Constipation during pregnancy can be a real pain – quite literally. It can cause bloating, pain, and even preterm labor. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of options for constipation relief during pregnancy.
With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find relief from constipation during pregnancy. Just be sure to stay hydrated, eat right, and get some exercise, and you’ll be on your way to feeling better in no time.
Many pregnant women experience constipation at some point, with approximately half of all women suffering from it during pregnancy.
Why do women get constipation in pregnancy?
Progesterone, a pregnancy hormone, has a Relaxing effect on the intestines which then slows the movement of the bowel; causing pregnancy constipation.
A growing fetus needs a lot of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, so pregnant women have high levels of hormones that slow down how quickly food moves through their digestive system. This can cause constipation but also gives the body more time to absorb extra nutrients.
Pregnant women need to up their water intake due to the extra blood volume required for pregnancy, which in turn means that they’ll absorb more water from the bowel than usual. This can lead to a harder, dryer bowel movement and subsequent constipation.
Pregnancy can put a lot of strain on the body, and one way that this manifests is through increased water absorption from the intestines. When food stays in the intestines for too long, the body will absorb more water from the bowel to make up for the extra blood volume that pregnancy requires. This can lead to uncomfortable side effects like bloating and constipation.
All prenatal vitamins contain iron, and as many people know, iron is known to cause constipation. This can be especially inconvenient during pregnancy when going to the bathroom can already be uncomfortable.
Constipation relief during pregnancy:
1. Drink plenty of water every day to keep yourself hydrated and help your body function properly.
2. Eat foods high in fiber to avoid constipation and help with regularity.
3. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially prunes, as they can help with digestive issues.
4. Sip on peppermint tea or water to ease any gas or bloating pains you may experience.
5. Try to manage stress levels as best as you can, as stress can lead to constipation.
6. If necessary, switch to a different brand of prenatal vitamins. Even though all brands have iron, some may be less likely to cause constipation during pregnancy.
7. Make sure you’re getting enough exercise every day. If you don’t normally exercise, start by walking for 10-15 minutes every day. If you already exercise regularly, try changing your routine slightly to see if it has any impact on your bowel activity.
8. Mangosteen juice is known to be great for overall health, and it can also help with bowel mobility. If you’re pregnant, mangosteen is a great fruit to ate to help prevent complications.
9. If you’re pregnant and struggling with constipation, speak to a homeopath about safe homeopathic remedies that can help.
10. Avoid over-the-counter laxatives as they can stimulate uterine contractions, which could lead to a miscarriage or premature labor.
Prevention is key when it comes to constipation – especially for pregnant women. Many of my clients who have taken mangosteen and minerals on a daily basis prior to and during pregnancy have reported back to me that they had a constipation-free pregnancy. Mangosteen can be found in different products, but not all products have the same amount of it. If you’re wondering where to get more information about a high quality mangosteen and mineral product, do your research. There are many articles and reviews online that can help point you in the right direction.
I urge you to read the following message that my seven-week-old son wrote. I have the ability to communicate with babies’ emotions from inside and outside the womb. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did! Please share it with others so that they may be inspired as well.
