Remedies To Avoid Constipation During Pregnancy
July 14, 2009
Avoid Constipation During pregnancy
Constipation is a common symptom during pregnancy and is caused by the pregnancy hormones like progesterone. These hormones will slow down and relaxes the movement of the intestines and thus causes constipation.
The slow movement of intestinal system leads to the excessive absorption of water from the intestines and thus leads to the formation of dry stool. On the other hand the enlargement of uterus will compress the intestine and again makes the intestinal movements slow. The vitamin tablets taken during pregnancy also cause constipation.
Diet
The best remedy to control constipation is make changes in your lifestyle. Include foods that are rich in fibers so that it will improve the bowel movement. Include more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, cereals etc in your diet.
Fruits like oranges, black currents, grape fruits, dried prunes, tangerines, artichoke etc and vegetables like cabbages, watercress, spinach etc are also good. Along with take fiber rich food drink a lot of water also which will help you to remove waste from the body.
Take at least 12 cups of water per day. Also try to avoid caffeinated products, tea, cola, alcohol etc as they may dehydration. You can also take milk or diluted during pregnancy as it will supplement the nutrients and also act as a bowel laxer.
Psyllium husks, plantain seeds etc are also beneficial for improving the bowl movement. They contain mucilage which will absorb water and the seeds in turn will swell up. All these will make the stool bulk and thus makes its movement easy. You can also use linseeds instead if psyllium as they are rich in essential fatty acids and fibers. Make a tea using mallow leaves or dandelion leaves by steeping them in boiling water. Take this tea daily and avoid constipation.
Exercise
Exercise is also a good idea for improving the intestinal movements. You can walk daily for about twenty minutes and it will help you to keep fit. Swimming and aerobic exercises are also good for keeping bowel movement.
Don’ts in Pregnancy
In pregnancy you must avoid senna which is a commonly known remedy for constipation. Similarly you have to avoid castor oil and aloe vera during pregnancy as they will make the baby hyper active with in the womb.
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