10 Natural Ways to Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you have probably experienced some form of constipation. Familar signs of constipation can include infrequent bowel movements, passing hard stools, as well as abdominal bleeding and/or pain. This is most likely caused by changes in hormones, pressure on the womb, or iron from prenatal vitamins.

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Constipation is one of those not so fun ailments that can cause stomach bloating, stomach pains,  hard stool, straining to have a bowel movement, needing help to pass stool, and painful bowel movements. Painful bowel movements can cause anal fissures and hemorrhoids which are another can of worms that you don’t want to have to deal with during your pregnancy.

The following are natural ways to deal with constipation during pregnancy.

1. Lemon water

Start of the day with a glass of warm lemon juice. Simply squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and add a little honey to taste. Lemon consists of antioxidant properties and is high in vitamin C. Lemon water helps increase the production of bile in your body which in turn increases the contractions of the bowel muscles and to easily pass stools.

2. Drink plenty of water

Aim to drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day. Drinking adequate amounts of water will help keep stools soft and moving smoothly through the digestive tract. 

3. Eat smaller meals 

Eating smaller meals will give your stomach and digestive system the chance to process foods without causing adominal bloating, heartburn or a stool blockage. 

4. Increase your fibre intake

Foods in high-fibre helps to remove undigested food from the body. Some foods high in fibre include fruits, berries, beans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains.

5. Get moving

Although there is some controversy on whether or not exercise helps provide relief from constipation, there is no harm in trying. Afterall exercise is essential in staying healthy, even in pregnancy. Choose exercises suitable for pregnancy such as walking, running, swimming, and yoga.

6.  Aromatherapy massage

Give yourself a massage using simple natural ingredients. Mix one to two drops of essential oil such as lemon essential oil with one teaspoon of carrier oil such as almond, coconut, or olive. Massage this mixture over your abdomen to help soften stool and eliminate constipation.

7. Eat yogurt

Yogurt contains a rich source of probiotics, which helps with digestion by altering the microorganisms and increasing bowel movements. Aim for at least one cup of yogurt daily.

8. Drink prune juice

Prune juice contains a natural laxative to help with muscle contractions in the bowels plus certain sugars that help the intestines draw water from the body to eliminate stool.

9. Epsom salt bath

Simply add one cup of epsom salt to your bath water and then sit for at least 15 minutes. Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulphate helps to relieve sore muscles and treat constipation.

10. Go to the bathroom immediately

Delaying in going to the bathroom can lead to more water getting absorbed from your bowels which will make your stool harder.

Were you aware of these natural ways to relieve constipation during pregnancy?

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