What To Take For Constipation In Pregnancy?

(December 7, 2010)

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy, especially during the initial stages. One of the most common causes of constipation during pregnancy is hormonal changes. The levels of progesterone in the body tend to rise to a considerable extent, especially in the earlier stages of pregnancy. This surge in progesterone causes the movement of food in the digestive tract to slow down, making it difficult to eliminate waste product from the body. Moreover, as the pregnancy progresses into the second trimester, the uterus swells, to accommodate the growing baby. As the uterus pushes against the stomach and the other organs in the body, the problem of constipation can worsen. Hence, even though this problem is not too serious, most people prefer to go in for constipation in pregnancy treatment options. This is because constipation is generally accompanied by several unpleasant symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, heartburn, sluggishness and so on.

Constipation in pregnancy treatment

Since women cannot take normal medication or antibiotics while they are pregnant, they often ask questions about what to take for constipation in pregnancy. This is because the approach for controlling constipation in pregnancy and its treatment is bound to be a bit different. Instead using medication, most doctors recommend making a few simple lifestyle and dietary changes. However, the home remedies that are used for constipation treatment in pregnancy many be different too, as some constipation home remedies like fenugreek, goldenseal, barberry, dandelion and cayenne could lead to uterine contractions and therefore should be strictly avoided by women who are pregnant.

The first step towards treating constipation is increasing the consumption of foods that are high in fiber. This is because fiber rich foods push the intestines to work harder at absorbing liquid. Due to this, the stools remain softer, which makes it easier to eliminate them from the body. Fiber can be found in many healthy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, pulses and nuts. Foods that should be avoided when undergoing treatment for constipation in pregnancy are those foods that are high in refined flour. Therefore white bread, cake, pastries and other bakery items should be eliminated from a pregnant woman’s diet, if she suffers from constipation. In addition to following a healthy diet, it is also important to drink a lot of fluids, especially water. Warm water helps to move the food in the digestive tract at a faster pace, making it easier to pass stools. Other fluids that may be helpful during pregnancy are tea, coconut water as well as fresh fruit juices. An overdose of iron is also one of the factors that can lead to severe constipation in some women. Doctors may not necessarily ask pregnant women to restrict their intake of foods that are high in iron. However, women who take iron supplements need to mention the problem of constipation to their doctors immediately.

Another one of the constipation in pregnancy remedies includes getting an adequate amount of exercise on a regular basis. While pregnant women are generally asked to take it easy and avoid any form of physical exertion, there are several exercises that are highly recommended for women who are pregnant. Most doctors and healthcare givers advise pregnant women to engage in simple exercises like walking and swimming for around half an hour, for five days a week.

At times, pregnant women may suffer from constipation mainly due to excessive stress. Hence in order to avoid this, pregnant women can try to practice relaxation and stress reduction techniques, which include deep breathing, meditation, yoga, aromatherapy and getting massages. However, it is important to consult a doctor before engaging in any of these activities.

Submitted by J on December 7, 2010 at 12:16

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