Constipation
There are some things about pregnancy that are no fun at all and constipation is one of them. Constipation is often caused by normal changes in your body that come with pregnancy; however, there are some things you can do to help decrease constipation.
Try these five simple things to reduce constipation
If you think your iron pills are causing constipation, try doing the five simple things listed below, but don’t stop taking the iron pills. Talk to your doctor to see if you should change how you take the pills. If you have tried all of these ideas to get rid of constipation and you continue to have problems, call your doctor.
- Increase the fiber in your diet and eat more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads, beans and bran cereals. If you are not eating five servings of fruit and vegetables, start today. This could take care of your constipation.
- Prunes and prune juice work. Try them. Eat five or six prunes as a snack. Cook them in a little water for breakfast. Or try prune juice.
- Drink more liquids. Drink your milk, four cups a day. Drink fruit juice once or twice a day, and also drink plenty of water.
- Exercise can help. How about a daily walk? Your doctor has probably told you to walk. Swimming, riding a stationary bicycle, dancing and prenatal exercises can help, too. Check with your doctor.
- Plan a regular time for a bowel movement. Breakfast and a hot drink will often help move your bowels. Go to the bathroom right away when you feel the need to. Be sure to take your time and don’t strain. Straining can cause hemorrhoids.
Things to avoid
- Do not take laxatives without your doctor’s O.K.
- Do not take mineral oil.
- Talk with your doctor before taking any medicines or any home remedy.
Try these foods high in fiber to reduce constipation
- Whole grain bread.
- Bran muffins and bran cereal.
- Apples, peaches, grapes, bananas, oranges, grapefruit, melon, plums, pineapple, raisins, prunes, dates, figs.
- Beans, peas, lentils.
- Peanuts with skins.
- Corn, turnips, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, celery, cucumber.
- Baked potato with the skin, sweet potato, peas, tomatoes.
This page last updated on 6/21/07.