Pregnancy and Postpartum Bowel Changes: Constipation and Fecal Incontinence : Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology | ACG

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REVIEW: CLINICAL AND SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS

Pregnancy and Postpartum Bowel Changes: Constipation and Fecal Incontinence

Shin, Grace Hewon MD1,2; Toto, Erin Lucinda MD1,2; Schey, Ron MD, FACG1

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American Journal of Gastroenterology 110(4):p 521-529, April 2015. | DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2015.76

Abstract

 

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often associated with many gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea, vomiting, and heartburn; however, the most troublesome complaints in some women are defecatory disorders such as constipation and fecal incontinence, especially postpartum. These disorders are often multifactorial in etiology, and many studies have looked to see what risk factors lead to these complications. This review discusses the current knowledge of pelvic floor and anorectal physiology, especially during pregnancy, and reviews the current literature on causes and treatments of postpartum bowel symptoms of constipation and fecal incontinence.

© The American College of Gastroenterology 2015. All Rights Reserved.

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