constipation and contractions

1. If someone is constipated can that cause them to have contractions?

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2. 

   About theamberdawns

   Joined: Nov '08; Posts: 21; Likes: 4

   4 Comments

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3. 
   Dec 20, '09

   contractions of what?
   
   They used to give enemas to stimulate labor (or eliminate one impedance to labor's effective, that being stool in the lower bowel). Is that what you're asking?
4. 
   Dec 20, '09

   Diarrhea can give you uterine contractions. I had a pt with diarrhea admitted for rule out pre-term labor b/c she felt contractions and we saw them on the monitor. No cervical change though, so I think she was sent home after more monitoring and IV hydration.
   Not sure about constipation, but I would like it would be the opposite and NOT cause contractions.
   But not really sure.
   Why do you ask?
5. 
   Dec 20, '09

   constipation can cause a lot of issues, mostly being uncomfortable and the thought that you are having contractions. Has a patient once who was EXTREMEMLY constipated and she swore she was in labor. Her impaction was so great that you could not do a vaginal exam because of the blockage. It was painful to even think about. We gave her two enemas and cleared her and she felt like a new woman, and she was not in labor. I have had many patients like this and you can feel it when you do vag exams. I can only imagine that it can certainly feel miserable like contractions.
6. 
   Dec 20, '09

   Yes, constipation can cause uterine contractions and exacerbate preterm labor.

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