Frequent bowel movements in early pregnancy

Increased frequency of bowel movements in early pregnancy is a problem that many pregnant women have. This is mainly caused by the growth of the fetus which causes the uterus to enlarge and then compresses the rectum. It is a normal physiological reaction. Among the people, many people believe that frequent bowel movements during pregnancy is a sign of giving birth to a boy. In fact, this is an unscientific perception. Below, we will introduce in detail the causes and solutions of increased bowel movements during pregnancy.

1. What is the reason for increased bowel movements during pregnancy?

After pregnancy, as the fetus develops, the uterus becomes larger and larger. The uterus, bladder and rectum are anatomically adjacent, and the volume of the pelvic cavity is certain. When the uterus enlarges, it will compress the bladder and rectum, which will cause frequent bowel movements. Many pregnant women will also have symptoms of frequent urination. Everyone's physical constitution is different. The fetus continues to grow and puts great pressure on the pelvic cavity, so it is normal to have frequent bowel movements and there is no need to worry. This is normal. As the pregnancy progresses, the symptom will be alleviated, so don't worry. You should still eat well. It is recommended to eat frequent meals and eat warm or hot foods instead of cold foods.

2. Does frequent bowel movements during pregnancy mean a boy?

Experts say that expectant mothers in the late pregnancy will experience digestive system abnormalities due to changes in progesterone. Progesterone directly affects the secretion of gastric mucus, and the gradually enlarging uterus also compresses the intestines to a certain extent, and gastric motility gradually slows down. Therefore, it is normal for pregnant mothers to face varying degrees of digestive abnormalities. Some mothers ignorantly think that their farts are so smelly because the fetus has too much poop in the belly and cannot excrete it. In fact, this is impossible. The fetus's poop is in the mother's amniotic fluid, and then absorbed and digested by herself.

At the same time, experts also refuted the rumor again, saying that whether the frequency of bowel movements or urination increases cannot predict whether the baby will be a boy or a girl, there is simply no connection between them. So it’s not true that if you’re pregnant with a boy, you’ll poop more.

3. What to do if pregnant women have frequent bowel movements

1. As long as the stool is normal and not becoming thinner, it means there is no abnormality and it is normal. It may be caused by eating more and having faster intestinal motility. No special treatment is required.

2. If you have frequent bowel movements and sometimes feel dizzy, anxious, short of breath, and weak limbs, these are signs of qi and blood deficiency. You can nourish your qi and blood, such as drinking tremella and red dates soup.

3. If you are in the second stage of pregnancy, this period of time is the fastest period of growth and development for the baby. The ever-growing uterus will press on your pelvic cavity and rectal area, which will cause the symptoms you are experiencing now. This is not a disease.