Gestational constipation and the gut microbiota: mechanisms, interventions, and implications for maternal and offspring health

Gestational constipation affects up to 40% of pregnant women, yet remains underappreciated as a clinical entity with implications beyond maternal discomfort. This review synthesizes current evidence on the intricate relationships between pregnancy-associated constipation, gut microbiota dynamics, and perinatal health outcomes. Pregnancy induces profound remodeling of the maternal gut ecosystem–characterized by reduced alpha diversity, expansion of Actinomycetota and Pseudomonadota, and increased