Nausea, back pain, water retention in the legs and hemorrhoids. These are just a few on the many unpleasant pregnancy problems that expectant mothers have to deal with. The constipation in pregnancy, among other digestive problems such as flatulence, is one of the most common complaints. More often than not, they are in the lookout for immediate constipation relief during pregnancy. Most women experience constipation during pregnancy, especially towards the end. This results in women trying out various pregnancy constipation remedies, often to no avail. Where do these digestive problems come from and what can you do about it?
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CONSTIPATION AND PREGNANCY
Hormones are responsible for constipation during pregnancy. Hormonal changes result in a slower digestive process, so that the food stays in the intestine longer. This provides more nutrients for the growing baby and the mother to be obtained. The sluggish intestine, however, often leads to constipation, resulting in mothers hurling for immediate constipation relief during pregnancy. Although constipation in pregnancy is usually harmless, it can still be quite annoying. Especially if it leads to another problem: Hemorrhoids.
Everyone has hemorrhoids. The cavernous bodies are located in the mucous membrane of the lower rectum. Usually we do not notice anything about it. However, constipation during pregnancy results in swelling and blocking of the bowel track. This leads to uncomfortable itching, pain and even bleeding. In addition to the hormonal influence, other factors can contribute to constipation in pregnancy, for example: lack of exercise, stress, a possible dietary change or the intake of iron supplements.
What does this eventually lead to? Expectant mothers seeking immediate relief from constipation during pregnancy. Here’s a few pointers to help them out.
FOODS FOR CONSTIPATION DURING PREGNANCY
With the right food and enough fluid, it’s relatively easy to counteract constipation problems. The best of all pregnancy constipation remedies is a high-fiber diet. Fiber swells up in the intestines and causes the stool to be eliminated more quickly. Perfect for preventing constipation during pregnancy and giving hemorrhoids no chance. While these do not provide an immediate constipation relief during pregnancy, the following foods still help expectant mothers combat constipation.
YOGURT
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Yogurt is the perfect food for a well-functioning intestine. It contains many bacteria that provide a healthy gut. It doesn’t even have to be the most expensive and exotic yogurt in the world. Probiotic yogurt, the normal natural yogurt is quite sufficient to keep the tired intestines going.
FLAXSEED
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Just sprinkle a few flaxseeds over your morning cereal, yogurt or salad, and the gut will get going. The small seeds contain a bucket load of fiber. The fiber swells the gut, making digestion all the more easy. Wheat bran or Indian psyllium husks also support a healthy, fiber-rich diet and can serve as so-called “swelling substances”.
Tip: Drink lots of water if you use flaxseeds regularly. Consume no more than fifty grams a day.
WHOLE GRAINS
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Bright bread rolls and croissants taste so good! However, if you suffer from constipation, you should rather turn to the wholegrain bread and wholemeal bread. They contain significantly more fiber, which ensures good digestion. Also recommended: oatmeal, cereals, wholemeal pasta and brown rice. They might not provide immediate constipation relief during pregnancy, but it will at least keep your gut churning.
DRIED FRUITS
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Dried fruits are full of fiber, making them very potent in combating constipation. This applies to dried fruit of all kinds: raisins, dates, figs, apple rings or apricots. So why not make friends with the solid, sticky dried fruit? Simply soak a few prunes over the night in the water and the next morning add to the cereal or yogurt!
Dried plums or apricots have a slightly laxative effect and can thereby relieve constipation in pregnancy. Just integrate it into the daily diet. Dried fruit, for example, fits particularly well in the morning cereal.
Heat Treatments: A warm bath or hot water bottle can relax the bowel and release constipation during pregnancy. Important: Always put the hot water bottle in an envelope and never lay it directly on the stomach. In addition, it should be pleasantly warm, but not too hot. The same goes for the bathwater. This should not be too hot, otherwise it could strain the circulation or cause premature labor. If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
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In addition to dried fruits, fresh fruits and vegetables play an important role when it comes to healthy intestines and good digestion. Three portions of vegetables and two portions of fruit are recommended by the German Society of Nutrition each day. Fiber is found in both fruits and vegetables, especially in blueberries, fresh dates, quince and artichokes etc.
HYDRATION IS KEY
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In addition to the right foods, the intestine also needs sufficient fluid to work well. Two liters of water a day should be consumed, whether pregnant or not. Fruit and herbal tea are also allowed. Tip: In the morning, before getting up, drinking a large glass of fresh water helps bring the entire organism and especially the digestive tract in motion. 1-2 glasses of sauerkraut juice per day should help relieve constipation problems. Unfortunately, sauerkraut juice can also have a flatulent effect
EXERCISE WHEN YOU CAN
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Exercise during pregnancy is often underestimated. Very few expectant mothers really ever understand how important it can be for their health. 20 minutes of walking a day can help promote bowel movements. Also, swimming or pregnancy gymnastics are a great way to stay active and prevent constipation during pregnancy. No constipation – no need for immediate constipation relief during pregnancy.
IMMEDIATE CONSTIPATION RELIEF DURING PREGNANCY
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All the foods mentioned above help general constipation during pregnancy. They do not exactly provide immediate constipation relief during pregnancy. This normally means movement of the bowel within the next few hours of intake. This can only be achieved clinically.
Constipation during pregnancy is defined as fewer than three bowel movements during the entire week, which can be very uncomfortable. This forces expecting mothers to rush to their doctors. The medication the doctor might assign might well be the only immediate constipation relief during pregnancy.
Doctors might prescribe laxatives containing milk of magnesium or bulk producing agents like Metamucil. In particular cases, doctors may also prescribe stool softeners. All of these drugs help to soften the stool in the gut by feeding it with water. This allows for easy flow of stool through the rectum and out of the body.
All of these drugs are said to be completely safe for both the mother and the unborn child.
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