Constipation happens when you either have a difficult bowel movement, a rounded shape feces and when there is an irregular excretion of fecal waste. Constipation is common not only to pregnant but also to any one. Anyone can suffer from constipation.
Constipation is very common during pregnancy, especially when the growing fetus occupy almost all of the abdominal area. Constipation may also be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. It can be due to slow metabolism and when the uterus progressively increases thus causing pressure to the intestinal muscles.
Is there anything you can do to relieve constipation? Pregnant or not, constipation can be prevented, though constipation is severe during pregnancy. To ease constipation do the following,
• Eat only high fibrous foods such as whole wheat, oats, fruits and vegetables.
• Before taking in meals, drink one glass of water
• Water consumption should be about 1.5 litters to 2 litters.
• Exercise regularly. Walking is a form exercise
Occasional constipation may not be serious actually, but if you happen to have a habitual constipation, it may mean problem to your digestive system. Constipation may be due to iron supplements taken. In this case you can approach the Doctor and ask for other elemental iron supplements that are less likely to develop constipation. Iron is a very important element during pregnancy, it is best that when you are taking iron, take also enough water. It is also good to know that green leafy vegetable are good source of iron. When you eat sufficient amount of green leafy vegetables, you might as well stop taking supplemental iron so that constipation will be prevented. Before stopping iron medication, it is best to talk to your health care provider or to a Doctor and get some advice.
In most cases worry, stress, anxiety and depression can worsen constipation. Hormonal changes can relax peristalsis movement of the intestine, when our intestine does not move; constipation is most likely to happen because food will have difficulty to move through our system.