While traveling, the changes in diet and your daily activities can contribute to constipation. Sometimes, inconvenient locations may undermine the urge to defecate and can contribute to constipation.

During pregnancy, the high levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause the bowel to slow down. During the later stages, the expanding uterus puts pressure on the intestines and can cause constipation.

Stress has been related to inadequate intake of water and ignored bowel movements.

Unattended bowel urges can also contribute to constipation. When the bowel movement is intentionally delayed, the will to defecate may eventually vanish. It is important to give sufficient time for bowel movement, especially with children who do not want to visit the toilet unless it emerges as an emergency. The longer the waste remains in the colon, the more problematic it can be. Voluntary delaying bowel movement is a commonly observed cause of constipation.

Physical activity and exercises can keep the abdominal muscles in shape. They also aid the intestines in working well. If for some reason, exercising is not possible, especially in older adults, medical advice should be sought to seek an alternative.

Medications also cause constipation. Many medications like narcotics, iron supplements, etc, can result in constipation. Antidepressants, narcotic pain medication, anticonvulsant, etc. are some of the medications which can cause constipation. Even the iron supplements can be a reason. Replacing the drug with a potentially less constipating one can be a way out if eliminating the medication is not feasible. For instance, amitriptyline and imipramine can find a replacement in fluoxetine. However, expert medical advice is recommended in such cases.

It is discouraged to partake of laxatives on a regular basis. Laxatives induce peristaltic movements. When administered on a prolonged basis and stopped thereafter, the usual peristaltic movement is obstructed. Enema, though pertaining to the rectum only, is a mechanism helpful in removing waste. In the US, people have been found to spend hundreds of millions on laxatives, potentially paving way for constipation.

Overuse of stimulant laxatives can be the culprit behind severe constipation. A link between chronic use of these laxatives and colon has been observed. Owing to their potentially damaging attribute, experts usually consider laxatives as the last resort.

The stool becomes hard (consequently causing constipation) due to inadequate water intake. The bowel movements become sluggish as the waste gets drier when lesser water is consumed by the body. The colon absorbs water from the waste which passes through it.

By drinking adequate amounts of water regularly such a situation can be prevented. Coffee or soda (caffeinated fluids) do not ease off constipation. Alcohol can add to the problem as it causes dehydration.

Fiber is an easily ignored element in our diet. Fiber aids in softening, and thus easy passage, of stool through the intestines during the bowel movement. Due to the lack of this softener, the stool becomes hard. Consequently, it becomes tough to pass which causes constipation. This is particularly prevalent in Western countries. In the US, most adults consume only about 15 g (per day) of dietary fiber as against the required amount of 25-30 g in their diet.

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are among the best fiber sources around. Besides contributing to a bulky and soft stool, fiber has several other benefits like lowering the risk of heart diseases and colon cancer. Sometimes, complementing a high fiber diet with fiber supplements can be helpful in reducing the likelihood of constipation.