Pregnancy constipation
Constipation during pregnancy is when you have dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass. This may happen from conception onwards.
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Constipation during pregnancy is when you have dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass. This may happen from conception onwards.
Progesterone relaxes the muscles in the intestinal walls, so there are fewer contractions to push the food along. This means that much more water than usual is absorbed from the stool in the colon, which makes it hard and dry. Stools may be less frequent, too.
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat as much fibre in the form of fruit (especially figs and prunes), vegetables, and wholegrains as you can.
- Walk briskly for at least 20 minutes a day.
Don't take laxatives without consulting your doctor. Natural laxatives are best as they increase the amount of water in the stool, making it soft.
Posted 04.05.2011
See more in the dossier: Pregnancy complaints guide
- Pregnancy backache
- Pregnancy carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pregnancy cramps
- Pregnancy diarrhoea
- Pregnancy faintness
- Pregnancy heartburn
- Pregnancy high blood pressure
- Pregnancy insomnia
- Pregnancy mood swings
- Pregnancy morning sickness
- Pregnancy piles
- Pregnancy rib pain
- Pregnancy tender breasts
- Pregnancy thrush
- Pregnancy varicose veins
- Pregnancy water retention
Get more on this subject…
