Constipation during pregnancy – What to do about it?

 Pregnancy causes several changes in your body. In such a situation, constipation is common during pregnancy for many different reasons. Often, it is one of the symptoms of pregnancy for expecting mothers.

In some instances, constipation affects baby movement, which is a rare experience, but mostly mothers experience infrequent or uncomfortable bowel movements due to constipation. If you experience these, don’t worry. It is a very common thing during pregnancy and for different reasons.

In this article, we will go through some of the causes of constipation during pregnancy, explaining why it can potentially happen to any expecting mother. Also, we will be taking you through specific preventive measures you should take to avoid constipation during pregnancy. Let’s discuss these in detail in the sections below –

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Why does pregnancy constipation happen?

Constipation can happen to anyone and at any time in life, but it may be more problematic during the later stages of pregnancy, probably in the third trimester. The potential reasons for constipation during pregnancy include :

Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, the increasing levels of progesterone hormones can cause your body and intestinal muscles to relax and slow down. As the muscles tend to relax, the process of digestion in the body also tends to slow down. This situation leads to slower movement of food through the digestive tract, which can become a reason for constipation during pregnancy in women.

As the embryo grows bigger and exerts pressure on the uterus walls, which happens in the later stages of pregnancy, the passage along the rectum may become constricted. This constriction prevents the bowel from regulating body waste smoothly, usually among the major causes of Pregnancy Constipation in women.

Sudden changes in diet

Pregnancy constipation can also happen due to a sudden change in the diet of pregnant women as they need to modify their diet for better development of the fetus. Moreover, if the mother does not take fiber in sufficient quantity, that can also lead to constipation during pregnancy.

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Reduce appetite and morning sickness

Frequent morning sickness can directly affect the expecting mother and make it difficult for them to follow their diet and even stay hydrated properly. It also affects the appetite negatively and makes the expectant mother feel nauseous and tired.

How to prevent constipation during pregnancy?

Stay hydrated:

One of the most important precautions you can take to prevent constipation during pregnancy is to stay hydrated. Try to double your water intake and drink at least eight glasses of water every day. It will help to keep stools soft and ensure that solids keep moving throughout your digestive tract. Staying hydrated will also help you to increase your fluid intake and regulate your blood volume more effectively.

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Though staying hydrated is essential for everyone, it is incredibly crucial during your pregnancy. If you drink enough water every day, you will likely notice that your constipation problems will reduce drastically. Therefore, make sure to take enough fluids and drink sufficient water.

Eat fiber-rich food:

Fiber helps to ease your bowel movements and improve overall regularity. To increase your fiber intake, you can rely on fruits and vegetables, including beans and some grains. Moreover, prune juice is also considered an excellent source of rich nutrients, and you may find it helpful to use it as a natural laxative. So, make sure to include it in your diet and follow the same every day to help prevent the problem of constipation.

Exercising frequently:

Lack of body movements is often the reason for constipation during pregnancy. On the other hand, frequent exercising is linked to better regulation of bowel movements. Since pregnancy is a sensitive time, this does not necessarily have to be a good workout session. Even a few simple and light exercises can improve your bowel movement and functioning.

For instance, you can walk around your neighborhood or get in more steps at your work or home whenever it feels comfortable. Anything that moves your body is an excellent option to exercise for your overall health during your pregnancy.

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Although being a common phenomenon during pregnancy, constipation may result in complex health problems. Moreover, avoiding constipation because of pregnancy and taking it casually might not be a sensible decision. Always talk to your healthcare provider or doctor and make the suggested lifestyle changes upon their feedback. Make it a note to mention everything you experience to your doctor. Remember, you need to take special care of yourself during such a sensitive time without even the smallest compromise in your healthcare!

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