How to Relieve Pregnancy Constipation
There are plenty of uncomfortable topics in the world of pregnancy, not the least of which is constipation. Constipation is a normal symptom of pregnancy. The discomfort of irregular bowel movements comes as a result of hormones, those chemicals causing all kinds of havoc in your body. Hormones can relax your digestive system, allowing your body to absorb everything it can from your food, which can slow down your bowel movements. Many pregnant women experience this discomfort.
Step 1
Drink lots of water. Your doctor has probably talked with you already about how much liquid you need each day. You and your baby need a lot of water to be at your best health. The water will also keep everything hydrated and moving easily. Keep water with you all the time and sip on it throughout the day.
Step 2
Introduce a fiber-rich food into every meal. Fibrous foods encourage good digestion and movement in the bowels. Include them one at a time rather than all at once. If you enjoy rice, use brown rice. If you eat potatoes, include the skin. Swap your white bread with whole wheat bread. Start snacking on apples, pears and other fruits with fibrous skins.
Step 3
Exercise every day. Even if it is something small, include some kind of exercise in every day. Getting your body moving will help the internal process keep moving, too. Participate in a group exercise class, do a full workout or simply go for a walk around the block. While your pregnant body needs plenty of rest, too much sitting can lead to constipation.
Step 4
Ask your doctor about medicine changes. If you are talking iron supplements, your doctor may be able to change those to something less prohibitive. He can also prescribe or recommend medicine that can help relieve some of your discomfort.
