Just when you think you have pregnancy nausea under control, you may find yourself dealing with constipation and even hemorrhoids. Almost half of all pregnant women suffer from constipation at some point during their pregnancy, and half of those women also get hemorrhoids.
Constipation is a common symptom of pregnancy caused by the production of progesterone, which relaxes the muscles of the bowels and slows down the digestive process. This allows the body to absorb more nutrients from food for the baby. If constipation is not controlled, it can lead to haemorrhoids.
There are a few things you can do to help avoid constipation during pregnancy. Make sure you’re getting enough fibre in your diet – fibre absorbs water and can help soften your stools and make them easier to pass. Eat lots of high-fibre foods like whole grain cereals and oatmeal, and switch to whole grain bread for your sandwiches. You can also add some oat bran to your cereals or yoghurt.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits to make sure you’re getting enough fiber, which is essential for proper digestion. Melons and plums are especially high in fiber, as are dried fruits like figs, raisins, apricots, and prunes. Prunes and prune juice have a laxative effect and can help keep things moving smoothly through your digestive system. Aim to eat 25-30 grams of fiber per day. You’ll know you’re getting enough fibre when your stools are large and soft, and you don’t have to strain to pass them. However, it’s important to keep in mind that too much fibre can lead to diarrhoea, which can then cause dehydration. So don’t overdo it when adding fibre to your diet.
It’s important to drink lots of fluids if you want to avoid constipation. Your body needs water to help it absorb fiber, so aim to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. This is especially important if you’re increasing your intake of fiber. Otherwise, the fiber could make your constipation worse.
It’s also important to make sure you’re eating yogurt if you can. Yogurt contains a bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus that helps stimulate the intestinal bacteria to break down your food in a better way. Some prenatal vitamins contain a lot of iron, and iron can play a big part in constipation. Talk to your doctor to see if you can switch for a while to a different prenatal vitamin that contains less iron or at least stay off the prenatals for a while until your constipation is under control.
You can avoid constipation by not eating foods that commonly cause it such as white bread, cereals like corn flakes, white rice, and bananas. If you’re struggling with constipation, talk to your doctor about possible solutions like medication.
Dealing with constipation at any time is never fun, but it can be extra uncomfortable when you’re pregnant. By taking a few precautions and following some simple tips, you can help prevent constipation and make your pregnancy that much more enjoyable.
