The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Constipation in Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of constipation in
pregnancy and correlation between gestational age, dietary
fiber intake, water comsumption, and physical activity.

Methods: This study used cross-sectional design with samples of
174 healthy pregnant women undergoing antenatal care at
Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic RSCM during August -
October 2016. Data were collected using questionnaire. Diagnosis
of constipation was based on ROME III criteria, dietary fiber is
measured using Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and physical
activity was measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire
(IPAQ). Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test were conducted to
evaluate the association between variables.

Results: The prevalence of constipation in pregnant women
observed in this study was 13.2% (95% CI 8.3-18.1). The most
frequent complaints included straining, incomplete evacuation,
and anorectal obstruction. Dietary fiber intake was low in 81.03%
subject. with average dietary fiber intake of 18.97 gram/day.
There was no significant association between constipation and
gestational age (OR 4.36, 95%CI 0.51-37.48 for second trimester
and OR 2.04, 95%CI 0.25-16.7 for third trimester), dietary
fiber intake (OR 0.82, 95%CI 0.28-2.39), water consumption
(OR 1.38, 95%CI 0.56-3.41), and physical activity (OR 1.167,
95%CI 0.28-4.87).

Conclusion: Prevalence of constipation in pregnant women is
13.2%. There is no significant correlation between gestational age,
dietary fiber intake, water consumption, and physical activity.

Keywords: constipation, pregnant woman, ROME III