Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Constipation
Constipation is a frequent problem for manyof pregnant women, not just in early pregancy, but throughout their entire pregnancy. In order to absorb all the nutrients that your developing baby requires, pregnancy hormones slow down your metabolism and this can, in turn, lead to constipation.
If you are suffering from constipation try increasing your intake of dietary fibre by eating plenty of fresh fibrous fruit and vegetables (especially leafy green vegetables) and drinking more water. Homemade vegetable soup is a great way of getting more fibre into your diet as are many high-fibre breakfast cereals. Porridge, muesli, swapping white bread for wholemeal and cutting down on high fat foods can also help you avoid constipation. Many women also find eating dried fruits such as prunes and raisins help too.
Caffeine is also known to cause constipation so avoid drinking too much tea, coffee and fizzy drinks and obviously avoid alcohol which can not only cause constipation but can also harm your developing baby.
If you are unable to control your constipation, please speak to your doctor or a pharmacist as you may require some help in the form of medications whicgh are safe to take during pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe lactulose or an isphagula husk drink and some women find they need to take preventative medications throughout their entire pregnancy and during breastfeeding. If you are prescribed medication for constipation, it is important you continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day in order for the medication to work properly. If your constipation is not improving, please return to your doctor for further advice as ongoing constipation can cause hemorrhoids which are often painful and uncomfortable but easily treatable.
