ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support

toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Pregnancy: Changes in Bowel Habits

Pregnancy: Changes in Bowel Habits

Overview

Constipation and hemorrhoids are common problems during pregnancy.

Constipation

Constipation causes less frequent and more strained bowel movements. The bowels commonly move more slowly when you're pregnant. And iron in prenatal vitamins also can cause constipation during pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins at the end of the large intestine (anus). They are often external. This means they stick out of the anus. They can also be internal. This means they are inside the lower intestine.

Many women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, because:

  • The enlarged uterus puts pressure on a large vein called the inferior vena cava. This vein drains the veins of the large intestine.
  • Constipation causes fewer and more strained bowel movements.

Pain, itching, and bright red blood on your stool are common symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Blood in the stool

Blood in the stool can come from anywhere in the digestive tract, such as the stomach or intestines. Depending on where the blood is coming from and how fast it is moving, it may be bright red, reddish brown, or black like tar.

A little bit of bright red blood on the stool or on the toilet paper is often caused by mild irritation of the rectum. This can happen if you have to strain hard to pass a stool or if you have a hemorrhoid.

If there is a lot of blood in the stool, not just on the surface, you may need to call your doctor right away. If there are just a few drops on the stool, you may need to let your doctor know today to discuss your symptoms. Black stools may mean you have blood in the digestive tract. You may need treatment right away, or the blood may go away on its own.

Certain medicines and foods can affect the color of stool. Diarrhea medicines (such as Pepto-Bismol) and iron tablets can make the stool black. Eating lots of beets may turn the stool red. Eating foods with black or dark blue food coloring can turn the stool black.

Credits

Current as of: February 23, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.