Ah, the joys of pregnancy. While there are plenty of women who enjoy relatively smooth pregnancies, for most this is not the case. If it’s not morning sickness, it’s terrible fatigue. If it’s not swollen ankles, it’s frequent urination. And for many, pregnancy constipation is an uncomfortable symptom they’re faced with.
While pregnancy constipation is incredibly common (and nothing to be embarrassed of), it can be very unpleasant. Left untreated, it can lead to issues such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures. But the good news is that there are many very easy fixes to get you moving and grooving again. Here are ways to know if you have pregnancy constipation, how to relieve it and a few suggested remedies.
How to know if you have pregnancy constipation
Natural remedies and other treatments for constipation
If you are having any difficulties going to the bathroom, there are easy, all-natural tweaks you can make to your lifestyle that can help.
Eat a fiber-rich diet
Consuming a diet of high-fiber foods is a natural way to get things moving again. Fresh fruit like plums, apples, pears, oranges, and prunes, and vegetables like brocolli and carrots are all great sources of fiber, as are yoghurt, beans, and wheat bran.
Increase your water intake
Staying hydrated is especially important when pregnant. Increasing your water intake can help with constipation (prune juice is a good option as well).
Move more
If you keep moving, the body will keep moving. Just 20-30 minutes of light exercise a day can help relieve constipation. But be sure to consult your doctor before engaging in any strenuous new activity.
New York mom Serena F. told Mom.com one of her biggest pregnancy struggles (in addition to terrible morning sickness) was constipation.
“It turns out the ‘eat the P fruits to poop’ trick they use for constipated babies (essentially feed them prunes, peaches, plums, and pears) works for adults too,” said Serena. “I broke out my juicer and juiced my own pears and drank as much as I could to keep things moving! Now that my little girl is a toddler, I’ve done the same thing for her and it really works.”
If increasing your fiber, water, and excercise hasn’t done the trick, your doctor may suggest changing your iron supplement pill, taking a fiber supplement, or resorting to a stool softener.
Other treatments for constipation
“Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy,” Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. wrote for the Mayo Clinic. “Stool softeners moisten the stool and make it easier to pass. These products are unlikely to harm a developing baby because their active ingredient is only minimally absorbed by the body.”
Of course, you’ll want to check with your health care provider before taking any medication while pregnant.
