Constipation is only second to morning sickness as one of the most common ailments that cause distress among pregnant women. The main causes being:
1. Increased progesterone levels relax the intestinal walls that cause food to move slowly.
2. Increasing size/weight of the uterus puts pressure on the stomach/intestine.
3. More fluid gets absorbed from the intestines leading to dry stools.
4. Iron and calcium supplements also lead to constipation. Ask your doctor for a different prescription if none of the remedies work.
5. Reduced physical activity also leads to a sluggish bowel activity.
While it cannot be completely done away with, keeping constipation under control is necessary as it can lead to hemorrhoids (piles). While moderate exercise, increasing fiber(roughage) intake and drinking 8 glasses of water a day definitely helps, some mild laxatives( like pysllium husk or isabgol ) might be prescribed by a doctor for more severe cases.
While I suffered from constipation during pregnancy, it was kept under control with one of the following home remedies:
1. Drinking a glass of warm milk at night. (Tried by me)
2. Drinking a glass of warm water mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice first thing in the morning. (Tried by me)
3. Guava is loaded with minerals and a whole lot of fiber. Chew on some.
4. A nice warm soup with lots of carrots, cabbage and celery is sure to ease your bowels.
5. A handful of oilseeds + nuts is a good way to go. It not only provides useful Omega acids but also a lot of fiber. Try a combo of 1 tsp flaxseed + 7-8 almonds + 4-5 walnuts. (Tried by me)
1. Increased progesterone levels relax the intestinal walls that cause food to move slowly.
2. Increasing size/weight of the uterus puts pressure on the stomach/intestine.
3. More fluid gets absorbed from the intestines leading to dry stools.
4. Iron and calcium supplements also lead to constipation. Ask your doctor for a different prescription if none of the remedies work.
5. Reduced physical activity also leads to a sluggish bowel activity.
While it cannot be completely done away with, keeping constipation under control is necessary as it can lead to hemorrhoids (piles). While moderate exercise, increasing fiber(roughage) intake and drinking 8 glasses of water a day definitely helps, some mild laxatives( like pysllium husk or isabgol ) might be prescribed by a doctor for more severe cases.
While I suffered from constipation during pregnancy, it was kept under control with one of the following home remedies:
1. Drinking a glass of warm milk at night. (Tried by me)
2. Drinking a glass of warm water mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice first thing in the morning. (Tried by me)
3. Guava is loaded with minerals and a whole lot of fiber. Chew on some.
4. A nice warm soup with lots of carrots, cabbage and celery is sure to ease your bowels.
5. A handful of oilseeds + nuts is a good way to go. It not only provides useful Omega acids but also a lot of fiber. Try a combo of 1 tsp flaxseed + 7-8 almonds + 4-5 walnuts. (Tried by me)
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