Pregnancy – Constipation Problems
Pregnancy comes as a package; there are joyous fills of dreams, hopes and inner glow but a fair share of clumsiness, excessive salivation and constipation. Most moms to be suffer from troublesome bowel movements through various phases of pregnancy. Signs of being constipated range from hard and difficult to excrete stools to abdominal pain and blood in stools.
Constipation During First Trimester Pregnancy
In the first trimester of pregnancy there is a heavy secretion of hormones, these hormones are essential to regulate the pregnancy but excessive secretion of certain hormones like Progesterone, slows down the intestinal movements. It relaxes the muscles of the intestinal walls resulting in slowing down of bodily wastes. Many women have a low appetite in the first trimester due to nausea and morning sickness which leads to gas formation which eventually steers to constipation.
Towards the final trimesters the developing foetus enlarges the uterus which exerts pressure on the intestine, slowing the movement of faeces. Another common cause for constipation is retention of excessive water by the body; consequently, there is insufficient water to soften the stool, resulting in constipation. Iron supplements are a common cause of constipation and the intensity depends on the type of supplement taken. Vitamin and calcium supplements also aggravate constipation. Lack of exercise, excessive bed rest, inadequate fluid intake, stress and tension could also give rise to constipation.
Constipation During Pregnancy – Remedies
Remedies can range from simple home-made solutions to prescribed laxatives depending on the intensity. Staying hydrated is the key, not just water other liquids like vegetable juices or soups, fresh fruit juices and buttermilk can be included in the diet. A warm beverage or water, whichever is comfortable should be had first thing in the morning. Indulge in loads of fresh fruits and vegetables but do avoid fruits like apple or pomegranate as they aggravate the condition. Maintain a high fiber diet by including roughage, oat meal, cereals and legumes in most meals. Refined or processed white flour products, potatoes, white rice, empty calorie foods such as jelly, cakes and ice-cream are a complete no no. It’s good to maintain a daily diet of having several small meals rather than having three big meals, take time while eating and chew the food well. It’s great to make exercise a part of the daily regime, walking or swimming for about 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week will help digestion. Moreover it instigates overall fitness and well being during the pregnancy phase.
If constipation turns severe and is accompanied by abdominal pain and blood in stools turn to medical advice. Keeping a check on the daily diet and maintaining a good regime can ward off complex constipation. Constipation is a little hurdle in the beautiful journey of pregnancy, but with a little care and diet control it can be almost completely overcome.
