Natural Remedies For Constipation In Pregnant Women

Constipation, which can be very uncomfortable and even cause hemorrhoids, is a common problem during pregnancy. Pregnant women suffer from constipation partly due to the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the muscles in the intestinal tract and leads to slowed bowel movements. Taking medications to ease constipation may not be recommended and can affect your unborn baby. However, you can ease and prevent constipation with natural remedies that also have other health benefits for you.

Fiber

Consuming a fiber-rich diet can help reduce or prevent constipation. Your body cannot digest fiber, and the fiber absorbs water as it travels through your digestive system. Fiber helps increase and soften fecal bulk, improving your bowel movement. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommends you consume at least 25 g of fiber every day. Build your diet around fiber-rich vegetables, fruits and whole grains, such as beans, peas, broccoli, carrots, lentils, cereal and brown rice. These foods also are high in essential vitamins and minerals and a great addition to your pregnancy diet.

Fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids keeps you hydrated during pregnancy as well as helps relieve constipation. Elisabet Somer, registered nurse and author of “Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy,” recommends you drink at least eight large glasses of water every day. Increase your intake if you exercise or live in a hot and humid climate. Fluids are especially important to promote the effect of fiber. Without adequate amount of fluids, fiber cannot absorb enough water to help eliminate fecal bulk. Water is the best fluid during pregnancy, but you also can drink low-fat milk and pasteurized juice.

Exercise

Lack of exercise and being inactive can worsen constipation. Regular exercise helps improve your bowel function and prevent constipation because it helps move fecal bulk along your intestinal tract. Exercise also is recommended for healthy women during pregnancy because it improves your endurance and health. Try to do light- or moderate-intensity exercises such as swimming, walking and yoga at least three times a week.

Iron

Iron supplementation often is recommended during pregnancy. However, iron supplements can cause or worsen your constipation. A healthy diet usually is enough to provide you enough iron and, thus, taking supplements may not be necessary. Ask your doctor to do a blood test to check your iron levels and discuss whether you should take an iron supplement. Many prenatal vitamins that contain your daily dose of iron also contain a stool softener that helps prevent constipation due to iron.

Considerations

Taking laxative pills for constipation when you are pregnant is not recommended because they might stimulate uterine contractions and lead to dehydration. Also avoid mineral oil that can reduce nutrient absorption. If you feel natural remedies are not enough to ease constipation, talk to your doctor about a safe and effective way to treat it.