Constipation

Constipation, in general, is the feeling of an incomplete bowel evacuation with bowel movements experienced less than thrice a week. The stool turns hard, dry and it gets difficult to excrete.

When Can Constipation Occur In Pregnant Women?

There’s no fixed stage for constipation during pregnancy and can occur due to various reasons that include the following:

* The passage of stool is partially blocked and results in straining as the progesterone hormone slows down bowel contractions. a
* The growing uterus partially obstructs the bowel thus increasing the pressure.
* Weak pelvic floor muscles too during pregnancy cause bowel movements.
* Usually iron pills are recommended to pregnant women with blood problems. These pills are reported to infuriate the bowel giving way to constipation.
* Some other causes of constipation apart from mental stress and worries include anal fissure, drinking less than recommended water, skipping meals and certain illnesses and drugs.
* Constipation can result even after delivery due to tiredness, less physical activity, anesthetics and perennial tears.

How To Relieve Pregnancy Constipation?

Diet

To avoid constipation, it’s better to have small meals at regular intervals of time instead of large meals. To avoid hardening of stool, include fiber rich foods in your diet like rice, wholegrain bread, vegetables, citrus fruits and cereals. Avoid foods like oats, apples, pears, legumes as these give a feeling of fullness of stomach or bloating.

Drinking Enough Water

8 cups (237 ml) per day is the recommended amount of water to be consumed but varies according to the climate and physical activities. Alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks like tea, coffee, energy drinks and cola cause dehydration acting as fuel for constipation.

Lifestyle

Have enough sleep for about 7-8 hours every night. Stay active by indulging in less straining activities like walking.

Supplements be avoided

Iron pills, painkillers and acid-reducing pills should be avoided during pregnancy as these results in constipation. Herbal laxatives, stimulant laxatives, prebiotics and probiotics are some other supplements to be avoided by pregnant women as these increase the risk of constipation.

Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises are helpful in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises can be done either sitting or lying down. The pelvic floor muscles should be contracted for about 3 seconds then relaxed for 3 seconds. This exercise done for short duration and for 3 times a day helps keeping away constipation.