5 Ways to Treat Constipation

Constipation is a common problem that occurs during various stages of the pregnancy life cycle. Increasing hormonal levels in your body and the pressure of the growing uterus can trigger constipation and hamper your bowel movements. You must remember not to ignore it at any point of time. Ignoring constipation can cause piles or haemorrhoids. If you find constipation becoming unbearable, consult your doctor. Avoid taking over-the-counter laxatives and herbal products, castor oil or suppositories unless recommended by your doctor. Some of these products may be harmful to the baby or capable of inducing early labour.

Causes

• Hormonal changes

  One major reason why you feel constipated during pregnancy is the hormonal changes during pregnancy. The hormonal changes slow down the digestive process. This slow progess through the intestines, leads to increased water absorption from the intestines by your body. This prevents softening of the stools.

• Nausea or Morning Sickness

  Another reason is irregular eating habits due to nausea or morning sickness. This is more often during the first trimester.

• Increased pressure applied by the growing uterus

• Iron supplements

  Strong iron and calcium supplements with a high absorption factor can cause constipation.

• Other factors that contribute to constipation include less exercise, stress and inadequate fluid intake.

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of constipation are:

• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• A bloated feeling in your stomach

Video on Constipation Relief During Pregnancy

Prevention

You can prevent constipation by trying out the following:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fibre. Including ginger in your diet is a good choice.
• Consume raw fruits and vegetables after washing them thoroughly.
• Drink a lot of liquids apart from water such as vegetable juices, soups, butter milk and fresh fruit juices.
• Eat at regular intervals to prevent gas formation in your stomach.
• If you have a specific pattern for your bowel movements, follow the routine.
• Do not suppress the sensation to pass stools for a long time. This causes the stools to dry up and more difficult to eliminate.
• Start walking as an exercise to simulate the digestive system.
• Avoid keeping your feet in a lowered position in the bathroom when you find it difficult to pass your stools.

Treatment

You can try the following tips to relieve you of constipation:

• Start regulating your eating habits.
• Increase your liquid intake.
• Try and pass your stools whenever you feel the urge to.
• Keep your feet in a slightly raised position in the bathroom. This will open the outlet of the pelvis a little more.