 Natural Treatments for Constipation in Pregnancy
Source: Alexis Rodrigo Date: 10/8/08
Because of constipation in pregnancy, many women experience bloating and even pain. Another consequence is hemorrhoids, which are also painful. Commonly experienced by pregnant women, constipation in pregnancy is caused by normal transformations of the pregnant woman's body. However,
pregnant women need not suffer. Home remedies and other natural approaches are effective in relieving constipation in pregnancy.
What Causes Constipation in Pregnancy
The level of progesterone increases
sharply during pregnancy, causing constipation. Progesterone causes the
woman's muscles to relax, in preparation for labor. The intestines also
relax and slow down. The result? Constipation.
Although causing much discomfort,
this slowing down of the intestines is actually important during
pregnant. It allows the pregnant woman's intestines to absorb vitamins,
minerals and other vital nutrients from foods. This is the body's way
of assuring that the growing fetus will get all the nutrients its needs
for proper growth and development.
The relaxation of the digestive
system also allows the pregnant female's body to absorb more water.
Because of her increased blood volume, the pregnant woman needs more
water.
Iron, which all prenatal vitamins contain, also causes constipation in pregnancy.
What Natural Remedies Can Relieve Constipation in Pregnancy
1. Drink more than 8 glasses of
clean water daily. Refer to your doctor to determine how much water
your body needs. There is a formula based on your weight.
2. Eat more high-fiber foods. These include fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains. Good choices are green, leafy vegetables, unsweetened
prunes or prune juice, apple juice, and old-fashioned oatmeal. Try to
eat a little of these foods every day.
3. Engage in regular exercise. Walking is effective in stimulating the
digestive system. There are also yoga poses that are good for
digestion. Consult a certified yoga instruction about yoga poses that
are safe during pregnancy and can effectively ease constipation.
4. Switch to a different brand of prenatal supplements that contain a
form of iron that doesn't cause constipation. Calcium and magnesium
also help relieve constipation. Inquire with your doctor about the best
prenatal supplements for you.
5. Consult with a homeopathic doctor about homeopathic remedies that treat constipation in pregnancy.
Although normal, constipation in
pregnancy causes much discomfort and inconvenience. Fortunately, it is
easily remedied by safe and effective home remedies and other natural
treatments. Pregnant women should never take drugs to alleviate
constipation. The natural remedies described above are sure to provide
relief.
About The Author
Alexis
Rodrigo is a certified childbirth educator and runs an information
website on natural parenting. To learn more natural ways to relieve
pains in constipation, go to http://www.natural-moms.com
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