During the third trimester, what is the most likely cause of constipation the nurse would discuss with the client?

During the third trimester of pregnancy, constipation is commonly linked to the pressure that the growing fetus exerts on the intestines. As the uterus expands, it can compress the lower intestines, which may slow down the movement of stool through the digestive tract. This physical pressure can lead to difficulties in passing stools, increasing the likelihood of constipation.

While hormonal changes can also contribute to constipation, particularly the increase in progesterone which relaxes smooth muscle, the direct mechanical effect of the fetus’s growth is generally a more immediate and observable cause that nurses would prioritize in education and discussion with clients during this stage.

Increased physical activity during pregnancy typically helps alleviate constipation, as movement stimulates bowel function. A decrease in fiber intake would also contribute to constipation; however, it is more of an individual dietary concern rather than a universal issue faced by all pregnant women in this trimester. Overall, the most evident and widely recognized cause of constipation during the third trimester is indeed the pressure exerted by the growing fetus on the intestines.