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Case 31 - A 20-Year-Old Presents at 31 Weeks’ Gestation with Severe Abdominal Pain and Constipation

from Section 3 - Antepartum (Late Pregnancy)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2025

By
Paris N. Stowers
Edited by
Peter F. Schnatz ,
D. Yvette LaCoursiere ,
Christopher M. Morosky ,
Jonathan Schaffir ,
Vanessa Torbenson  and
David Chelmow
Peter F. Schnatz
Affiliation:
The Reading Hospital, Pennsylvania
D. Yvette LaCoursiere
Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego
Christopher M. Morosky
Affiliation:
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Jonathan Schaffir
Affiliation:
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Vanessa Torbenson
Affiliation:
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
David Chelmow
Affiliation:
Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine
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Summary

Constipation is present in up to 40% of all pregnancies. Hormonal and structural changes of pregnancy contribute to constipation. However, modifications to diet, fluid intake, and physical activity may improve constipation symptoms. Bulking laxatives are the first-line pharmacotherapy for pregnant patients with constipation and osmotic laxatives are second-line pharmacotherapy for pregnant patients. Stimulant laxatives are an effective, fast-acting treatment for severe constipation in pregnancy, but not recommended for daily use due to potential adverse effects.

Keywords

constipationabdominal painbulking laxativesosmotic laxatives
Type
Chapter
Information
Pregnancy Complications
A Case-Based Approach
 , pp. 94 - 96
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

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