What causes constipation in pregnancy? The pregnancy hormone progesterone unwinds and decreases the motion of food through your intestines. Constipation is common in pregnancy, but you’re most likely to suffer it if you:
- Are usually vulnerable to constipation, particularly if you do not drink enough fluid.
- Have pregnancy sickness and are having a hard time to eat as much as typical.
- Have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Anaemia might contribute to your constipation. And some iron tablets used to treat anaemia might make constipation even worse.
If you do not work out much, your entire system will be sluggish. As your pregnancy advances, and your baby grows, the pressure he places on your pelvic area makes constipation more likely.
If you have severe constipation and have to strain to poo, it increases your risk of developing stacks (haemorrhoids). Continuing to be constipated can make stacks even worse, so the earlier you deal with constipation, the better.
By Cathy Wong, ND – Reviewed by a board-certified physician.
Which Remedies Can Relieve Pregnancy Constipation?
Pregnancy constipation is a common problem. In a lot of cases, constipation is activated by pregnancy-related hormone changes. Pregnancy constipation might also take place as a result of the uterus putting pressure on the intestinal tract or rectum.
Early Pregnancy Constipation
Pregnancy constipation might be specifically common during the first trimester. In these first three months of pregnancy, women have the tendency to experience an increase in levels of a hormone called progesterone.
Changes in progesterone levels might slow the rate at which food passes through the digestive tract and, in turn, increase risk of constipation.
Eliminate Pregnancy Constipation with Natural Remedies
Here’s a look at the science behind natural remedies to ease pregnancy constipation:
Fiber
Fiber might work in the treatment of pregnancy constipation, according to a 2004 research review from Current Gastroenterology Reports. Measuring the offered research on pregnancy-related constipation, the evaluation’s authors discovered that using food or supplements to increase fiber intake appears to provide constipation relief.
There are two primary types of fiber: insoluble fiber (which provides stools bulk and makes them simpler to pass) and soluble fiber (which liquified in water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines). Considering that insoluble fiber might be particularly useful in treating pregnancy constipation, consider increasing your consumption of insoluble-fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, wheat bran and flaxseed.
When it comes to selecting a fiber supplement, certain fiber sources might be particularly effective. In a 2001 report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, for instance, researchers kept in mind that supplements containing bran or wheat fiber were most likely to minimize pregnancy constipation.
While popular fiber supplements such as Metamucil ® contain psyllium husk, little is learnt about the safety and efficiency of using psyllium husk for pregnancy constipation.
To reduce your risk of bloating and gas, make certain to increase your fiber intake slowly. It’s also important to drink plenty of water when following a high-fiber diet. Individuals on a gluten-free diet must try to find gluten-free foods, such as wild rice, flaxseeds, gluten-free oatmeal, quinoa, lentils or amaranth.
Senna
In the 2004 research review from Current Gastroenterology Reports, the authors noted that senna may also help treat pregnancy constipation. A plant found in supplements and tea, senna consists of anthraquinones (compounds that function as effective laxatives).
Senna may cause a number of side effects, such as intense cramping and nausea. In addition, senna ought to be prevented by individuals with heart conditions and digestive conditions (consisting of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease). Talk with your doctor before using senna for pregnancy constipation.
Herbs for Pregnancy Constipation
Some research shows that particular herbs (such as cascara sagrada, rhubarb and aloe) might help relieve constipation.
However, there is currently an absence of research studies evaluating the safety and impacts of these herbs on women with pregnancy constipation.
Using Natural Remedies for Pregnancy
Due to the minimal research on the safety of supplements during pregnancy, it’s prematurely to suggest herbal supplements for pregnancy constipation.
Pregnant women may likewise have the ability to secure versus constipation by getting routine workout and drinking a lot of water. In order to treat pregnancy constipation safely and successfully, it’s essential that you consult your doctor prior to using any natural remedies. Self-treating and preventing or postponing basic care can have serious repercussions.
How Can I Avoid Constipation?
Eat a high-fibre diet which contains great deals of wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread and fruit and vegetables. This will offer you with roughage to assist your digestion. You ought to likewise drink at least 1.5 litres (2.6 pints) of water every day.
Do not rely on taking bran to avoid constipation, unless you likewise drink a lot more fluids. Without additional water, bran will bulk up your poo, making it hard and less able to pass along your intestines. Large quantities of bran may also interfere with your body’s capability to absorb specific nutrients from your food.
Remaining active and working out will help to prevent constipation. Walking, swimming or aquanatal classes, mild cycling on an exercise bike, or pregnancy workout classes can all help.
Cut out beverages that make you wee more frequently, such as tea, coffee, and soda. These diuretics might dehydrate you and make your constipation even worse.
