Constipation and pregnancy
I was really bothered by this before. The first time it happened was arduous. But as my bump gets bigger, constipation isn't too bad compared to what I experienced before.
Constipation is very common among pregnant women. It is caused by too much worry, anxiety, minimal physical exercise, and a low-fiber diet.
Here are the few things that may help prevent the occurrence of constipation and it's treatment if you are experiencing it now :
Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole grain breads, prunes and bran. Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly with your increase of fiber. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and lots of liquid that best help you eliminate your waste. Sweat, hot/humid climates, and exercise may increase your need for additional fluids. Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for 20-30 minutes each.
Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil (Catergory B) which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications.
Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy. Taking smaller doses of iron throught the day rather than taking it all at once can reduce constipation. Talk to your health care provider about checking your iron levels and recommendations to manage iron intake during pregnancy. source
Constipation is very common among pregnant women. It is caused by too much worry, anxiety, minimal physical exercise, and a low-fiber diet.
Here are the few things that may help prevent the occurrence of constipation and it's treatment if you are experiencing it now :
Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole grain breads, prunes and bran. Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly with your increase of fiber. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and lots of liquid that best help you eliminate your waste. Sweat, hot/humid climates, and exercise may increase your need for additional fluids. Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for 20-30 minutes each.
Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil (Catergory B) which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications.
Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy. Taking smaller doses of iron throught the day rather than taking it all at once can reduce constipation. Talk to your health care provider about checking your iron levels and recommendations to manage iron intake during pregnancy. source
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