preganancy and constipation

True, pregnancy is a beautiful and miraculous experience. Realistically though, with all the beauty attached to it comes several unpleasant side-effects.

In addition to the weight gain, mood swings, and numerous other problems pregnancy may present the future mother-to-be, constipation is probably the most common complication experienced by many.

* Pregnancy And Constipation – What’s The Link?

There are several reasons why pregnant women experience constipation.

1.) Increased intra-abdominal pressure brought on by the growing uterus.

2.) Due to hormonal changes, food tends to move more slowly through the digestive system.

3.) A poor diet lacking sufficient fiber (which aids in pushing food through the digestive system, absorbing water and easing defecation).

4.) Food allergies.

5.) Tension and stress.

6.) Synthetic iron supplements that are often prescribed during a woman’s pregnancy.

7.) Gluten sensitivities.

* I’m Pregnant And Constipated – Now What Do I Do?

Pregnant and constipated? – There are several things you can do to alleviate your symptoms such as:

A. Change Your Diet.
At the risk of sounding cliché’, it’s a true fact that you are what you eat. So it’s best to stick to a diet consisting of fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits – with their peelings – and raw or lightly steamed vegetables, baked potatoes with their skins, and whole grain breads and cereals (this link provides a detailed fiber-rich food list http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-fiber-foods/NU00582).

In addition, avoid foods that are largely made with white processed flour, white or polished rice, spaghetti and chocolate. If you have a gluten sensitivity, opt for gluten-free breads, cereals and pastas (http://www.the-gluten-free-chef.com/gluten-free-food-list.html provides a gluten-free food list).

Reduce your dairy intake, and drink plenty of water and 100% fruit juice – prune juice especially.

B. Get Active.
A regular exercise routine is also a great way of relieving constipation. Squat routines and simple walking and stretching can work wonders (always consult your physician before you begin any exercise routine).

C. Alternative Therapies.
The Website www.babycenter.com offers some great alterative treatments for the pregnant mother-to-be suffering from constipation:

Acupuncture or Shiatsu – Both of these therapies are known to help release blocked energy.

Aromatherapy Massage with essential oils such as lavender, or almond oil, may help relieve chronic constipation.

D. When All Else Fails.
When these self-help suggestions don’t cut it, contact your physician to look into other methods of relieving your constipation.

Sadly, pregnancy and constipation tend to go hand-in-hand and can be a cause of much discomfort for the mother-to-be.

Hopefully, with these simple suggestions, mothers-to-be everywhere will find ways to combat this all to common problem.