Constipation Is Rather Common During Pregnancy

It is very common that women experience constipation during pregnancy. Sometimes getting relief from this condition can be rather challenging.

Of course, when you are pregnant you have to be careful what kinds of remedies you use to lessen the discomfort caused by constipation. Fortunately, there are many 100% natural and safe ways to take care of the problem.

There are many factors that cause constipation during pregnancy. Progesterone is one of the major ones. The amount of progesterone increases dramatically during pregnancy. While this hormone causes the release of mucus, it can make harder for food to pass through the digestive system which can cause constipation.

The swelling uterus also presses against the rectum causing constipation. The combination of these two forces often lead to the pain and discomfort associated with constipation which more than 50% of women endure late in their pregnancy.

One should not just lie down and endure the pain. There are several things you can do to mitigate the discomfort of constipation during pregnancy. Staying well hydrated is important. Drink lots of fluids day and night. It will make a huge difference.

Foods with high amount of fiber are also helpful. Since vegetables and fruits contain a lot of fiber, you should eat them daily. Besides, they contain nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for you and your baby. Other great sources of fiber include oat meal, high-bran cereals, and bran muffins.

Besides drinking a lot of water and eating foods with high amount of fiber, many pregnant women have found relief by adding ginger to their diets. Ginger is beneficial for digestion and it helps eliminating gas. For example, ginger ale and ginger tea are great additions to your diet to get relief from constipation.

Try to engage in moderate exercise like walking and swimming at least three times a week for 20 to 30 minutes each times. This helps the intestines to do their job more effectively and efficiently.

There are several over the counter products which help to soften your stool and help to improve bowel movements. Consult your doctor to see if there are particular brands or ingredients you should avoid. Your doctor may also recommend dietary supplements to help keep you healthy and regular.

Even though iron is very important ingredient during pregnancy, surplus of it can also cause constipation. If this is problem for you, discuss with your doctor how to deal with the issue. They may have a solution to adjust your iron intake so that it is not harmful for your baby.

Constipation during pregnancy is a very unpleasant reality for many women. Luckily, there are many natural home remedies for constipation. Drinking a lot of liquids, foods with high amount of fiber, and regular exercise are ways that have helped many pregnant women. If you suffer from constipation when you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about it. They may be able to help you.