Key points
- Contact your OB for persistent symptoms or rectal bleeding.
- Read about if straining is causing discomfort.
Why bowel movements can become harder
Pregnancy hormones slow the movement of food through your intestines. Iron supplements, less activity, and changes in eating or drinking can add to the problem. Constipation may mean hard stools, straining, or bowel movements that are less frequent than your usual pattern. ACOG digestive health information
What you can try
Aim for about 25 grams of fiber each day, and increase it gradually to reduce gas and bloating. Read food labels to compare fiber amounts. Good sources include oatmeal, beans, lentils, pears, vegetables, and whole grains. Prunes may be helpful. Drink regularly, take comfortable walks if permitted, and use the bathroom when you feel the urge. A small footstool can make sitting on the toilet more comfortable. Avoid prolonged straining.
Do not stop a prescribed iron supplement on your own. Ask whether the formulation or schedule can be adjusted while still treating your iron needs. ACOG constipation guidance
When medicine may help
Your clinician may suggest a fiber supplement such as psyllium or an osmotic laxative such as polyethylene glycol, which draws water into stool. Other options, including a short course of a stimulant laxative, may be appropriate when needed. Ask before using enemas, castor oil, or “detox” teas.
When to call
Contact your OB for persistent symptoms or rectal bleeding. Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, a swollen abdomen, or inability to pass gas needs urgent assessment rather than another home remedy.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fiber supplement replace food sources?
It can help fill a gap, but varied foods also provide other nutrients.
Can constipation hurt my baby?
Ordinary constipation usually does not harm the baby, but ongoing pain or bleeding deserves evaluation.
Questions about your pregnancy? Contact Davie ObGyn in Davie, Florida, at 954-880-1010. New and established patients are welcome. This information supports your prenatal care and does not replace an individual medical assessment. For urgent symptoms, call your care team promptly; for an emergency, call 911. Do not use a routine online message for urgent symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 26, 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.