Constipation During Pregnancy: 7 Treatment Tips

Pregnant women often do not care about constipation during pregnancy. Many pregnant women and their families may be subjective because the symptoms of the disease are not too serious. The disease can be dangerous to the health of both mother and baby if not treated promptly. Some pregnant women suffer from constipation during pregnancy.

Constipation in Pregnant Women is a fairly common condition due to many factors that change hormones in the body. This not only causes discomfort and fatigue but also endangers both the mother and the fetus. Western medicine is not recommended for treatment. If you are facing this problem, try applying the following seven methods to treat constipation for pregnant women, all of which are safe and effective.

Wilimedia will explain to you the seven fastest ways to treat constipation for pregnant women at home without medication in the article below.

When does constipation appear during pregnancy?

As progesterone levels increase around the second to third month of pregnancy, constipation often begins as early as this stage. As the uterus grows during pregnancy, the condition can worsen.

When progesterone levels peak during pregnancy, constipation will last longer. But your digestive system will be more stable if you change your diet and exercise regularly every day. You can fight constipation at any time during pregnancy.

Does Constipation Affect the Fetus?

Constipation during pregnancy is when a pregnant woman has fewer than three bowel movements per week and can cause uncomfortable symptoms. Constipation in pregnant women is often caused by hormonal changes, the fetus’s pressure on the intestines, and dietary supplements. That is why many pregnant women with constipation, despite eating healthily, still suffer from it and must always look for the fastest way to cure constipation for themselves.

Constipation can occur in about 17–40% of pregnant women. Moreover, it is likely to occur in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus is developing best.

Basically, you do not need to worry too much about constipation affecting the baby. Because the symptoms are almost unrelated to the baby and only occur in the mother’s intestines. In short, even if the mother does not have a bowel movement for a long time, the fetus is still safe.

But you should not be subjective. Constipation can be a sign of hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse or a tumor. If you see blood in your stool, see your doctor immediately.

Why Do Pregnant Women Get Constipated?

In addition to learning about the fastest way to treat constipation for pregnant women, you also need to know the causes of constipation during pregnancy to have an effective and suitable treatment method for yourself.

• • Hormonal changes in the body

To maintain fetal development, the body produces more hormones during pregnancy. One of them is progesterone, a hormone that relaxes the muscles in the body, including the intestinal muscles. This causes irritable bowel syndrome. This hormone can reduce intestinal motility, slowing down the digestive process, leading to constipation.

• • Fetal formation and development

As the fetus grows in the womb, it can put pressure on organs such as the stomach, intestines, nerves and pelvic veins. As the fetus grows in the womb, the uterus presses on many nerves, pelvic veins and lower veins. The larger the fetus grows, the more space it takes up in the abdomen, narrowing the digestive tract, causing food to move more slowly. That is why pregnant women in the last three months often have constipation.

• • Nutritional diet

– Many women’s diets often change when they are pregnant. Dietary problems that can cause constipation in pregnant women are:

– Eating foods that lack fiber.

– Constipation is the result of eating too much, causing the body to not digest in time, causing food to accumulate and causing constipation.

– In addition, many women have difficulty because pregnant women often urinate, so they drink less water to reduce the frequency of going to the toilet or hold their urine. This also contributes to constipation.

The intestines need fiber to function properly. A pregnant woman’s diet lacks fiber because the fetus’s body will need more nutrients to develop. This can make the intestines less elastic and cause constipation.

• • Morning sickness causes vomiting

Frequent vomiting often occurs in the first three months of pregnancy or can continue throughout the entire pregnancy cycle. This can cause dehydration and constipation in pregnant women.

• • Lack of physical activity

Pregnant women find it more difficult to move as the fetus grows, the abdomen becomes heavier and the legs become swollen and painful, especially in the late stages of pregnancy. The fatigue of the body due to these changes makes pregnant women lazy to move, which is also the cause of constipation in pregnant women. Constipation can also be due to the nature of the job that requires pregnant women to sit continuously for many hours.

• • Pregnant women with hypothyroidism, diabetes.

Pregnant women with diabetes or hypothyroidism can also suffer from frequent constipation. In addition, pregnant women who take too much iron and calcium will cause constipation, because the body cannot absorb the excess substances in time.

• • Using laxatives

Pregnant women who have been abusing laxatives at high doses will lead to constipation. Because when you stop using the medicine, your body will not be used to the natural process of going “heavy” normally.

• • Holding back on going to the toilet

The habit of holding back on going to the toilet can also lead to constipation and other digestive problems. Constipation can also be caused by overeating, causing the body to not absorb food and not digest it in time.

Pregnant women need to overcome constipation early to ensure their health and the health of their baby because prolonged constipation will affect the quality of life and daily activities, and increase the risk of fetal malnutrition, miscarriage and premature birth.

7 effective and safe ways to treat constipation for pregnant women

Here are seven safe and effective ways to treat constipation for pregnant women without using special Western medicine to minimize negative impacts on the health of both mother and baby.

• • Use and supplement with foods rich in fiber

A diet rich in fiber is an effective method to treat constipation for pregnant women, regardless of whether you are constipated in the first trimester of pregnancy or in the last month of pregnancy. Using more fiber foods will help soften stools and speed up the movement of these wastes in the intestines because fiber helps the body absorb more water.

To help pregnant women avoid constipation, choose foods rich in fiber such as whole grains (including oats and whole-grain oats), bread, crackers, muffins, vegetables and dried fruits.

In addition, pregnant women should eat plenty of fiber-rich foods to help relieve constipation, such as vegetables like spinach, Brussels sprouts, Malabar spinach, sweet potatoes, fruits like plums, kiwi, apples, citrus fruits and avocados, as well as nuts and beans.

Limit foods that can easily cause constipation, such as white rice, bananas, baked goods, cereals, sugary foods, canned or processed foods.

During pregnancy, pregnant women should not use any stimulants such as beer, coffee, soft drinks, alcohol or smoke.

However, pregnant women do not need to measure every millimeter precisely. When you see soft and large stools, you will know you have taken in enough fiber and fluids. But you must remember that you can get diarrhea if you eat too much fiber.

• • How to reduce constipation for pregnant women: Eat a lot of healthy foods

A diverse microflora system including both beneficial and harmful bacteria is present in the human digestive system. Probiotics will help the intestinal microflora stay balanced and reduce constipation. Beneficial bacteria in foods such as yogurt, oatmeal and kombucha tea will encourage bacteria in the intestines to break down food better, helping the digestive system work better in the body.

• • Drink enough water

A simple but effective way to treat constipation for pregnant women is to drink plenty of water, especially in the first three months. Practicing this habit will help substances pass easily through the body’s digestive system.

To reduce constipation during pregnancy, drinking plenty of water is also very important. The reason is that fiber will increase the need for water. If you do not drink enough water to digest fiber, fiber will be the cause of constipation.

Pregnant women with constipation should drink plenty of water, about 2.5 to 3 liters per day. In addition to water, you can try smoothies, tea, low-fat milk or unsweetened fruit juice.

• • Change the iron medication you are using

This type of iron medication can cause constipation during pregnancy if you are taking it to provide extra nutrients for your pregnancy. Therefore, talk to your doctor if she is constipated or suspects that this is the cause of the condition. The doctor will suggest switching to a different type of iron medication.

If this method of treating constipation for pregnant women is not successful, stop taking iron tablets for a while. Your doctor will probably ask you to take a prenatal vitamin with a lower iron content.

• • Limit foods that cause constipation

In addition to making the above changes, the fastest way to cure constipation for pregnant women is to avoid eating foods that cause constipation. The reason is that eating these foods can cause constipation symptoms to last longer, take longer to go away, and become more severe. Pregnant women with constipation should avoid eating the following:

Chocolate: Because they contain fats that make digestion more difficult.

Dairy products such as milk and cheese: This is because the lactose in milk can cause gas and bloating.

Red meat: This iron-rich meat is one of the causes of constipation.

Green bananas: Because they contain a large amount of starch, a compound that is difficult to digest.

Foods made from refined grains, such as white rice and white bread.

• • Get plenty of exercise

During pregnancy, it is normal to move less and do less physical activity. But your digestive tract can be adversely affected by a sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy and a sedentary lifestyle. This is especially true for those who suffer from constipation. Therefore, to help the digestive system work better, pregnant mothers should exercise 20–30 minutes a day, three times a week, with moderate exercises such as walking, swimming or moderate exercises.

• • Treating constipation with black sesame and honey

This is also a popular method of treating constipation for pregnant women because it is safe and effective. Black sesame is a food rich in fiber and has laxative properties, while honey acts as an intestinal lubricant. Therefore, constipation relief is more effective when used together.

How to treat constipation with honey:

Step 1: Ingredients include 50g black sesame and 30ml honey.

Step 2: Put the black sesame in a pan and put it on low heat until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix honey and roasted black sesame together and divide into two meals to eat during the day. You will see a better digestive system and constipation will be improved after using it continuously for a few days.

In addition, pregnant mothers should consult the use of medicine if the above measures are not effective when used.

Although it is considered safe, pregnant mothers still need to be careful and avoid overusing it. Although medicine may be the fastest way to treat constipation for pregnant women, it can also cause some side effects. Pregnant mothers should use them in the lowest possible dose.

Bulk laxatives: used to treat hard stools and small lumps. After 1-3 days of use, the drug usually takes effect. To avoid reverse constipation or intestinal obstruction, this drug should be taken with plenty of water and should be taken away from sleep.

Softener laxatives: This drug does not have a clear effect, so it is not used much now.

Lubricant laxatives: It is useful for people with anal fissures or pain when defecating. This drug can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Do not take this drug on an empty stomach. In addition, do not go to bed or lie down immediately after taking this drug.

Stimulant laxatives: This drug is often used to clean the bowel before surgery, so it is rarely used at home.

Osmotic laxatives: There may be side effects such as bloating, flatulence, and electrolyte imbalance during use. But it is quite rare.

Medications for constipation in pregnant women should only be used after other natural methods have failed. Because long-term use of medications can affect the health of both mother and baby.

Conclusion:

Pregnant women often suffer from constipation, which can cause a lot of discomfort and affect the health of both mother and fetus. However, changing your diet, exercising, and using safe and effective constipation medications can help pregnant women feel more comfortable and safe during pregnancy. In addition, it is important to pay attention to preventive measures to prevent constipation. Wishing pregnant women a comfortable and healthy pregnancy!

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