What to take for constipation during pregnancy?

(May 27, 2010)

Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. As you grow in your pregnancy, the baby starts to take up more space in the stomach; doctors are of the opinion that due to this the intestines get compressed, leading to constipation. Moreover, progesterone a steroid hormone produced in the ovary that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy is also known to slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract; this hormone is also responsible for soothing the muscle tissue and causing it to relax. This in turn causes bowel movements to become less frequent.

The farther along women are in their pregnancy the more prone they are to constipation. There are a number of factors which cause constipation; these include iron and calcium supplements, less exercise, bed rest, stress, inadequate fluid intake, and improper diet. Eating healthy and avoiding constipation is probably the best way to get rid of it. Some women experience extremely painful bowel movements when they have had an episiotomy (a surgical incision of the perineum to expand the vagina in order to facilitate delivery during childbirth).

To avoid constipation during pregnancy you might want to consider adding lots of healthy fluids in your diet, especially plenty of water. Proper intake of fiber rich foodstuffs can keep your system functioning properly. Plenty of fresh foods, legumes, unrefined grains, high-bran cereals, bran muffins etc. can help in adding more roughage to your diet.

Apart from adding fibrous food to your diet, getting plenty of exercise is also quite important. Swimming, walking, yoga, riding a stationary bike should help you remain active and also helps control constipation. It is important to take advice from your doctor before indulging in any kind of exercise program.

Avoid eating too much of processed white flour products, potatoes and white rice. It is better to avoid cheese and sugar for sometime or these can be taken in moderate amounts. Prune juice is known to be an excellent natural laxative for pregnant women. It is very important to visit the washroom when your body feels the urge to do so, it is not advisable to put it off; can cause strain on the bladder.

Your health care provider might be able to help you by prescribing safe laxatives; some prenatal vitamins are also believed to be helpful in easing constipation. You might even want to ask your doctor about considering over the counter supplements to help soften stools. You need to monitor your bodily functions regularly for smooth functioning. If you suffer from too much constipation do talk to your health care provider about it. Your doctor is in the best position to judge and offer suggestions regarding pregnancy related constipation.

Submitted by P T on May 27, 2010 at 01:01

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