Does increased bowel movement indicate fetal engagement?
Disease description:
I’m just a few days away from my due date. Over the past two days, I’ve been having unusually frequent bowel movements—going to the bathroom several times a day. Could this be a sign that the baby has engaged (dropped into the pelvis)?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lei Ling
Hello, increased bowel movements can have many possible causes. It may result from excessive food intake, leading to an increase in stool volume; alternatively, it could stem from various gastrointestinal abnormalities, which may also cause a progressive increase in stool volume. In pregnant women, increased bowel movements may indicate fetal engagement (lightening), suggesting that labor may be imminent. In such cases, it is advisable to go to the hospital promptly for delivery and to rule out other potential issues. For further clarification, please consult a healthcare provider at the hospital. I hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health!
