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Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person. Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others, only one or two times a week. Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.
You are considered constipated if you have two or more of the following for at least 3 months:
•    Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time.
•    Hard stools more than 25% of the time.
•    Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time.
•    Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.

Almost everyone has constipation at some time during his or her life. It affects approximately 2% of the population in the U.S. Women and the elderly are more commonly affected. Though not usually serious, constipation can be a concern.  From www.webmd.com

WHAT CAUSES CONSTIPATION?

Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a
structural problem. Common causes of constipation include:
• Inadequate water intake.
• Inadequate fiber in the diet.
• A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling.
• Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.
• Eating large amounts of dairy products.
• Stress.
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which is
   sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.
• Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time,
   weaken the bowel muscles.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or
   multiple sclerosis.
• Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.
• Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as
   narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills).
• Depression.
• Eating disorders.
• Irritable bowel syndrome.
• Pregnancy.
• Colon cancer.

In some cases, lack of good nerve and muscle function in the bowel may also be a cause of constipation.  From www.webmd.com

WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF CONSTIPATION?

Symptoms of constipation can include:
• Infrequent bowel movements and/or difficulty having bowel
  movements.
• Swollen abdomen or abdominal pain.
• Pain.
• Vomiting.

From www.webmd.com

HOW CAN I PREVENT CONSTIPATION?

There are several things you can do to prevent constipation. Among them:
• Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber
  are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal
  (especially bran). Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.
• Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day (unless fluid
  restricted for another medical condition). Liquids that contain
  caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, seem to have a dehydrating
  effect and may need to be avoided until your bowel habits return to
  normal. Some people may need to avoid milk, as dairy products may
  be constipating for them.
• Exercise regularly.
• Move your bowels when you feel the urge.

From www.webmd.com

STRETCHES THAT MAY RELIEVE CONSTIPATION

The knee-chest position, said to relieve gas and stimulate abdominal
organs, involves:
• standing straight with arms at the sides or you may lie down
• lifting the right knee toward the chest
• grasping the right ankle with the left hand
• pulling the leg as close to the chest as possible
• holding the position for about eight seconds
• repeating these steps with the left leg

The cobra position, which can be repeated as many as four times
a day, involves:
• lying on the stomach with legs together
• placing the palms just below the shoulders, holding elbows close
 to the body
• inhaling, then lifting the head (face forward) and chest off the floor
• keeping the navel in contact with the floor
• looking as far upward as possible
• holding this position for three to six seconds
• exhaling and lowering the chest

The spine twist is another pose that is recommended for daily use
in relieving constipation. The movement rotates the spine, tones
the spinal nerves andligaments, and improves digestion. Keep your
spine erect and your shoulders leveled in the position. Breathe
steadily. Twist a little more each time you exhale. Twist first to the
left, as below, then repeat the sequence twisting to the right.