Constipation during pregnancy

Constipation in pregnancy is a common symptom that most pregnant women go through at some point. You're on the right track!

Causes of pregnancy constipation

🧻Hormone surge

During pregnancy, an increased amount of progesterone relaxes muscles throughout the body, including the digestive tract.🤗 Food moves through the intestines very slowly.🐢 

🧻Dehydration

Your blood vessels dilate so they can hold more fluid than usual by the time you deliver.🌊 As your body requires more fluid, your body may have symptoms of dehydration, including constipation🚽 and headaches.

🧻Low-fiber diet

Eating a low-fiber diet makes you feel energy drained.😫 Consequently, reduced physical activities can cause pregnancy fatigue and discomfort.🍲 

🧻Fetus

As your pregnancy progresses, a growing fetus puts extra weight and pressure on the bowel, making it harder for waste to migrate outside of your body.🏋️ Hence, you experience constipation.🚽 

🧻Iron supplements

High amount of iron in your prenatal vitamin can make the situation worse. Consult with doctors if you feel too much pain.👩‍⚕️

Pregnancy constipation relief

🧻Drinking plenty of water

Drink 8 to 12 cups of water each day.🥛 You need more fluid than usual to support your pregnancy and soften your stools. Water is the best remedy, but if you're not a fan, try alternatives such as fruit juice.🍓  

🧻Eat high-fiber foods

High fiber foods such as whole grain cereals and breads, brown rice🍚, fresh fruits and vegetables🥬 will be helpful. You can also add a teaspoon of wheat bran to your diet and notice the difference soon.

🧻Exercise regularly

Walking, swimming🏊‍♀️, riding bikes and yoga can all ease constipation. You can also boost your moods and energy while staying fit and healthy.😃

🧻Try another prenatal vitamin

If your prenatal vitamin has a large dose of iron, you may need to change it or take your supplements in smaller doses throughout the day.🤔 Consult with your doctor about switching to a supplement with less iron.👩‍⚕️