- Drink plenty of fluids. Water is a good choice. Prune juice also can help.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Being active can help prevent pregnancy constipation.
- Include more fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Momjunction.com
1. Lemon...can help to induce bowel contractions...
2. Water...enables easy bowel movements...
3. Citrus fruits (oranges)...contain high fiber...
4. Ispaghula husks (psyllium)...is an excellent source of dietary fiber...
5. Flaxseeds...
6. Massage...
7. Reflexology...
8. Acupressure...
Learn More...Parentinghealthybabies.com
1. Lime and honey...drink this every morning to relieve constipation...
2. Molasses...are good laxatives...
3. Aloe vera...can cool down your digestive system...
4. Olive oil and lemon...
5. Epsom salts...
6. Eat green salad...
7. Dandelions...
8. Bacteria...
Learn More...Medicalnewstoday.com
1. Fiber...taking fiber supplements can increase the number of stools...
2. Fluid...drinking enough water is important to keep stool soft and easy to pass...
3. Activity...being active helps stool move through the intestines...
4. Probiotics...probiotics may help repopulate the gut bacteria with healthy strains...
Learn More...What are some remedies for constipation during pregnancy?
What Helps Constipation While Pregnant?
- Fiber-rich foods. Fiber bulks up the material in your digestive tract and helps to move it through.
- Magnesium. Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies need to function—it regulates contraction of all of our muscles, plus plays a role in releasing the bowel.
- Cod liver oil. ...
- Coconut oil. ...
- Lots of water. ...
- Warm liquids. ...
- Moderate exercise. ...
What stool softener is safe during pregnancy?
What remedies should not be used for constipation during pregnancy?
- Laxatives. Laxative pills are NOT suggested for the treatment of stoppage during pregnancy since they may invigorate uterine compressions and cause parchedness.
- Stool conditioners. Stool conditioners add water to the stool to help make it milder and increasingly agreeable to pass.
- Oil purgatives. ...
- Osmotic diuretics. ...
What is the best thing to eat during pregnancy?
- Low-fat milk. You need 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day during pregnancy to support your baby’s growing bones and teeth, as well as keep your circulatory, muscular and nervous systems ...
- Ginger tea. ...
- Seltzer. ...
- Fruit and veggie smoothies. ...
How to cure constipation in pregnancy?
- Incorporate more fiber into your diet by adding new dishes you may not have tried in the past. ...
- Consider swapping what you already eat for more fiber-rich dupes. Some easy swaps to incorporate more fiber can be switching from white to whole grain breads, white rice to brown ...
- Start food prepping for the week (or longer). ...
Constipation and pregnancy: why?!
If you’ve already bought the classic children’s book Everybody Poops for your new little one, you may be feeling the irony that this new little one is the reason you can’t currently poop.
Is constipation a sign of pregnancy?
If you’re feeling constipated, but it’s not quite time to pee on a stick to see if you’re pregnant, you may be looking for early signs of conception. But constipation isn’t the sign you’re looking for.
Symptoms and Causes
Hormone changes in your body during pregnancy and your daily habits can increase your chances of constipation. Causes for constipation during pregnancy include:
Diagnosis and Tests
Your healthcare provider may ask you how much you’re pooping and what your stools look like. Other questions about your daily habits can help your provider find out what’s likely causing your constipation or making it worse. Your provider may ask:
Management and Treatment
You can’t stop pregnancy hormones from making it harder for you to poop, but you can make other changes that can help.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of becoming constipated by doing the same things you would do to manage constipation. Pay attention to how much fiber you’re eating and fluids you’re drinking. Schedule exercise that feels doable for you. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and light aerobics are all good options to keep your bowel active.
Living With
Reach out to your provider if you’ve been constipated for longer than a few weeks. Don’t dread trips to the bathroom when your provider can help you. Be sure to get your provider’s OK on any medication you take when you’re pregnant. This includes fiber supplements and laxatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All the pressure that builds up in your belly because of constipation may make you worry for your baby. But don’t stress. Constipation may be unpleasant for you, but it won’t harm your baby.
What causes constipation during pregnancy?
In general, worry, anxiety, minimal physical exercise, and a low-fiber diet may cause constipation. Constipation during pregnancy is due to the increase in progesterone hormones that relax the intestinal muscle causing food and waste to move slower through your system.
How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy?
Prevention and treatment of constipation involve many of the same steps.
What remedies should not be used for constipation during pregnancy?
Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or a laxative or stool softener.
Is constipation during pregnancy ever serious?
Usually not, but occasionally constipation during pregnancy can be a symptom of another problem. If you have severe constipation that’s accompanied by abdominal pain, alternates with diarrhea, or you pass mucus or blood, call your doctor or midwife immediately.
What is the best way to help with constipation?
2 These natural sources will help your bowel movements be more regular. You might find it helpful to use prune juice as a natural laxative, should you already be experiencing problems with constipation.
How to get rid of bowels?
Exercise More. Exercise is known for helping to keep your bowels moving regularly. 3 This does not have to be an aerobics class or running several miles. Simply adding more movement to your day can improve your bowel functions. This can be walking around the neighborhood, or getting in more steps at work.
How to keep your bowels moving?
While these measures might not work for everyone, many people find that regular maintenance helps keep their bowels moving. Simply drinking enough water each day can help make your bowel movements more frequent and easier to pass. 2 Staying hydrated is important for everyone, particularly in pregnancy.
Can too much calcium cause constipation?
Too much calcium can cause constipation. 4 Calcium is found in many foods and supplements, particularly dairy products. If you overdo it on the milk and cheese, you might find your bowels get backed up. Food sensitivities can sometimes contribute to constipation.
Can iron cause constipation?
Some medications can increase the likelihood that you will have constipation. One big culprit in pregnancy can be iron-laden prenatal vitamins, which are often given to help prevent anemia. If you are having issues with the vitamins, ask your provider if you can switch.
Can you take fiber pills while pregnant?
Before you got pregnant, you might have used fiber pills and laxatives to help relieve the painful symptoms of constipation. However, these medications are not always safe or effective if you are pregnant. 2 Ask your health care provider what the safest option is for you.
Can constipation cause bleeding?
Constipation can have other side effects. Some people who have constipation will develop hemorrhoids, which are swollen blood vessels in the rectum which can be very uncomfortable (if they cause pain, itching, or bleeding).
What foods help with constipation during pregnancy?
Watermelon, high-fibre foods, magnesium supplements, lemon, water, oranges, prune juice, chia seeds, flax seeds, berries, kiwis, pears, beans, cereal, apples, guava and spinach are some of the foods that relieve constipation in pregnancy. Many women have constipation before they get pregnant, but with the increase in hormones and pressure ...
How to get rid of constipation while pregnant?
All you need to do is have prune juice, four to six times in a day to leave constipation and soften the stool. If the concentrated taste of the prune juice is too strong for you, they mix it with a bit of water and add a slice of lemon. Read More: yoga for constipation during pregnancy.
How to soften hard stool?
Water. The best way to soften something of this to add water great well in the case of our stool it is quite a true drinking around eight to ten glasses of water a day will help you get the required amount of water in your system and help you keep constipation in check. Drinking the right amount of fluid not only softens hard stool it also ensures ...
What are some good foods to eat to help with bowel movements?
Spinach and other greens. Greens such as spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli are not only rich in fiber but also great sources of vitamin c, vitamin k and folate. These greens help add bulk and weight to stools, which makes them easier to pass through the gut.
What to do when you have constipation?
Add beans to stews, soups, curries and salads to increase your intake of fiber. You could also sit down to a plate of baked beans on toast – but make sure the toast is on whole-meal bread because white bread could actually make your constipation worse.
What are some good foods to eat to help with constipation?
Dried fruits. Dried fruits are full of fiber, and a great way to relieve constipation. Raisins, apricots, pineapple, prunes, dates and figs are all full of dietary fiber. Snack on dried fruits throughout the day.
Can flax seed oil help with constipation?
Alternatively, you can also consider using flaxseed oil.
What are the other medications that are safe to take while pregnant?
If you want to know about the safety of any other meds, contact your doctor. Colace ( docusate sodium) Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil) Metamucil ( psyllium) Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) Miralax (polyethylene glycol) Check with your doctor before taking any medicines during your pregnancy. Be especially cautious in the first trimester, ...
Can you take constipation pills while pregnant?
Safe OTC Constipation Treatments to Use During Pregnancy. These over-the-counter constipation meds have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when you take them according to the package directions. If you want to know about the safety of any other meds, contact your doctor.
RED RASPBERRIES
Red Raspberries have 8 grams of fiber per cup. Enjoy them on their own or in salads, smoothies, yogurt, and cereal. Red raspberries also contain loads of vitamin C, which helps your immune system. Frozen raspberries are perfect for smoothies and retain most of their nutrients during the freezing process.
GREEN PEAS
Green peas have 9 grams of fiber per cup. Enjoy them in soups and stews or added to marinara sauce or salads. They also contain vitamin C and potassium, which are needed for both mom and baby! Whether you eat frozen, canned, or fresh green peas, you’ll get the beneficial nutrients. Just make sure to rinse off any excess salt in canned green peas.
PEARS
Pears have 5.5 grams of fiber for 1 medium size pear. Pears are surprisingly rich in folate and are a good source of antioxidants. They taste great on their own, in oatmeal, yogurt, cottage cheese, and even diced and sautéed in coconut oil and cinnamon. Wash thoroughly in warm water and vinegar.
LENTILS
One cup of cooked lentils has a whopping 15.5 grams of fiber! Lentils are definitely a “superfood,” providing mom and baby with B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, all of which are needed for a healthy pregnancy. Add lentils to soups, stews, and salads. Try our veggie lentil soup from our e-book, Feel Good Food for a Healthy Pregnancy.
BLACK BEANS
One cup of black beans has 15 grams of fiber. Black beans also contain antioxidants and protein. Enjoy beans in tacos, soups, chili, stews, salads, with rice, or made into a hummus-like dip for veggies. Canned beans are nutritious and convenient, just make sure to rinse off excess sodium.
BROCCOLI
Cooked broccoli has about 5 grams of fiber per 1 cup. It also contains iron and calcium, which are needed for healthy cells and bones, respectively. There are so many delicious ways to use broccoli.
WHOLE WHEAT SPAGHETTI
One cup of cooked whole-wheat spaghetti has 6 grams of fiber. Pasta has endless pasta-bilities! Add any sauce that you enjoy. We have delicious, quick, and nutritious Bolognese, pesto, and marinara sauces in our e-book. Add broccoli and some beans and you have yourself a dish packed with fiber.
How to slow down bowel movement?
Instead of having big meals, try to spread out smaller meals in a day. Large meals may slow down bowel transit times and keep food in your digestive tract longer.
How much water should I drink to increase stool?
Aim to consume a minimum of 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. This, combined with a daily intake of 20-35 grams of fiber, can increase stool frequency, especially if you’re experiencing chronic constipation. (13)
Can prenatal vitamins cause constipation?
Taking calcium or iron supplements, prenatal vitamins with these minerals, or using antacids with aluminum or allergy drugs may include constipation as one of their side effects. (3) (Note that aluminum can be toxic, so try to avoid aluminum-containing antacids and medications, especially during pregnancy.