title: Pregnancy and postpartum bowel changes: constipation and fecal incontinence.
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.
authors: Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors: Grace Hewon
authors: GH
authors: Shin
authors: Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors: Erin Lucinda
authors: EL
authors: Toto
authors: Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors: Ron
authors: R
authors: Schey
mesh_terms: D001003:Anal Canal / Q000293:injuries / Q000503:physiopathology; D003248:Constipation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004576:Electromyography; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006484:Hemorrhoids / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012007:Rectum / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index