What causes constipation when your pregnant?
I am five weeks pregnant and the last few days I have had constipation….I can go but its hard to not much of it at all….what can I do? any insight would be helpful thanks!
It's terrible, isn't it? It's caused by the pregnancy hormones slowing down your digestive system. Scientists think this is so the body can get every little bit of nutrition from the food you eat, which might have been important hundreds of years ago.
I found that the kind of fiber in whole grains didn't help as much as eating fresh veggies. I have some celery, carrot sticks, bell peppers, etc. with every meal, and fruit with breakfast. Lots of salad, too. It's the only thing that really helped me…. even softeners did nothing.
By the way, my record for not going was 10 days. Consider yourself lucky.
The increase of hormones causes your digestive tract to become sluggish and not work as fast as usual.
The best thing to do is ask you doctor what would be best to use or ask for a list of approved medicines to help with constipation.
This is a VERY common problem during pregnancy, so don't be embarrassed to ask!
References :
12 weeks with #1
This is because the whole digestive system is influenced by hormonal changes during pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to look after their diet and maintain regular bowel habits to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
What happens to the bowel during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the body produces more female hormones than normal. It is the job of these hormones to make sure that the pregnancy develops normally. But they also automatically slow down the woman's intestinal movements.
One of these hormones, called progesterone, acts by relaxing muscle. The wall (outside) of the bowel is made of muscle and relaxes, and so is less able to move food and bodily waste along.
Pregnant women should make sure their diet is rich in fibre and includes plenty of liquid. That is the best way of guaranteeing normal intestinal activity.
To Help your Constipation you must eat Soup every day (soup made on vegetable bullion not meat bullion as it is high Fat concentrate) also Eat some nuts (if not allergic) and the Best thing is to Eat Prunes 10-15 every Night before sleep or in the morning (Dried Black Plums)
Eat several times a day but small Portions, Drink plenty of liquids (better freshly squeezed juice than form concentrate) and take Walks if you are not on a bed Rest.
I ve tried all theese and I am never constipated, I am 16 Weeks and 3 days Pregnant Now… Good Luck
References :
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/facts/constipationpreg.htm
Poor nutrition and lack of fiber in your diet…
Try:
Drinking more water
Eating foods high in fiber
Eat a fair share of vegetables and fruits
References :
It's terrible, isn't it? It's caused by the pregnancy hormones slowing down your digestive system. Scientists think this is so the body can get every little bit of nutrition from the food you eat, which might have been important hundreds of years ago.
I found that the kind of fiber in whole grains didn't help as much as eating fresh veggies. I have some celery, carrot sticks, bell peppers, etc. with every meal, and fruit with breakfast. Lots of salad, too. It's the only thing that really helped me…. even softeners did nothing.
By the way, my record for not going was 10 days. Consider yourself lucky.
References :