What causes constipation in pregnancy?

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Prepare for the NCC Credential in Inpatient Antepartum Nursing Test. Utilize resources like flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations to ensure exam success.

Multiple Choice

What causes constipation in pregnancy?

Explanation:
During pregnancy, rising progesterone relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. This slows peristalsis, increases transit time, and leads to more water reabsorption from stool, resulting in constipation. So the cause is the progesterone-induced relaxation of the GI tract and decreased motility. Increased motility would cause diarrhea, and high fiber intake or exercise help prevent constipation rather than cause it.

During pregnancy, rising progesterone relaxes smooth muscle throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. This slows peristalsis, increases transit time, and leads to more water reabsorption from stool, resulting in constipation. So the cause is the progesterone-induced relaxation of the GI tract and decreased motility. Increased motility would cause diarrhea, and high fiber intake or exercise help prevent constipation rather than cause it.

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