The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Constipation in Pregnancy

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 II