That prompts the taking of another dose of laxative, which again overempties the bowel and often starts a cycle of frequent laxative use. This is especially true of people who are overly concerned about having regular bowel movements. Constipation is a common problem among pregnant women. By the fourth month of pregnancy, a woman's uterus has expanded enough to put pressure on the intestines and to increase the likelihood of constipation. The problem is easily avoided by drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily and eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods.
Children also become constipated in several different situations.
Infants on an all-milk diet after normal weaning time may develop hard stools because milk contains no fiber. Adding cereal or fruit to the diet usually helps. When a child has a bout of illness that lowers the amount of food and drink consumed, constipation often follows as a result of too little fluid in the diet. Lack of appetite is difficult to counter in a child, but it may be possible to tempt the child to drink a fluid usually forbidden or kept as a treat, such as a soft drink. People who have hemorrhoids may become constipated because they fear the pain that can accompany defecation during a hemorrhoid flare-up.