Constipation
Overview
Constipation is where you have changes to how you poo, including not pooing as often or finding it hard to poo. It's common and it affects people of all ages. You can usually treat it with simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Symptoms
It's likely to be constipation if: you have not had a poo at least 3 times during the last week or you're pooing less often than usualthe poo is unusually large or small and is dry, hard or lumpyyou are straining or in pain when you have a pooyou feel like you haven't fully emptied your bowels You may also have astomach acheand feel bloated or sick. If you're caring for an older person, or someone with dementia or a learning disability, constipation may be easily missed. Look out for any behaviour changes such as confusion, as it might mean they are in pain or discomfort.
Causes
Constipation in adults has many possible causes. Sometimes there's no obvious reason. The most common causes include: not eating enough fibre, which is found in fruits, vegetables and cerealsnot drinking enough fluidsnot moving enough and spending long periods sitting or lying downbeing less active and not exercisingoften ignoring the urge to go to the toiletchanging your diet or daily routinea side effect of medicinestress, anxiety or depression Constipation is common during pregnancy and after giving birth. It is also more common if you are over 65 years old. Constipation can also be caused by a medical condition such asdiverticular diseaseorbowel cancer, but this is rare.
Treatment
This video shows you how to treat constipation.
Prevention
Making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help treat constipation. It's safe to try these simple measures when you're pregnant. You may notice a difference within a few days. Sometimes it takes a few weeks before your symptoms improve.