5 Ways to Help with Pregnancy Constipation
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5 Ways to Help with Pregnancy Constipation
Constipation affects at least half of all pregnant women. It comes from the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum at the same time that pregnancy hormones slow the passage of food through your digestive tract.
Iron suppliments and prenatal vitamins (because they contain iron) are notorious for causing constipation. Additionally, the fatigue many women have during their pregnancy means less exercise and less movement in general. The bowel is as active as the person, so decreased activity means a slower digestive tract.
There are several ways to decrease the chances of constipation.
First, increase water. Although frequent trips to the bathroom are already on a pregnant woman's "to do" list, the body needs to stay hydrated. Everything an expectant mom takes in goes to the baby first, so increasing water does help.
Second, avoid caffeine, since it is a diuretic. This means it causes more water loss than taken in.
Third, increase fresh fruits and vegetables. Raw blueberries, grapes, and apricots are great for keeping a woman regular during their pregnancy. Brad muffins are helpful, but don't always taste great. If a fruit and bran muffin is available, it's a better choice (although can not be as tasty) as a donut.
Fourth, if constipation is a problem decrease dairy products like milk and cheese. These are big contributors when dealing with constipation. Yogurt can actually help normalize the natural bacteria in the bowel, so a cup of plain yogurt with blueberries thrown on top can be a great snack.
Fifth, consult the health care provider if the constipation is worsening or difficult to resolve. Prescriptions are available and can help alleviate severe symptoms.
If any complications or concerns arise, consult your health care provider immediately.
Comments
6/30/2010 11:48:02 PMPatricia said:
Constipation during pregnancy is one of the many lovely things that a woman's body goes through. Hormones, morning sickness, fatigue, and an expanding uterus can all change the bowel schedule and increase the chances of constipation, but there are ways to swing the odds in your favor.
(1) Increase water. Bathroom trips increase after becoming pregnant, which can make a woman want to decrease her water intake. It's important to drink plenty of fluids. Pear juice is a great source of vitamin C and water, but also can help soften stools.
(2) Increase fiber. Whether it's by fiber suppliments, high fiber cereal, bran muffins, or fruits/veggies, fiber can be a pregnant woman's best friend. A diet with plenty of fiber can help making trips to the bathroom far easier.
(3) Avoid caffeine. Although many can have trouble with their morning coffee, caffeine is a mild diuretic, making the woman slightly dry. If avoiding caffeine isn't a possibility, be sure to increase water intake.
(4) De-stress. Stress is a natural part of pregnancy, both good and bad forms. Problem with it, such emotional taxing on the body can increase chances of constipation. Finding ways to decompress are essential for an expectant mom. Use yoga, getting plenty of sleep, relaxing music or whatever helps get the stress level down.
(5) Exercise. However active the body is will indicate how active the bowel will be. The exercise doesn't have to be strenuous. Walking 20-30 minutes a day can help get the aches and pains out of a growing body/belly as well as help the gut moving.
