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By Mayo Clinic staffYou're more likely to have constipation if you are:
- An older adult
- Sedentary
- Confined to bed
- Eating a diet that's low in fiber
- Not getting adequate fluids
- Taking certain medications, including sedatives, narcotics or certain medications to lower blood pressure
- Undergoing chemotherapy
Women are also more frequently affected by constipation than are men, and children more than adults.
If you're pregnant, you may have bouts of constipation because of hormonal changes. Later in your pregnancy, pressure on your intestines from your expanding uterus also can cause constipation.
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