Many women in early pregnancy report feeling like they need to have a bowel movement or pass gas when it’s not actually needed. This sensation can be similar to the urge to poop. There are a few reasons why this symptom may occur:
Increased progesterone
Progesterone levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy. This hormone helps relax smooth muscle tissue throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. The relaxant effects of progesterone can slow down digestion, leading to bloating, gas, and constipation. Feeling like you need to poop without being able to go can cause discomfort.
Physical pressure
As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the rectum and other surrounding organs. This added pressure stimulates nerves in the rectal area, creating the urge to poop. While unpleasant, this symptom is very common and harmless.
Changing hormones
Estrogen and progesterone aren’t the only hormones that fluctuate in early pregnancy. Changes in human chorionic gonadotropin and other hormones impact digestion and gastric motility. This can cause the intestines to move sluggishly, and food to digest more slowly. These effects make that “need to poop” feeling more likely.
When does this symptom occur?
Many women start to feel like they need to poop constantly in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This sensation tends to peak around 6-8 weeks gestation. During this time the uterus is growing rapidly and shifting within the pelvis. Both progesterone levels and blood volume also increase dramatically. All of these changes come together to cause significant rectal pressure.
While bothersome, this symptom usually resolves as the body adjusts to hormonal changes and the expanding uterus lifts out of the pelvis around weeks 10-12. Some women continue to experience this on and off throughout pregnancy, especially after the baby drops back down into the pelvis in the third trimester.
How common is this symptom?
Feeling like you constantly need to poop is extremely common in the first trimester. Studies estimate up to 38-50% of pregnant women experience this symptom to some degree. It is often one of the very first signs of pregnancy, even before a positive pregnancy test.
The sensation is most common and bothersome between the 6th and 10th weeks of pregnancy. Up to 20% of women still report this symptom later in the first trimester. It tends to improve dramatically by the start of the second trimester. Only about 5% of women deal with this consistently throughout pregnancy.
When to see a doctor
Mild sensations of needing to poop are normal in pregnancy and not cause for concern. However, severe or persisting symptoms may indicate:
- Constipation
- Impaction
- Hemorrhoids
- Anal fissure
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
See a doctor promptly if you experience:
- Painful bowel movements
- Blood in stool
- Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
- Fever or chills
- Inability to have a bowel movement for 3+ days
These could be signs of a gastrointestinal problem requiring treatment. Your doctor can recommend remedies to relieve discomfort.
Tips for managing this symptom
While feeling like you constantly need to poop can’t be eliminated entirely, you can take steps to minimize discomfort:
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages that can cause dehydration. Proper hydration keeps your digestive system functioning well.
Exercise
Light activity like walking helps motivate sluggish bowels.
Eat high-fiber foods
Fiber adds bulk to stool and makes bowel movements easier. Gradually boost fiber intake by eating foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
Try probiotics
Probiotic supplements support healthy gut bacteria. Ask your doctor if probiotics may help relieve your symptoms.
Use a squatty potty
This toilet stool angles your body in a squat position for easier bowel movements.
| Week of Pregnancy | Percentage of Women Experiencing Symptom |
|---|---|
| 6 weeks | 38% |
| 8 weeks | 50% |
| 10 weeks | 20% |
| 12+ weeks | 5% |
When to worry
Feeling like you need to poop often is very common and not dangerous on its own. Call your doctor right away if you experience:
- Difficulty having a bowel movement for several days
- Loose stools more than 3 times in 24 hours
- Intense rectal pain
- Bleeding from rectum
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fever or chills
These may indicate a more serious gastrointestinal problem requiring prompt medical care.
Coping strategies
Here are some tips to help manage that persistent urge to poop:
Stay hydrated
Drink at least 64 oz water daily. Prune juice or other fluids can help too.
Exercise
Light physical activity stimulates the bowels.
Eat more fiber
Add fruits, veggies, beans, bran cereal, whole grains.
Try probiotics
These support digestive health. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Use a squatty potty
This toilet aid helps you poop more easily.
Try magnesium supplements
Magnesium relaxes bowel muscles. Ask your doctor if this is suitable.
Wear loose clothing
Avoid tight pants or belts that put pressure on your abdomen.
When to contact your healthcare provider
You should let your doctor know if:
– You haven’t had a bowel movement in 3+ days
– You see blood in your stool
– You have diarrhea for more than 48 hours
– You have intense pain with bowel movements
– You have a fever along with GI symptoms
– You vomit more than 2 times in 24 hours
These could indicate a medical issue needing treatment. Your provider can suggest remedies to help you feel better. Don’t hesitate to call if your symptoms concern you.
Conclusion
That “need to poop” feeling is very common in early pregnancy thanks to hormonal shifts, constipation, and pressure from the growing uterus. While annoying, it’s usually not serious. Staying hydrated, exercising, and eating fiber can help. Contact your doctor if you have severe pain, bleeding, diarrhea, nausea, or other concerning symptoms. With some simple self-care steps, you can minimize discomfort until this symptom resolves in the second trimester.