How To Deal With Constipation During Pregnancy

Here are the reasons why you may be constipated while you are pregnant and some helpful tips and tricks on how to deal with constipation during pregnancy.

 

Why We Get Constipation During Pregnancy 

It can be quite painful and extremely uncomfortable but don’t worry, constipation is a very common symptom during pregnancy that can start as early as the first 12 weeks.

 

Constipation can make you feel bloated and sluggish. You may not be able to pass stools or your stools may be extremely hard and difficult to pass.

 

It’s not uncommon to have some abdominal pain and discomfort. If you don’t know how to deal with constipation during pregnancy it can be miserable.

 

Reasons why we become constipated during pregnancy include:

 

• The hormone progesterone which is present during pregnancy can slow down the digestion of your food.

• The bowel is given less room as your uterus expands.

• The pressure your baby puts on your rectum can slow down your bowel.

• Exercise stimulates the bowel and in late pregnancy you will probably be moving around less.

 

Go To The Bathroom At Regular Times – Try to go to the bathroom when you first wake up and after meals as these are times that the bowel is more likely to move.

 

 

Don’t Put It Off Until Later – Make sure that you go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Putting it off will later will only make the problem worse.

 

Don’t Rush It – Ensure you give yourself plenty of time in the bathroom for things to get going. Try taking a book in with you to pass the time and take your mind off things. Try to avoid straining to hurry things up as this can cause haemorrhoids.

 

 

 

Don’t Get Dehydrated – Drinking plenty of water each day will help to keep your bowel moving and soften your stool. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. If you don’t want to drink a whole glass at a time then try to sip water regularly throughout the day. If you go out, take a bottle with you. Try to aim for your urine being clear then you will know you are drinking enough.

 

Eat A Healthy Diet – Try to eat a healthy diet that is high in fibre to help prevent constipation. Try to include plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread and bran in your diet. Introduce high fibre foods into your diet gradually to prevent gas and bloating.

 

Get Some Exercise – Regular exercise can help stimulate the bowel. Try some gentle exercise like walking, swimming,stretching, or prenatal yoga. there are many fitness routines that are suitable for pregnant women.

 

Avoid Iron Supplements – Iron supplements can cause constipation so unless you have been prescribed iron by your doctor for anemia then choose prenatal supplements that do not contain iron. 

 

Try A Mild Laxative – A stool softener or mild laxative could prove to be effective in easing your constipation. Always consult your doctor before taking anything as they will know which medications are safe to take during your pregnancy.

If you have severe abdominal pain, bleeding or mucus along with your constipation it is important that you contact your healthcare provider immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 How To Deal With Constipation During Pregnancy