How to Avoid Constipation While Pregnant
Constipation occurs in pregnancy due to an increase in the hormone progesterone and an ever-growing uterus taking up space and cramping other organs. Following a planned diet and exercise routine can help to keep you regular and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Pregnancy Exercise Leggings
- Pregnancy Sport Shorts
- Pregnancy Sports Bras
- Bottled Water
- Fruits
- High-fiber Cereals
- Water Bottles
- Pregnancy Workout Video
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1
Drink plenty of water. During pregnancy, you should drink 8 to 10 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Fruit juice will also help to keep your digestive track moving, but don't eliminate water from your diet.
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2
Eat a diet high in fiber. Make sure you include cereals and whole grain breads as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
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3
Eat prunes, or drink prune juice. Prunes are a natural laxative and can easily be added to your daily diet. Eat a few prunes every morning, or have a glass of prune juice along with your breakfast.
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4
Exercise. Walking, swimming and yoga are excellent at keeping your digestive track moving.
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5
Take a natural over-the-counter laxative. If attempts to stay regular with diet and exercise don't work, natural laxatives that are not absorbed into your system are available over the counter. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on products that are best for you.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Establish an eating routine. Eat your high fiber foods or prunes first thing in the morning so that your digestive system will have the whole day to work.
Stay away from mineral oil as a laxative. It may prevent nutrients from being absorbed by your body.
Stay away from castor oil as a laxative. Castor oil can cause premature uterine contractions.
Consult your doctor before starting any exercise routines.
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Comments
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hereata
Dec 11, 2007
This was what I found the most effective during my pregnancy: High Fiber fruits especially Banana and Papaya. I exercise daily but each time if I didn't "go" for a day, I would eat bananas or papayas and it solved the problem every single time. -
hereata
Dec 11, 2007
This was what I found the most effective during my pregnancy: High Fiber fruits especially Banana and Papaya. I exercise daily but each time if I didn't "go" for a day, I would eat bananas or papayas and it solved the problem every single time.
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Allandra
Jul 21, 2007
When I was pregnant, I was constipated like you won't believe. After seeing a nutrionist and my GP, I switched to a diet that included a lot of FIBRE (fruits, veggies) and daily exercise. Going for a 1/2 daily walk helped too. And remember, don't force it out! Take your time. Common sense but it works.
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Allandra
Jul 21, 2007
When I was pregnant, I was constipated like you won't believe. After seeing a nutrionist and my GP, I switched to a diet that included a lot of FIBRE (fruits, veggies) and daily exercise. Going for a 1/2 daily walk helped too. And remember, don't force it out! Take your time. Common sense but it works.
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2prego
Dec 02, 2006
I agree with drinking lots of water, exercise and lots of fiber. I also tried over the counter laxatives such as Phillips Milk Of Magnesia, and it was the worse thing I could have done to myself. I started contracting and had to go to the hospital, since Im only 25 weeks pregnant it was very scary.
