Constipation during pregnancy - causes and treatment

While waiting for the birth of a child, many expectant mothers are faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as indigestion. Such changes begin already in the first weeks of pregnancy.

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

Constipation is much more common during pregnancy than in other cases. The main reason is the influence of the hormone progesterone, which is intensively produced in the body of the expectant mother from the first days of pregnancy. It has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of a woman’s intestines, which increases the time it takes for food to pass through it. Due to the high absorption of moisture from the intestines, this process becomes even longer, which leads to constipation.

Digestion is further complicated by the constant growth of the uterus, or rather the pressure of this organ on the intestines. Factors such as stress, low mobility of the pregnant woman and low levels of ballast substances in food also contribute.

The emotional instability of pregnant women largely affects the digestion process. They have a lot of groundless fears and worries. And the occurrence of constipation brings additional suffering and causes even more stress in the pregnant woman.

Having given birth, many women stop suffering from constipation. This is explained by the fact that both the hormonal levels and the mood of the young mother change.

Treatment of constipation during pregnancy

Nowadays, a sufficient number of medications are produced to help cope with digestive problems. But not all of them can be used by pregnant women. Still, in this matter it is better to rely on changing eating habits, increased mobility and the use of predominantly folk remedies.

To combat constipation, it is necessary to use in combination:

• Immediately after confirmation of pregnancy, switch to more proper nutrition.
• Follow the recommendations of the doctor observing the pregnancy.
• To solve the problem, use the remedies of traditional healers.
• Using special laxative suppositories that are suitable for pregnant women.
• Use of medications approved for pregnant women.

Be sure to include foods in your diet that help improve digestion. These include dried apricots and prunes, raw beets, bran and buckwheat. Unless absolutely necessary, you should not use mechanical bowel movements such as enemas. The fact is that an enema can provoke labor or miscarriage. Therefore, before deciding to have an enema, it is better to consult with the doctor observing you. It is better to use suppositories with glycerin that are safe for pregnant women instead of an enema.

Among the medications against constipation during pregnancy, it is allowed to use Duphalac, Senade or Microlax. These products will not harm the health of the expectant mother and baby.

But it is best to use natural folk remedies. For example, drinking potato juice helps relieve constipation. It is squeezed out of raw potatoes and mixed in equal proportions with water. A few minutes before meals, drink a quarter of a glass of this juice and you won’t have any digestive problems.

Buckthorn decoction has a good laxative effect. To prepare it, you just need to pour boiling water over the dry herb and simmer a little over medium heat. Take 100 g of this remedy twice a day, after filtering and cooling.

Another effective remedy is sweetened red rowan juice. The juice squeezed from fresh berries is sweetened with sugar and drunk in the morning and before bed, a quarter glass.

Preventing constipation during pregnancy

To avoid constipation during pregnancy, it is better to take some measures to prevent digestive upset. And it’s not difficult to do this:

• Consult a nutritionist and create a balanced menu. It should be dominated by vegetables and fruits with a high fiber content. After eating, you can drink compote of prunes or dried apricots. Avoid fatty meats. It is better to choose lean varieties and cook the meat by boiling or baking.

• Try to avoid stress and bad emotions, don’t worry, rather think about the good while expecting your baby.
• Don't stay at home, try to be active. Light physical activity that is beneficial for a pregnant woman is acceptable.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.