Oh, constipation is one of those unpleasant things everyone experiences at least once in their lifetime. We’re sorry you have it, but let’s figure out why it happens and how you can avoid it in the future.

Some women may experience constipation during PMS. There’s also ovulation and pregnancy related constipation. Although everybody’s bathroom habits are different, you are likely to be constipated if you have 3 or fewer bowel movements a week.

Why it happens

Some medical conditions such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, underactive thyroid, and pregnancy can cause constipation. Medications such as strong pain pills, antidepressants, and antihistamines can also cause constipation. Most of the time, however, constipation happens for reasons such as waiting too long to go to the bathroom and not having enough fiber or liquids in your diet. Drinking insufficient amounts of water and physical inactivity are also common causes of constipation. The good news is that dietary and lifestyle changes can keep you “regular” and help you feel better.

One of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy is constipation, but does constipation actually start during ovulation? The hormone likely responsible for pre-pregnancy and pregnancy constipation from a reproductive standpoint is progesterone, and both pregnant and non-pregnant women suffer from this uncomfortable symptom.

There’s a direct connection between what you eat and constipation. Most often constipation is the result of a poor diet with little fat and fiber as well as water and lots of alcohol and junk food.

If you have constipation here’s what you should consume:

Water and liquids including teas, natural juices, soups.

Normal fats

Foods high in fiber such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains

Avoid certain foods such as candies, cookies, ice cream and other sweets that are generally high in fat and sugar are low in fiber. They can actually make your constipation worse.

When to call your doctor

If the constipation gets worse or doesn’t get better, call your healthcare provider.

Constipation can also be a symptom of some serious health conditions such as blockages, intestine cancer, bowel stricture, etc.

If you have constipation and any of the following applies, seek medical advice:

• Crippling abdominal pain

• No previous constipation at all

• Vomiting

• Severe bloating

• Rapid weight loss

• Bloody stools

• Duration longer than two weeks without relief from home remedies or changes in diet.

Keep logging your data with the MIA app every day to learn more about your body.