Constipation During Pregnancy
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Some moms experience constipation during pregnancy, sounds like a toilet problem, right? But what is the cause of this discomfort? And if it happens to me, when do I expect to happen? How to reduce this annoying symptom of pregnancy?
Apart from the typical discomforts of pregnancy as morning sickness, fatigue, or heartburn, you may also suffer from constipation. But don’t worry, constipation is not something that will affect your baby, it is simply a consequence of changes in your body.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm sure you've experienced at some point in your life a constipation problem, right? If not, it is possible that this pregnancy may be your first time, so be prepared to learn what to do.
What causes constipation?
During pregnancy the increase of the hormone progesterone slows the movement of food through your digestive system, and the muscles in your intestine become relaxed, thus causing constipation. In final stages of your pregnancy the growing uterus presses on your rectum, causing constipation too.So constipation may occur at any time during pregnancy.
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There are other common causes of constipation during pregnancy like:
- The stress and worries. This cause is very common in anyone, even without being pregnant. So, do not worry about anything, relax and eat wisely.
- Iron supplements can cause constipation because they may irritate the bowel. If you need iron, your doctor has to prescribe the exact dose in order to avoid or minimize constipation.
What can be done to reduce constipation?
It is very easy to prevent or reduce constipation during pregnancy. There is a simple formula: fiber, lots of liquid and exercise.
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- Ideally follow a high fiber diet. Try brown rice, wholegrain bread, morning cereals, vegetables, citrus fruits.
Read about: Healthy Pregnancy Diet.
- Drink plenty of fluids, at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. You can drink fruit juices, especially prune juice.
- Practice a low-impact exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga. Practicing an exercise during pregnancy will help you to keep you healthy.
Read about: Pregnancy Exercises.
In some cases constipation during pregnancy can cause a serious problem of hemorrhoids, which could increase the discomfort after delivery. So do not ignore this problem.
Final Thoughts:
Constipation, like any other first sign of pregnancy such as nausea and vomiting, are part of the show to be a mom. So you must be very well prepared to deal with them in order to make your pregnancy more enjoyable.
The best part of this pregnancy problem is that there are natural remedies to minimize its discomfort. You should not forget to include in your diet, fiber and water. And your body has to keep moving, so a good fitness program will definitely help.
Eat lots of foods that are high in fiber every day.
I know that constipation during pregnancy is hard and I was struggling with that problem early in my pregnancy, but once you tackle it, you will feel much more comfortable.
If your constipation is severe and is accompanied with pain, visit your doctor immediately. He will probably recommend a stool softener or magnesium citrate. They don’t make you go, they just make it softer.
See also the following early pregnancy symptoms:
Missed Period | Irregular Menstruation | Heartburn | Frequent Urination | Breast Tenderness | Morning Sickness | Cramping | Fatigue
Return from Constipation During Pregnancy to Early Pregnancy Symptoms Page
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