How can I treat constipation during pregnancy?
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at
2:36 am
I’ve been having really bad constipation since the beginning of the pregnancy (now 12 wks). I’m eating high fiber food, drinking a lot of water, and taking Metamucil twice a day per doctor’s instruction. It’s better, but still painful. What else can I do?
Filed under: Detoxification And Cleansing
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I tried this and it worked, maybe you can too. Try milk of magnesia. My OB Dr said it was ok, but you should ask yours just to be safe, because everyone is different, and so is every ones pregnancies.
Also, for future questions about things you can take that are safe during pregnancy, go this website. My friend sent it to me when I was questioning what to take. BABYCENTER.com
But once again, always ask your Dr. before taking anything.
Good Luck
Try eating plenty of green leafy vegetables (lettuce, cabbage, spinach, etc…). You can even try eating grapes, raisins and prunes if u can stomach them. But first i would ask my doctor if there is a mild laxative or suppository you can take. I wish u well!! Good Luck!!!
just drink loads of fluid. that all i can think of. but if it is really bad then i am sure the doctor can give you something?
Try plum juice, it taste better than prune juice, and for some reason granny smith apples work for me as well. I eat at least one a day.
I feel your pain I had this too in the beginning. If it gets too bad you can have your doctor prescribe you colace (you can also get it otc but make sure its the stool softener only and not the laxative) That can help make things gentler when you do go so you don’t end up with the lovely hemorrhoids.
Really all you are doing now is what I did it part of breing pregnant or try prune juice.
In general, worry, anxiety, minimal physical exercise, and a low-fiber diet may cause constipation. Constipation in pregnant women is thought to occur due to hormones that relax the intestinal muscle and by the pressure of the expanding uterus on the intestines. Relaxation of the intestinal muscle causes food and waste to move slower through your system.
Sometimes iron tablets may contribute to constipation. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water if you are taking iron supplements. You may need to switch to a different type of iron tablet, but it is important to talk to your health care provider first.
Prevention and treatment of constipation involve much of the same thing. Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it:
Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole grain breads, prunes and bran.
Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly with your increase of fiber. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and lots of liquid that best help you eliminate your waste. Sweat, hot/humid climates, and exercise may increase your need for additional fluids.
Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for 20-30 minutes each.
Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil (Catergory B) which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications.
Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy. Taking smaller doses of iron throught the day rather than taking it all at once can reduce constipation. Talk to your health care provider about checking your iron levels and recommendations to manage iron intake during pregnancy. Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration.
Mineral oils should NOT be used during pregnancy because there is an increased reduction in nutrient absorption.
ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE TRYING ANYTHING!