Pregnancy Constipation

Constipation during pregnancy is a very common problem. If you are pregnant and experiencing constipation, then know that you are not alone and that most pregnant women at some time or anther experience constipation. You can add constipation to the list of pregnancy symptoms that are uncomfortable but will not do harm to your baby.

One of the main reasons that a pregnant woman suffers from constipation is the hormone progesterone, which is produced when pregnant, slows down the digestion of food. This basically causes a build up and blockage of waste which in return leads to constipation, or not being able to have a bowel movement.

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Another cause for constipation in later months of pregnancy is the pressure from the uterus sitting on the rectum. This pressure can make it harder to have bowel movements and makes them irregular.

The last cause of pregnancy constipation could be what you are putting in your mouth every morning. Prenatal vitamins usually have a high amount of iron in them which can cause constipation. Some women even end up having to take extra iron supplements besides just a prenatal vitamin, which can really in turn cause bad digestive tract problems.

• There are some safe ways that you can help get rid of constipation during pregnancy.
• Eat high in fiber foods. Look for foods such as fiber cereals, whole grain breads, fruits and vegetables, and unprocessed wheat bran which can be added to foods like cereal and oat meal.
• Drink plenty of water as it helps to flush out your digestive tract and takes the toxins with it.
• Get some exercise. Exercising helps to ease constipation and also will help with other pregnancy symptoms as well.
• Never hold in your bowel movements when you feel the urge to go. Even though some women may get hemorrhoids when they are pregnant, they need to make sure that they are still going to the bathroom whenever they feel like they have to.
• Ask your doctor to change your prenatal vitamins to one that has a stool softener in it. Although a stool softener will not make you have a bowel movement, it aid in getting the waste out properly.
• Ask you doctor about over the counter fiber supplements to see if they are right for you. Don't ever take anything without consulting with a doctor, nurse, or midwife first.

If you ever have severe constipation along with abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, you will want to call your doctor as soon as possible for an appointment. Constipation during pregnancy is almost never very serious, but there may be a problem if you are experiencing those symptoms as well.

Most of the time constipation problems go away shortly after giving birth. Once your hormones have started returning to normal and you may not be taking your extra iron anymore, you can probably expect the problem of constipation to go away. This is one of the pregnancy symptoms that you can look forward to getting rid of shortly after giving birth.

Related to Pregnancy Symptoms

• Missed Menstrual Period
• Heartburn during pregnancy
• Morning Sickness
• Frequent Urination during Pregnancy
• Constipation during Pregnancy

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• Exercise during pregnancy
• Sleep during pregnancy
• Pregnancy Diet
• Labor and Delivery
• Sex during pregnancy
• Pregnancy Symptoms

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