When you have dry hard stools
that are an ordeal to pass,
you have constipation. Constipation
during pregnancy can start as
early as conception and persist
right through your whole pregnancy.
Believe me it's a tough thing
to deal with more so if you
are lax in your efforts. Due
to hormonal changes, your system
becomes sluggish in expelling
the poo which loses water and
becomes hard.
What
causes constipation during
pregnancy..
• In the first trimester
it is caused by progesterone
which slows down intestinal
activity
• In the later part
of pregnancy the pressure
of your uterus on your intestines
and rectum makes your system
sluggish
• Iron supplement that
you need for anemia has a
constipating effect.
• Stress and tension
contributes to constipation
• You are more susceptible
to constipation if you had
this problem in your prepregnancy
days
• You lead a sedentary
lifestyle
How
can you tell you are constipated..
• If you don't have
bowel movement for several
days in between
• If you feel bloated,
uneasy and fart in excess
• If your stool is hard
and difficult to excrete
• If you feel you have
not emptied your bowels totally
• If you see blood in
your stools
What
you should and should not do
when constipated during pregnancy..
• Drink at least 8 glasses
of water per day; start off
your morning with warm water
if you don't find it nauseating.
• Drink fruit juices,
especially prune juice. Eat
dried fruits, prunes, figs and
apricots in particular
• Abdominal massage is
not advisable and a definite
no-no during pregnancy
•
Avoid empty calorie foods such
as jelly, cakes, ice-cream;
minimize caffeine and fizzy
beverages
• Start your mornings
in a relaxed manner preferably
with a warm beverage or water
whichever you are comfortable
with
• Get plenty of exercises;
walking and swimming are safe
and appropriate during pregnancy
unless advised otherwise by
your doctor
• Get enough fiber from
food especially fruits and vegetables,
cereals (oats and bran. Bran
and water go hand in hand; ensure
you drink sufficient water else
the bran will aggravate your
constipation. Remember the more
fiber you ingest the more fluids
you will need
• Eat fresh and lightly
cooked foods; vegetables and
fruits, high fiber cereals.
Avoid processed and pre-cooked,
instant meals as much as possible
• Don't take any laxatives
without your doctor's okay;
some laxatives may cause painful
contractions of the bowel that
may have repercussions on the
uterus
