Being pregnant is the most wonderful experience that a woman could ever had. Aside from the exhilarating feeling of carrying a baby inside the womb, women get to experience the moving baby inside them.
Expectant women can encounter wonderful changes such as a natural glowing and clearer skin, softer hair and bigger mammary glands. Then again, along with these astonishing changes, expectant women can go through nesting instincts, mood swings, hemorrhoids and even constipation.
Expecting women are prone to constipation. Although, the symptoms are not that deadly, they can be very infuriating. Almost 80 percent of women have complaints toward the severe effects of constipation.
Causes Of Constipation In Pregnancy
Increase Production Of Progesterone In The Body
As the body cope up with pregnancy, it produces more progesterone than ever before. This female hormone is liable for the normal development of the fetus and ensures that the placenta is working properly.
On the other hand, this hormone also relaxes the body's intestinal muscles. Thus, slowing the processes of the digestive system. The slowing down of the normal digestive function makes pregnant mothers more prone to constipation.
Body Weight Increase
As the fetus develops inside the mother’s womb, it also place extreme pressure in the abdominal area including the intestines. This pressure makes it hard for the intestine to perform its normal function.
Moreover, aside from the pressure from the developing fetus, the mother’s own body weight can also cause constipation. Immobility can contribute to the development of constipation.
Vitamins And Supplements Taken In The Course Of Pregnancy
Vitamins and supplements are important to take during the stage of pregnancy to aid the normal growth of fetus inside the mother’s womb. Supplements like iron and calcium given to pregnant women can also cause constipation.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Constipation?
Generally, pregnant women who suffer from constipation can experience pain during defecation, stomach ache and passing of hard formed stool.
Management Of Constipation
Expecting women must be careful in taking medications to avoid dangerous side effects. Many are using household remedies as they are regularly harmless and are cost effective as well. Following are some of them.
Increase Fiber Intake
Fiber is very important to maintain the normal function of the digestive system. It cleanses the colon and absorbs liquid to prevent the feces from drying out. Dried apricots, prunes and apples are very high in fiber content.
Increase Water Intake
Fiber will become useless without appropriate hydration of the intestine. As a matter of fact, without proper hydration, it can make the constipation worse. Fiber acts as a sweep and water as the power flush of the body. Moreover, water prevents the feces to desiccate making it easier for the body to eliminate them. Moreover, Metamucil, a fiber based laxative is proven safe and effective for pregnant women to take.
Small Frequent Meals
Eating large meals should be avoided. As an alternative, consume many small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. This can help to productively pass out stools. Also, it can prevent other discomforts of pregnancy like indigestion.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise are effective as it stimulates the natural contraction of the intestinal mucosa.
Without doubt, being pregnant is a fabulous experience. Changes are expected and constipation is fairly common. Although, this condition is not grave, it can cause discomfort to the suffers. With these simple and yet very efficient household remedies, pregnant women can savor the wonderful experience of having a baby inside their womb without worrying about the distressing symptoms of constipation.
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