Constipation During Pregnancy
Safe Methods to Keep Your Body Regular While You are Pregnant
It is rare to find an expectant mother who is not suffering from constipation. Not only do your intestines become compressed as the baby takes up more and more space, but the hormone progesterone causes the smooth muscle tissue to relax. This can cause the waste to remain in the intestines longer and absorb even more fluid, making bowel movements harder to pass. Thus the result is often chronic constipation during pregnancy for many moms-to-be.
Adding Fiber-Rich Foods, Fluids and Exercise Can Help You Stay Regular
Sometimes the easiest solutions to your constipation woes are the most natural. There is a growing market of products available on the market that are high in fiber, including cereals, cereal bars and breads. Don't forget that some of the best high fiber foods to keep you regular include whole grains, fresh fruits such as pears and raspberries, vegetables such as artichokes and broccoli and legumes such as peas, lentils and beans. These are only some of the many nutritious high fiber foods to add to your healthy pregnancy diet.
How much water are you drinking? To help prevent constipation, try to drink at least 48-64 ounces of fluid each day. The majority of your fluid intake should be water and the rest can be other fluids such as juices, decaf coffee or tea.
Regular exercise is a helpful way to keep your body regular. Getting outside and talking a brisk walk several times a week or even a short walk daily can help prevent and relieve constipation.
Fiber Supplements are Safe to Use for Constipation Relief
In most cases, adding fiber supplements, such as Metamucil and Citrocel, to your diet during pregnancy should be safe. Be sure to take these supplements with plenty of water.
Mild Laxatives and Stool Softeners May Also Be Used During Pregnancy
Most care providers recommend that mild laxatives can be used. These include medications such as stool softeners and Milk of Magnesia. Stool softeners help to make stool easier to pass but generally do not contain harsh chemicals or stimulants. (It is always recommended to read ingredients labels just to be sure!)
Milk of Magnesia is a treatment for heartburn as well as constipation. It contains magnesium which helps to increase fluid in the intestines and decrease stomach acid. Your provider can give you safe dosages on both stool softeners and Milk of Magnesia.
Laxatives Containing Stimulants Should be Avoided
It might be tempting to find relief from constipation by turning to harsh laxatives since they work rather quickly and effectively. However over time and with regular use (as much as 3 times a week), these harsh stimulants can cause nerve damage in the colon so that it cannot work properly. Eating high fiber foods and adding fiber supplements will be healthier for you and for you baby during pregnancy.
Have you experienced constipation during pregnancy? What has worked for you?
High Fiber Foods to Treat Constipation
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