Submitted by: Dr Charles Buchar

Pregnancy a time for great joy, hope, dreams, and, unfortunately all too often, a time for constipation. If you are pregnant and suffering from irregularity, you are not alone. More than half of all pregnant women admit to having trouble with bowel movements on and off throughout their pregnancy.

Even if you have never suffered from irregularity before you are pregnant, be aware that the farther along you are in your pregnancy, the more you are at risk for constipation. This is because, as your pregnancy progresses, your lower intestines become more relaxed and your growing baby puts more pressure on them. Other factors that can contribute to constipation are iron and calcium supplements, less exercise, bed rest, stress, inadequate fluid intake and improper diet.

Avoiding constipation is by far a better option than having to cure it. Make sure that you stay well hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids during the day, and keep water at your bedside at night. Daily intake of high-fiber foods can help to keep your system regular. Good choices for your daily diet are plenty of fresh fruit, juice, roughage, legumes, and unrefined grains such as high-bran cereals, bran muffins and oat meal.

Home Remedies for Constipation during Pregnancy

1.Make sure you are always hydrated and keep drinking plenty of water, juices and fluids. Dehydration is one of the prime reasons of constipation as the body does not have enough water to soften the stool to help it pass through. Drink at least 2 glasses of warm water in the morning empty stomach and move around. You will feel much better as it helps in getting rid of all toxins of the body.

2.Eat lot of fruits that have rich fiber content and are juicy in nature. Oranges, grapes, plums, bananas, etc. are a must. They help in movement of the body waste through the intestines and the bowels and eventually flush them out of the body.

3.While preparing food, mix some ginger powder or try to include it as much as possible in your diet. Ginger aids in digestion and also helps get rid of indigestion, gas, acidity and constipation. Like wise, you can have ginger tea, ginger ale, etc. to provide relief from bloating and constipation.

4.Eat dates on a regular basis. Dates are very helpful in relieving constipation, regulate blood level and provide strength and iron to the body.

Prevention and Treatment of Constipation during Pregnancy

Prevention and treatment of constipation involve much of the same thing. Eat a high fiber diet. Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole grain breads, prunes and bran. Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly with your increase of fiber. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and lots of liquid that best help you eliminate your waste. Sweat, hot/humid climates, and exercise may increase your need for additional fluids. If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for 20-30 minutes each. There are over-the-counter products such as Colace or Metamucil which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce your instances of constipation. Iron supplements may contribute to constipation when the dose is over 30 mg a day. Good nutrition often meets your iron needs altogether. Taking smaller doses of iron over time versus taking it all at once can ease the load of extra iron on your body. Talk to your physician about checking your iron levels and what to do with your iron intake.

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