How to get Pregnant » Constipation While Pregnant
Constipation While Pregnant
Constipation is a very uncomfortable situation. Constipation is defined as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. With constipation, stools are usually hard, dry, small in size, and difficult to eliminate. Some people who are constipated find it painful to have a bowel movement and often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel.
Constipation occurs due to a lot of things. There are many causes of constipation. It may be due to insufficient dietary fiber intake, inadequate fluid intake and decreased physical activity. It may also become a complication of pregnancy.
Constipation during pregnancy occurs due to a lot of reasons. Constipation during pregnancy occurs because the whole digestive system is influenced by hormonal changes during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body produces hormones such as progesterone which can slow down the movements of the intestines. Progesterone relaxes muscle and makes the bowel move slowly, making it less able to move food and body wastes. It is important for pregnant women to look after their diet and maintain regular bowel habits to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Having known these facts, what can pregnant women do to avoid the discomforts of constipation?
How to avoid constipation during pregnancy
First, pregnant women should make sure that their diet is rich in fiber and includes plenty of fluid. As a pregnant woman, you should eat high-fiber foods such as cereals, whole-grain breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Add a couple of tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to your cereal in the morning and follow it with a glass of water.
You should also drink plenty of water, at least six to eight glasses a day. A glass of fruit juice every day, especially prune juice, can also be helpful.
You should exercise regularly. Walking, swimming, riding on a stationary bike, and yoga can all help ease constipation and leave you feeling more fit and healthy.
If you already have constipation, you should ask your doctor to shift your iron supplement to that containing less iron or for supplements which contain fiber. .
During Pregnancy