Constipation is infrequent, less than three times a week, or difficult elimination of hard, dry stools. Chronic constipation is when this condition persists for several weeks or more. During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, constipation can occur due to decreased digestive system movement. Pregnant women need to learn how to handle constipation.

Personal Story

Pregnancy constipation can make a woman miserable. I remember the sensation of having a full bowel, straining to make my bowels move, and the pain of hemorrhoids that eventually became the result of straining.

Dietary Recommendations

• Increase your water consumption to eight cups per day. Avoid caffeine-containing liquids, which are dehydrating.
• You may eat plenty of whole foods. You might eat more vegetables, fruit, and beans. Dried prunes is a good source of dietary fiber and another is flax-seed. Aim for 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day to ease the problem of constipation.
• Avoid constipation-causing foods such as dairy products, high-fat foods, and meats.

Physical Recommendations

• You might try to exercise moderately for twenty to thirty minutes a day to relieve constipation.
• Don’t delay going to the restroom; go as soon as there is an urge to go.
• Use the restroom at the same time each day, even if the urge is not present. Right after breakfast or after exercise would be good times. To relieve the pressure of their growing baby on the intestines, you may find putting your feet on a stool helps ease the bowel movement.

Nutritional and Herbal Supplement Recommendations

Discuss taking one of these supplements with your health care professional if diet and exercise do not relieve your constipation.

• Psyllium seed might, in small amounts, be helpful. It may take 3 to 7 days to see results.
• Midwives and herbalists often favor licorice for short-term use for constipation due to its intestinal moistening abilities. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) works as a laxative and is usually free from adverse effects and is not contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation. Do not use long-term (only use up to a week) or in excessive doses during pregnancy
• Dandelion root is an alternative herb to consider that has the properties of a mild laxative, a herb that increases output of urine, and great aid to digestion. Consume as a tea or an extract. It is safe to use throughout pregnancy. It is also useful after childbirth as a laxative to soften stool and may help increase deficient milk flow.

Action Step

If you are pregnant and suffering with constipation, please talk to your health care professional about increasing water intake and dietary fiber, exercising, and using botanicals. You need some relief!

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing in the comment section above.