and coughing during menstruation. At the same time, maintain a pleasant mood, avoid depression and irritability, eat less stimulating food, and form good living habits. It is worth noting that bloody stools during menstruation are easily covered up by menstruation, and bleeding from the anus is often mistaken for menstrual blood, leading to untimely treatment.
3. Prevent constipation during pregnancy: In the later stage of pregnancy, due to the enlargement of the fetus pressing on the rectum, the blood circulation of the anus and rectum area may be affected, and constipation may also occur. This not only makes it easy to develop hemorrhoids but also worsens existing ones. Therefore, constipation during pregnancy should be given due attention.
4. Hot compress of the anus: During pregnancy, the anus should be washed daily with hot water, or a hot towel applied for a short while. This helps promote and improve blood circulation in the anal area, maintaining good muscle elasticity. Additionally, for those with blood deficiency and body fluid depletion, raw Polygonum multiflorum can be made into pills, each dose 10 grams, taken orally 1-2 times per day! Roasted black sesame seeds can also be crushed and taken with sugar or honey.
Experts from Zhengzhou Anus and Intestine Hospital remind that strong laxatives should not be used for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy, especially in the early stages of pregnancy! Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be used for dialectical treatment. TCM believes that the cause of constipation during pregnancy is due to excessive yang in the body, overeating spicy and rich foods after pregnancy, which leads to intestinal dryness and heat, consuming body fluids, resulting in dry and difficult stools; or blood deficiency, insufficient yin and blood after pregnancy, blood deficiency and body fluid depletion, unable to moisturize the intestines causing constipation; or emotional depression, excessive worry and thought, leading to liver stagnation and qi stagnation, sitting for long periods with little movement, plus fetal pressure, affecting the rise and fall of qi, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction and resulting in constipation. For those with intestinal dryness and heat, treatment should focus on clearing heat, moistening the intestines, and promoting bowel movements, using modified Run Chang Pills (Ajiao, hemp seed, Scutellaria baicalensis, Perilla stem each 10g, Angelica sinensis, black sesame seeds each 12g). For those with blood deficiency and body fluid depletion, treatment should focus on nourishing blood, moistening the intestines, and promoting bowel movements, using modified Run Ma Pills (Angelica sinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa each 12g, peach kernel, Citrus aurantium each 6g, hemp seed 10g, Cistanche deserticola 20g, white peony root 15g). For those with gastrointestinal qi stagnation, treatment should focus on regulating qi, eliminating stagnation, and promoting bowel movements, using modified Zi Su Drink (Perilla, large pericarpium citri reticulatae, tangerine peel, Angelica sinensis each 10g, Codonopsis pilosula, white peony root each 12g, licorice, Szechuan peony root each 6g).