1 Why is gastrointestinal function disturbed during pregnancy?

Constipation during pregnancy occurs in many women, so an enema is the simplest way to solve a delicate problem. However, the constant application of this procedure is not approved by specialists. Also, the enema does not eliminate the cause of constipation. For a future mother, it is important to have a state of mind during this special period, and if there are abnormalities in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, discomfort, pain, and swelling may occur, which deprives the woman of adequate sleep and rest.

The culprit for disorders related to the digestive tract is a hormone called "progesterone".After conception, this hormone is produced in large quantities, which is necessary to carry the child. Progesterone acts in a relaxing manner on all muscles in the body, because of this, the peristalsis of the intestine slows down. Problems with the intestine can occur and for the following reasons:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• improper power supply;
• increase in fetus;
• bad habits;
• consumes a small amount of liquid;
• abuse of coffee;
• reception of iron preparations.

It is impossible to change the hormonal background, and all other factors that lead to constipation should be eliminated. Although the enema is considered a relatively safe way of emptying the intestines during pregnancy, there are contraindications to it. When prescribing an enema, the following factors are taken into account:

• gestational age;
• individual characteristics of women;
• the process of the course of pregnancy;
• the presence of diseases of the rectum;
• psychological attitude of a woman.

To date, there are many drugs that help cope with constipation during pregnancy. But any laxative medicine taken by a future mother can affect both the bearing and the health of the baby's future. The enema, carried out in the right way, poses no threat.

2 How often can I resort to this method?

Frequent enemas do not solve the problem, and often exacerbate it, so with a pregnant woman's constipation, you need to pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle. Before resorting to this procedure, you need to consult a gynecologist. If pregnancy proceeds without pathologies, there is no threat of miscarriage, then you can use this method. But to do an enema is often not recommended, as this can negatively affect the work of the intestines.

Mechanical action on the rectum disrupts its normal functioning. Frequent enemas can disrupt the intestinal microflora, which will provoke a digestive disorder. With dysbacteriosis caused by the abuse of enemas, the process of absorption of nutrients is disrupted. For the future mother, a deficiency of vitamins and minerals will be very negative. Weakened immunity can not protect against viruses and bacteria.

The lack of potassium, calcium, magnesium and other microelements will disrupt the normal development of the fetus, and in the future this will affect the condition of bones and teeth. Frequent enemas lead not only to the loss of nutrients, but also cause dehydration. Over time, the addictive effect can occur. When the intestine is emptied in this way, the rectum will cease to function, and eventually a need for a constant intake of laxatives will arise. For a pregnant woman, this will turn into a serious problem.

Therefore, it is recommended to resort to emptying the bowels with an enema no more often than 1-2 times a week. But pregnant women should take care of themselves so that this need does not arise. You can replace the procedure with laxatives or rectal suppositories that have laxative effect. Most often, doctors do the same, because the use of enema causes the future mother and emotional discomfort.

3 Early and late procedure

Is it possible for pregnant women to make an enema, depends on their state of health, taking into account the following factors:

• whether there is a threat of miscarriage at the time of the procedure;
• , was there any preterm birth before?
• is there is isthmico-cervical insufficiency;
• whether the woman suffers from diseases of the rectum.

In the early stages it is better not to use this method to empty the intestine. Enema can cause a contraction of the uterus, which is fraught with miscarriage. Women who previously had miscarriages or premature births are not recommended to do the procedure. When hypertension of the uterus should also avoid enemas and laxatives. If there are constipation in the early stages, you can consult with a nutritionist. When preparing a daily menu, you should include dishes from vegetables and fruits that have a laxative effect.

In the second half of pregnancy, the fetus significantly increases in size and exerts pressure on the internal organs of the digestive tract, so constipation often occurs in the 2-3 trimester of pregnancy. In the absence of medical contraindications, you can use the enema no more than once a week. If iron preparations are prescribed, you should discuss with your doctor how to avoid constipation in such a situation.

Contraindications to the use of enema in recent weeks can serve as pulling pains in the lower abdomen, spotting, tone of the uterus.

It's not that simple to make this procedure for 8-9 months of pregnancy, so the doctor should discuss the advisability of using laxatives. If it was decided to use the enema, then you need to prepare and make it the right way.

4 Necessary preparations

Cleansing enema can be made boiled or standing water. Collect water from the tap and let it settle for 6-8 hours. Boil water should be cooled to room temperature. Do not use warm or too cold water. Warm water dissolves stool and quickly absorbed, which is dangerous intoxication, and cold water can chill internal organs.

You also need to prepare the device for the enema. Usually a bowl of 2 liters with a special hose and plastic tip is used for bowel cleansing. When buying a kit, the package includes tips of different lengths. Do not use a gynecological tip. It looks like a long plastic tube with numerous holes at the end. All accessories must be disinfected or boiled for 1-2 minutes.

You can make an enema during pregnancy with herbs. Take 1-2 tablespoons of pharmacy and pour 1-1.5 liters of boiling water. Let it persist, cooling down to room temperature. Infuse the infusion and use as directed. It is especially important to make enemas with herbs for those women who suffer from hemorrhoids and fissures of the anus. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect, eliminates itching and burning with hemorrhoids.

5 How to make an enema for a pregnant woman?

Cleansing enema is done with the addition of Vaseline or castor oil. If the doctor approved the procedure, then add 1 tablespoon to a container of water in the amount of 1 liter.castor oil. Lubricate the tip with vegetable oil and insert into the anus. You should lie on your left side and relax. It is better to buy a set with a heating pad and a tap to adjust the pressure of water. It is necessary to lie until all water enters. If severe pains in the abdomen occur during the water supply, stop the procedure.

It is necessary to hold the contents of the intestines for 5-10 minutes, after which you can go to the toilet. For enema, you can use a 500 ml syringe. But it is inconvenient to do the procedure in the second half of pregnancy, so it is better to buy a mug of Esmarch, pour water and hang at an altitude of about 1.5 m, adjust the tap to apply water pressure. Do not use someone else's syringe.

Is it possible to do an enema in the presence of external or internal hemorrhoids, the proctologist should respond after the examination. The use of enema can lead to the loss of hemorrhoids, hemorrhage and severe pain. Caution should be used laxative rectal suppositories. Some of them are contraindicated in pregnancy and diseases of the rectum.

6 Prevention of constipation

To avoid constipation during pregnancy, women need to maintain an active lifestyle. Pregnancy is not a disease, and there are no contraindications to walking or exercise. It is best to take walks with an unhurried step for 30-40 minutes daily. It is useful to go to the pool at least once a week. Physical exercise improves the work of all internal organs, including the intestines.

In the diet of pregnant women must necessarily include vegetables, fruits, berries and various greens. The laxative effect is:

• red beet;
• dried apricots;
• prunes;
• bananas;
• apples;
• pumpkin;
• melon:
• cucumber pickle.

Any vegetable and fruit juices with pulp have a good effect on the digestive system. At night you can eat low-fat kefir with 1 tsp added.pumpkin or linseed oil. Observing simple rules, a woman will remember pregnancy as the brightest and beautiful period of her life.