How to Avoid Constipation during Pregnancy?

Constipation during pregnancy is a very common problem, faced by most women. During pregnancy there are a lot of changes that take place within your body and one of them is increased hormonal activity. This hormonal imbalance can lead to constipation, as the hormones greatly influence the digestive system. Female hormones required for the growth and development of the baby, are produced in your body during pregnancy.  While these hormones perform important functions, they slow down your bowel movement, leading to constipation. The body retains water during pregnancy, even the water in your intestines is absorbed by the body. Insufficient water to soften the stool worsens constipation to some extent. Moreover, during pregnancy women are asked to take iron supplements, which could lead to constipation. Fortunately, you do not have to live with this painful and uncomfortable affliction during the course of pregnancy. There are several ways to avoid constipation during pregnancy, without taking any medicines or laxatives.

Get Rid of the Uneasiness

It is possible for women to avoid constipation during pregnancy, by incorporating a few healthy dietary and lifestyle changes. Given below are a few tips to avoid constipation during pregnancy:

• Drink lots of fluids: It is important for pregnant women to drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water per day. Drinking water on an empty stomach, i.e., when you get up in the morning will help you relieve the constipation to a great extent. It will also flush out the unwanted toxins from your body. Coconut water can also be taken during pregnancy as it is nutritious, cleans the digestive tract and keeps constipation away. Apart from water, you can also take vegetable juice, soup, fruit juices and buttermilk.
• Eat fiber: The consumption of fiber helps to soften the stool, making them easier to pass. Most fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals and whole grains are high in fiber and therefore, they are regarded as the best food to avoid constipation during pregnancy.
• Exercise: Leading an inactive lifestyle aggravates constipation. During pregnancy, make it a point to walk or swim for at least 20 minutes a day. This improves the functioning of your digestive tract, making it easier for you to pass stool.

Before using any of the methods to avoid constipation during pregnancy, it is important that you consult your doctor and get an approval. Several women consult their doctors for a medical cure for constipation during pregnancy. However, the use of medicines, laxatives, mineral oil and enema is strongly discouraged in pregnant women, as these methods could have an adverse effect on the pregnancy and the baby.

Submitted by N H on January 21, 2013 at 05:14

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