It’s one of the most common complaints in pregnancy. The most regular of women can suddenly find themselves all stopped up. It’s extremely uncomfortable, even downright painful sometimes. Constipation during pregnancy is caused by the hormone progesterone which slows digestion, and is often made worse by all the iron in your prenatal vitamins. Fortunately there are some things you can do to help with constipation that are completely safe for you and your baby.
- * First of all, talk to your doctor about your prenatal vitamin. It may have more iron than you need. There are many different supplements out there and they are not all the same. Your doctor may even switch you over to a children’s vitamin that has less iron if your constipation is too severe.
- * Add fiber to your diet. You can do this by eating more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Bran muffins are delicious and a great way to get more fiber. You can also use fiber supplement powder when you cook to add fiber to all of your meals.
- * Increase you water intake. Eight glasses a day is great, but some pregnant women may need ten glasses. Remember that your body is using up a lot of water to increase your blood volume by up to fifty percent by the end of your pregnancy!
- * Drink a glass of prune juice or apple juice once per day. Prune juice is famous for easing constipation – just don’t drink too much!
- * Get moving! Exercise can help relieve constipation. Try going for a walk every day or doing some light aerobic exercise with a prenatal workout DVD.
- * If you feel like you need to use the bathroom, do so right away. Waiting until later might make the problem worse. You may just have to get over your fear of clearing out the public restroom.
- * Don’t strain. You could give yourself a hemorrhoid or worse. If you are desperate and in serious pain, contact your doctor right away.