What to Take for Constipation During Pregnancy

Pregnancy, though a beautiful time for a woman's mind is equally tough and demanding for her body. During this time, a woman's body undergoes an array of physical changes, most of which are unpleasing and uncomfortable. Constipation is one such side effect of being pregnant, which affects at least half of the pregnant women. Although, this isn't necessarily a cause of concern, it can surely affect the quality of life of a woman. The reason why constipation can become a big headache during pregnancy is that you cannot use the common laxatives or over the counter medications for constipation. In this article, we have suggested a few safe remedies for constipation in pregnancy.

What Causes Constipation in Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones such as progesterone can be easily blamed for the lack of regular bowel movement. Progesterone slows down the digestive system to ensure that maximum nutrients are absorbed for the nourishment of the fetus. As a result, food moves slowly through the stomach and into the intestines. Thus, you may have fewer or labored bowel movements.

Growing fetus may become a cause of constipation in the later stages of pregnancy. The growing baby pushes the stomach and intestines of her mother, thereby affecting their function. It also puts a lot of pressure on the rectum, which results in constipation.

Prenatal Vitamins which have a lot of iron in them can also contribute to constipation. However, cutting them altogether without consulting your OB/GYN is not recommended. Your body needs iron for better nourishment of the baby during late pregnancy.

Excess water absorption by the intestines also adds to your bowel woes. Water is required to make stool soft and easier to pass. Less water results in dry, hard stool which cannot be passed easily and on a regular basis.

What to Take for Constipation During Pregnancy

Laxatives are not recommended during pregnancy for the risk of preterm labor. Similarly, over the counter stool softeners such as magnesium citrate, milk of magnesia must be taken with caution and under medical supervision. Instead of taking medications to resolve the problem of constipation, one can benefit more from making necessary dietary and lifestyle changes.

Eat High Fiber Foods
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables provides constipation relief during pregnancy to a great extent. Broccoli, beans, cauliflower, cabbage are some high fiber vegetables that you should include in your diet. Whole grain bread, cereals, wheat bran are other things to include in your daily diet. However, if your body is not used to high fiber diet, do not introduce all the fiber rich foods at once. Alter your existing diet slightly to include a high fiber food. Besides, do not go overboard with fiber diet as it will only leave you bloated.

Drink Lots of Water
Drinking at least 8 to 10, eight ounce glasses every day keeps your stool soft and regulates your bowel movement. However, at the same time decrease your intake of caffeine beverages as they tend to dehydrate you, which in turn affects your bowel movement.

Try Hot and Cold Therapy
Drinking or eating hot and cold foods is believed to stimulate bowel movement and thereby reduce constipation. Try drinking a glass of chilled orange juice followed by a cup of hot tea. This should kick start your bowel movement.

Switch Prenatal Vitamins
As mentioned above, iron content in prenatal vitamins contributes to constipation. Although, it is not recommended to give up on prenatal vitamins, especially during late pregnancy, you can certainly consult your doctor regarding replacement vitamins. Pediatric vitamins work just as fine as prenatal vitamins during the first trimester. After your bowel movement has been regularized, you can go back to taking prenatal vitamins.

Exercise
Exercising during pregnancy benefits you in more ways than one. A simple walking exercise can regularize your bowel movement. However, before starting any exercise, it is important to consult your OB/GYN.

Thus, it is very much possible to reduce discomfort due to constipation while you are pregnant. A lighter stomach may actually alleviate many of your pregnancy related woes.