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How to deal with constipation during pregnancy
Constipation during pregnancy is a phenomenon that absolutely all women who are carrying a child face. There is a medical explanation for this. Firstly, in pregnant women, the level of the hormone progesterone rises, and it has a relaxing effect on the intestinal muscles, slowing down the passage of food. Secondly, the enlarged uterus also puts pressure on the intestines and complicates the digestion process. How to deal with constipation during pregnancy so as not to harm the health of the expectant mother and her baby?
Causes of constipation during pregnancy
One of the most common medical causes of constipation during pregnancy is the general innervation of a woman’s intestines and uterus. So, increased activity of intestinal motility can cause contraction of the uterus, which, in turn, can provoke a miscarriage. In this case, constipation is a natural reaction of the woman’s body, aimed at protecting the fetus.
How to deal with constipation during pregnancy?
Emotional and psychological problems are also common causes of constipation in pregnant women. Stress caused by pregnancy, unstable hormone levels that affect mood, sleep and overall well-being are significant causes that disrupt the digestive process. In addition, many women, trying to protect their child from injury, try to move as little as possible, avoiding physical exertion. A sedentary lifestyle often causes constipation. Another reason for this delicate problem is dehydration. Do not forget that the expectant mother should drink at least 1,5 liters of pure mineral or filtered water per day.
What is the danger of constipation during pregnancy?
Constipation is a serious threat to the health of not only the expectant mother, but also the fetus, since when emptying, the body gets rid of harmful substances along with food debris. If emptying occurs irregularly or is difficult, the human body begins to suffer from mild intoxication. In addition, unpleasant, painful sensations may appear in the abdomen. In addition, a pregnant woman with constipation will certainly push, and this cannot be done in any way, since frequent attempts can provoke both a miscarriage and the birth of a child before the due date. So how to deal with constipation during pregnancy so as not to harm your health?
How to deal with constipation during pregnancy?
In order to minimize constipation during pregnancy, you should not neglect some of the rules of prevention. Namely: drink a glass of pure water on an empty stomach every day, eat at least 400 grams of fresh vegetables and fruits every day, and never ignore the urge to defecate, so as not to cause stagnation of feces in the intestines. A balanced diet will also help prevent constipation during pregnancy. Need to eat more:
- foods containing vegetable fiber: muesli, oatmeal, raw vegetables – 250-300 gr
- dried fruits and fruits: dried apricots, prunes, apples – at least 300-350 gr
- fermented milk products: cottage cheese, kefir, sour cream
- lean meat: chicken, turkey, rabbit – 400 gr
It is completely necessary to exclude white bread, bananas, cabbage, legumes from the diet. Protein food should be consumed only in the morning (meat, fish), and in the evening, give preference to vegetable salads, fermented milk products and unsweetened fruit compotes (excluding citrus fruits). And do not forget to drink a glass of water 20 minutes before meals.
If the cause of constipation is chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis or cholecystitis, then it is imperative to consult with your doctor. Self-medication is not necessary, since medications are contraindicated in the fight against constipation during pregnancy. The only exceptions are glycerin suppositories, but they should be used only after consulting a doctor.