Dealing with Constipation During Pregnancy

Constipation affects about half of all pregnant women. Constipation occurs in pregnant women because hormones relax the intestinal muscles which causes food and waste to move slower through your system. Constipation also occurs when your growing uterus puts pressure on your rectum. You should also try to avoid stress. It's known to prevent constipation.

Prevention

There are a few things that you can do to prevent or decrease the severity of constipation.

1. You should eat a diet that's rich in fiber about 25 to 30 grams per day. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, cereals, prunes, etc.

2. Drink plenty of fluids. The colon absorbs more water than before and leaves less water in the stool. So this can be a major cause of constipation. And with the increase of fiber in your diet, it is very important that you have adequate fluid intake. The recommended amount is 10-12 cups each day. The combination of fluid and high fiber diet that will help you to get rid of your waste. If you sweat a lot, hot climate, and exercise may require you to drink more than 10-12 cups of liquid each day.

3. It is important to exercise at least three days per week for 20-30 minutes each day. Walking, swimming, and other low impact exercises will stimulate your bowels and help your intestines work. Inactivity increases your chance of constipation.

4. Metamucil is stool softening product that's available over-the-counter and may make it easier to have a bowel moment. You should always ask your physician before taking any prescribe or over-the-counter medication.

Supplements

Iron supplements can cause constipation. It is recommended that small portions of iron taken throughout the day through good nutrition works better in preventing constipation than if you take it all at once.

Remedies That Should Not be Used

You should NOT use laxative pills during pregnancy. There is a possibility that laxative pills will cause uterine contractions and dehydration. Mineral oils should also NOT be used.

Can Constipation Become Serious?

Constipation is typically not serious but if it is severe and accompanied by stomach pain, diarrhea, mucus, or blood, those could be signs that something else is wrong. You should consult with your physician immediately.

Try not to strain too hard during bowel movements because this can cause you to develop hemorrhoids or makes them worse if you already have them.

Listen to your body and make sure that you have open communication with your physician.