Constipation

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Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. The stool is often hard and dry. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling as if one has not completely passed the bowel movement. Complications from constipation may include haemorrhoids, anal fissure or fecal impaction.
Constipation is more concerning when there is weight loss or anemia, blood is present in the stool, there is a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer in a person's family, or it is of new onset in someone who is older.
Measures that may help include drinking enough fluids, eating more fiber, and exercise. If this is not effective, laxatives of the bulk forming agent, osmotic agent, stool softener, or lubricant type may be recommended. Stimulant laxatives are generally reserved for when other types are not effective. Other treatments may include biofeedback or in rare cases surgery.
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. A number of diseases present at birth can result in constipation in children. Poor dietary habits, previous abdominal surgeries, and certain medical conditions can contribute to constipation.
Risk factors that increase the risk of constipation in this population include:
• Damage to the levator ani muscles (pelvic floor muscles) during childbirth
• Forceps-assisted delivery
• Lengthy second stage of labor
• Delivering a large child
• Hemorrhoids -Hemorrhoids are common in pregnancy.