How to Treat Constipation during Pregnancy?
Many women have constipation before they get pregnant, but with the increase in
hormones and pressure of the womb against the bowels, the problem can get
considerably worse. Luckily, there are some tried and true natural ways to get
things flowing again, without resorting toover-the-counter drugs that can harm
a developing baby.
One of the culprits causing
constipation during pregnancy is an increase in progesterone. This hormone
causes the smooth muscle fibers to relax in the body, preparing mom and the
baby for delivery. But it also smoothes the intestines, which means
the peristaltic motion is not as strong, and food moves more solely
through the digestive tract. Another cause is that your large and small
intestine are simply running out of real estate as the baby grows, causing
slow digestion as well.
Tips to Cure Constipation During Pregnancy
The following are 5 sure-fire
remedies to help support digestive health while pregnant:
1. Eat High-Fiber Foods
It is already a good idea to
do this even when you aren’t pregnant since insoluble fiber helps to
move undigested food through the digestive tract, but during pregnancy it
is vital. Flax seeds and almonds are high in fiber, and so are fruits
and vegetables. If you aren’t getting enough of these foods due to morning
sickness, try taking psyllium tablets or eat a bowl of organic oat bran with
some strawberries.
2. Watermelon
This is an old midwives remedy
for constipation. Midwives used to boil watermelon seeds to make a tea for pregnant
women suffering from constipation, though you can also just eat lots
of the fruit. Since it is full of water, it also helps to move food through the
bowels. Watermelon seed-tea can also help an infant get its kidneys
kick-started.
3. Magnesium Supplements
High dose magnesium
supplements are safe to take during pregnancy and can really save an
expecting mom who hasn’t been able to have a bowel movement for several days at
a time.
4. Three Cheers For Chamomile
Sipping chamomile tea is
a great way to relax your intestinal tract and your overall self. Chamomile
has been used for centuries. It soothes frazzled nerves, helps with
insomnia – another woe for pregnant women – and it also has a
generally calming effect. Drink no more than two cups a day, though, since
there are untested rumors that it can cause miscarriage in higher doses.
5. Change Your Angle
There are yoga poses that
mimic many postures pregnant women are taught for giving birth. These poses are
also really helpful with constipation. When your knees are at a
90-degree angle, everything is helped along quite well. Wind-relieving
pose – and yes that is really the name of the posture – can help move both
gas and undigested food through the intestines,providing considerable
relief.
