Can pregnancy cause narrow stools?

While narrow or pencil-thin stool is not always a sign of constipation, it may be if your poop doesn’t normally look that way. Constipation is usually caused by a lack of fiber in your diet or not enough exercise. Other causes include pregnancy, travel, use of some medications, and changes in your hormone levels.

Is thin poop normal during pregnancy?

Diarrhea (or very loose stools) during pregnancy Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy can also cause loose or watery stools. Diarrhea occurs as your body produces the hormone relaxin. This hormone is only released during pregnancy. It prepares your body for labor and delivery by loosening your joints and ligaments.

Why is my poop thin and long?

Constipation. Constipation may be caused by a low fiber diet and lack of fluids. Fiber adds bulk to stool, increasing its size. If you don’t eat enough fiber or drink enough fluids, stool loses its bulk and may become thin and stringy.

Can you have narrow stools with IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is another condition that may cause changes in the size of your stools, so that they’re smaller, larger or narrower than usual. IBS also causes changes in the consistency of stools.

What does constipation in pregnancy feel like?

In addition to infrequent bowel movements, constipation can cause bloating, stomach discomfort, and hard, dry stools that are painful to pass. It can also result in a feeling that not all the stool has passed. Constipation can be particularly uncomfortable during pregnancy.

What causes ribbon like stools?

Constipation. Constipation can be a common cause of flat stool that is usually stringy in consistency. Constipation can occur when you don’t get enough fiber in your diet to add some extra bulk to your stool. As a result, your stool may be thinner, flat, and more difficult to pass.

Can straining to poop while pregnant hurt the baby?

For most pregnancies that are progressing without any issues, straining isn’t a huge concern. “Straining won’t harm the baby, but it can lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures which can be very painful and uncomfortable for mom,” says Dr. Hamilton. Although not a serious health risk, hemorrhoids can be quite painful.

When should I worry about narrow stools?

Narrow stools may be harmless, particularly if they occur as a result of a low fiber diet or a temporary infection. However, if narrow or pencil-thin stools persist for more than a week, or if they are accompanied by any other symptoms, this could indicate a more serious underlying medical condition.

What color is IBS poop?

IBS is a bowel disorder that causes diarrhea, pain, and discomfort during times of stress. IBS is also known to cause yellow stool. It is considered a separate issue from anxiety, but the two have been linked in many studies and many of those with IBS appear to have developed some type of anxiety disorder.