Treating Constipation During Pregnancy
Treating Constipation During Pregnancy
Over the 40-week period of standard human gestation, a woman's body can experience multiple common health problems that neither harm nor inhibit the life of her unborn child. Factors such as increasing hormone levels and variable changes in diet and activity levels can cause digestive and excretory problems such as constipation within the first, second or third trimester of fetal development. Traditional constipation-relieving methods such as laxatives are dangerous to both the mother and baby during pregnancy. Protecting the health and growth of the fetus while treating this condition is achievable. The following is a guide to treating constipation during pregnancy.
Causes
Approximately 50 percent of pregnant women experience the unpleasantness of constipation before they deliver. It can be uncomfortable as well as unnecessarily worrisome. Pregnancy-related changes in hormone levels cause the intestines to relax. The uterine wall also begins to expand, which pushes against the bowels, causing them to move less efficiently. When the bowels begin to move slower, they can cause infrequent movements as well has harder stools. All of these symptoms can be accompanied by pain in the abdominal region. Other constipation-causing variables include decreased level of activity, a diet that is low in fiber and stress.
Natural Remedies
There are many simple and natural precautions a woman can take in order to alleviate or prevent constipation during pregnancy. The most obvious is to increase her level of hydration. Drinking plenty of water will help to loosen up the bowels. She may also, under the guidance of her physician, increase her level of activity. Provided there are no existing complications with the pregnancy, daily moderate exercise, such as walking, is recommended. Eating foods that are rich in fiber is another good way to help motivate the intestines. Diet can also influence constipation in the way of iron supplements. Too much iron can cause the stool to harden, making it more difficult to express; on the contrary, too little iron is not healthy, either. To alleviate this problem, many health providers recommend eliminating supplements and eating a well-balanced diet containing sufficient amounts of iron.
More Help
Finally, it is always a good idea to check with an OB/GYN (obstetrics and gynecology) doctor regarding any health issue during pregnancy. She can track your issues and keep an eye on any combined health problems. If the natural remedies listed above do not help lessen your constipation, your physician may recommend over-the-counter methods such as psyllium fiber supplements like Metamucil. These medicines rank in the B category of the FDA's recommended guide to medications during pregnancy. Category B drugs have been thoroughly tested on either human or animal fetuses, and, generally speaking, deemed safe, with only a remote chance of harm to the baby.
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