Pregnancy Constipation Solutions

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase of a woman's life, yet it can be quite a havoc because of the many discomfort conditions that accompany it. Constipation is a major problem which all of us face at some point in life and is also one of the many symptoms of being pregnant. Constipation in early pregnancy is very common, affecting more than 50% of women. Scientifically, constipation is a discomfort condition characterized by disturbed bowel movements which make stools hard to pass.

Early Signs

As I mentioned earlier, constipation is a part and parcel of being pregnant. Let's take a look at the signs and symptoms of constipation during pregnancy.

• Almost all the discomfort and painful conditions during pregnancy are caused by the changes in the hormone levels. The pregnancy hormone, progesterone, is at its peak levels during pregnancy. This causes the body muscles; intestine muscles in particular to relax, thus making the walls of intestine less efficient in passing the undigested food waste.
• Generally, pregnant females are prescribed to take food supplements especially iron supplements which contribute for constipation.
• The increase in the size of the uterus in order to hold the new one, increases the pressure on the abdomen, causing disturbance in the bowel movements and thus leading to constipation.
• The changed diet plans especially low fiber diets or related foods followed by many women during pregnancy can cause constipation.
• Lack of exercise and being less active is another major reason for constipation.

Constipation during pregnancy is easy to deal, with the following remedies.

• A proper diet including high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and cereals, legumes is one of the best constipation solutions. Also, drinking lots and lots of fluids is recommended, which makes the body well hydrated and gives relief from constipation. Avoid drinking dehydrating fluids like coke, tea, coffee, alcohol as well as foods like rice, bread which cause gases and bloating. Soft stools require lots of water, so be well hydrated. Go for 6 mini meals per day instead of 3 big meals and do not over hog on any foods.
• Regular pregnancy exercises as well pregnancy yoga is what you need to do, to relieve yourself from constipation. Being active, walking, swimming and doing exercises like tai chi or qi gong which are responsible for well-being and good health, can keep constipation at bay.
• Psyllium or ispagula husks or linseeds, which are the seeds from plantain, are effective ayurvedic medicines against constipation. You can buy these from the nearby pharmaceutical shops. Make sure you drink enough fluids along with them and consume these only with doctor's consult.
• You can go in to drink dandelion or mallow tea which is one of the natural remedies for constipation but with prior doctor's consent again.
• Aromatherapy involving addition of oils like sweet orange, lemon, lime to carrier oils and using them while bathing is one of the constipation home remedies. Massaging your belly with soap lather is another natural remedy you can opt for.
• Reflexology including massaging the arches of the feet and taking acupressure treatment can greatly help in relieving constipation.
• Homeopathic medicines prescribed by your doctor, like Nux vomica, Sepia, Lycopodium, Graphites can help prevent constipation in worse cases.
• You can also go in for iron supplements like Floradix (multivitamin preparation) in cases of anemia or iron tablets suitable for the bowel movements. Avoid the use of laxatives since they can affect the baby's health, though prune juice which is a mild laxative can be used.
• Keep a watch on your bathroom timings. Go to the toilet whenever you feel like going. Don't hold on the stool for a long time. Sit, take a deep breath and exhale to relax the pelvic floor muscles. This will help cure constipation.
• You can also use some stool softeners available in the market to relieve constipation.

The best way to prevent constipation during pregnancy is to avoid it. A proper diet coupled with exercises, is the best remedy against constipation. So don't worry and follow the above constipation solutions. You will definitely feel better. In case, the situation worsens, consult your doctor cause it might lead to complicated conditions like hemorrhoids or piles and irritable bowel syndrome. All the best and do take care.