Constipation is a common occurrence in pregnancy, especially early on. It is caused by changes in your hormones that slow down your digestive tract causing things to move at a slower pace. Nausea may have also changed your eating habits in early pregnancy and this can also play a role in constipation. Ultimately you feel bloated and can have abdominal pain as well as difficulty passing stool. Thankfully there are some easy things to try to remedy this.
1. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Sometimes a glass of warm water (flavor it with lemons) in the morning can help you to have a bowel movement.
2. Try to add fiber to your diet by eating fresh vegetables and fruit, beans and whole grains daily. You may also try fiber bars or fiber supplements but be sure to drink plenty of water with these.
3. Pick up some whole flax seeds or whole millet and sprinkle these onto your food. It is tasteless and adds bulk easily to your diet.
4. Get some exercise every day, this will often stimulate your bowels into action.
5. If constipation continues you may try a stool softener such as colace that helps moisten the stool for easier passage.
If you continue to have problems or have not had a bowel movement for more that 3 days you should talk to your provider for further assistance.
Karen
Midwife Matters 
Leave a Reply