Dealing with Constipation During Pregnancy

By
Akinsiwaju Sanya
-
Side Effect of Whiskey

How Can One Treat Constipation During Pregnancy?

The body undergoes various changes during pregnancy, and constipation is one of the conditions that occur as a result of such changes. If you’re pregnant and often feel constipated, you’re not alone. We’ve compiled some natural remedies that you’ll find helpful, together with some useful information on constipation during pregnancy. Keep reading.

Symptoms of Constipation During Pregnancy

  • Reduced bowel movements
  • Hardened feces
  • A decrease in appetite.
  • Abdominal bloating and pain.
  • Blood splotches in the stool from rectal injury due to hard feces

When Does Constipation Occur During Pregnancy?

Constipation affects 3 out of 4 pregnant women. That’s alarming, isn’t it? Some women experience it in the first trimester, however, others do shortly after they conceive. Experts reveal that the hormone that triggers constipation heightens in the 9th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy. The major cause of constipation during pregnancy is the enlarged uterus and the consequent pressure on the intestines.

18 Home Remedies for Constipation During Pregnancy

Yogurt

Yogurt is packed with probiotics that make digestion easier by altering the microbiota in the bowels. This is super effective for treating constipation in pregnant women. You only need to consume a cup of plain yogurt once daily.

Lemon

Lemon has got antioxidant properties due to its vitamin C content. As a result, it increases the production of bile in the body and helps in treating constipation.

You Will Need
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1 glass of warm water
  • Honey (optional)
What to Do
  • Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water.
  • Add honey to taste.
  • Do this twice daily.

Oranges

Oranges are a rich source of dietary fiber which increases stool frequency in people who suffer constipation. You only need to eat two oranges every day to combat this condition.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds have got laxative properties that aid in the relief of constipation. You need two tablespoons of pre-ground flaxseed for this remedy.

What to Do
  • Begin by consuming half a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds.
  • Gradually increase your intake to two tablespoons.
  • Do this once a day.
  • Be sure to drink enough water when you include flaxseeds in your diet.

Ispaghula Husks

Ispaghula husk is bursting with dietary fiber. Mixing it with water makes it a mild laxative and helps to soften the stool. This helps in relieving constipation and its symptoms.

Bananas

Crohn`s DiseaseBananas are loaded with dietary fiber and other nutrients, making them an excellent choice for treating constipation and its symptoms during pregnancy. Eat a banana twice daily to enjoy the benefit of this super fruit for constipation.

You Will Need
  • 1 sachet of ispaghula husks
  • 1 glass of water
What to Do
  • Add one sachet of ispaghula husk granules to a glass of cold water.
  • Mix properly and consume immediately.
  • Do this twice daily.

Lemon or Peppermint Essential Oil

You could get an aromatherapy massage using peppermint or lemon essential oil to soften fecal impaction and treat constipation.

You Will Need
  • 2 drops of lemon or peppermint essential oil
  • 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (olive or almond oil)
What to Do
  • Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil of your choice.
  • Massage this mixture on your abdomen.
  • Do this once a day.

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwis have high water and dietary fiber content which makes them effective for easy bowel movements. You only need to have one kiwi per day for this treatment.

Prune Juice

Prunes contain a compound, sorbitol, which possesses laxative properties. This makes them highly effective in treating constipation. You only need a cup of prune juice for this treatment. Drink the juice or eat the fruit at least four times every day.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C possesses laxative qualities, which makes it suitable for treating constipation. Regular consumption of fruits that are rich in vitamin C will do you some good in combating constipation. If you have to take vitamin C supplements, reach out to your doctor first.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar may improve digestion. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim.

You Will Need
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 glass of warm water
What to Do
  • Add a tablespoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
  • Mix properly and drink the solution.
  • Drink this every morning and night until you see an improvement in your condition.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has got fatty acids that boost metabolism. This helps to stimulate bowel movement. You’ll need two tablespoons of coconut oil for this treatment.

What to Do
  • Consume a tablespoon of coconut oil on a daily basis.
  • You can consume it directly or add it to your salads.
  • Do this twice daily.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are packed with dietary fiber that aids bowel movement and treats constipation.

You Will Need
  • One and a half tablespoons of chia seeds
  • 1 cup of juice or milk
What to Do
  • Soak the chia seeds in water for 30 minutes.
  • Add the soaked chia seeds to a drink and consume it.
  • Do this once a day.

Apple Juice

A picture of apples and some apple cider vinegarApples contain pectin, a fiber that enhances bowel movements and treats constipation.

You Will Need
  • 1 apple
  • 1 cup of warm water
What to Do
  • Cut an apple into small pieces without peeling it.
  • Blend it with a cup of warm water.
  • Drink the juice.
  • Do this once a day.

Cranberry Juice

Cranberries are reliable for treating constipation as they’re rich in dietary fiber. You only need a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice. Drink it once a day to treat constipation.

Epsom Salt

Epsom salt has got magnesium sulfate that has laxative properties. This makes it an effective treatment for constipation.

You Will Need
  • 1 cup of Epsom salt
  • Water
What to Do
  • Add a cup of Epsom salt to your bath.
  • Soak yourself in the water for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Do this at least thrice a week.

Green Tea

The caffeine content in green tea has mild laxative properties, making it a good relief for constipation.

You Will Need
  • 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves
  • 1 cup of water
  • Honey (optional)
What to Do
  • Add green tea leaves to a cup of hot water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Strain and consume the tea before it turns cold.
  • You may add honey for flavor.
  • Do this twice daily.

Grapes

Grapes are rich in dietary fiber, which makes them great in easing constipation. You only need to consume a cup of grapes for this treatment. Note, however, that the resveratrol content in grapes is not safe for pregnant women when in large quantities. If you can, avoid grapes, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy.

How to Prevent Constipation During Pregnancy

  • Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and fresh juices.
  • Exercise regularly and do some yoga.
  • Avoid using laxatives because they may trigger uterus contractions together with bowel contraction.

Side Effects of Constipation During Pregnancy

Beyond the discomfort, constipation during pregnancy can be more dramatic. Let’s take a look at some of its common side effects.

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Repetitive rectal bleeding

Now that you Know…

Constipation itself is tiring, and even worse during pregnancy. Even though you may not be able to entirely avoid it, you can manage it, with the tips you just learned.

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