is a question many pregnant women have to deal with. Approximately half of all women experience constipation during pregnancy.
Why pregnancy and constipation go hand in hand:
The pregnancy hormone progesterone has a relaxing effect on the intestines and this slows the movement of the bowel causing pregnancy constipation.
The growing fetus needs as much vitamins, minerals and nutrients as possible. Therefore the increasing hormone levels of a pregnant woman cause food to move slower through the bowels. This results in constipation and pregnancy been associated as this is natures way of making sure the growing baby is given an opportunity to absorb extra nutrients.
Pregnant women need extra water for the extra blood volume required for pregnancy. Therefore the mother will absorb more water from the bowel than normal which will result in a harder, dryer bowel movement resulting in constipation during pregnancy.
The longer food stays in the intestines, the more water is reabsorbed from the bowel into the body to accommodate for the extra blood volume required during pregnancy. All prenatal vitamins contain iron, which is known to cause constipation during pregnancy.
As you baby grows, every organ in your abdomen has to move out of its normal position to accommodate the growth and expansion of your womb. The intestines can become squashed, and may not be able to contract in its normal manner as it pushes its contents through loops of bowel. This is another reason why constipation and pregnancy are related.
Pregnancy and constipation relief:
1. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of good quality purified water a day. 2. Increase fiber in your diet such as whole grains and brown rice. 3. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, particularly prunes (which can be taken via prune juice). 4. Peppermint tea or peppermint water can help with gas or bloating pains. 5. Try to reduce stress in your life as stress can cause constipation. 6. You may have to switch you prenatal vitamins over to a different brand. Even though they all have iron, some brands may be less pregnancy constipating to you than others. 7. Add a little more exercise to your daily routine. If you do not normally exercise then start with 10-15 minutes walking every day. If you routinely exercise change your exercise routine slightly to see if you can stimulate bowel activity. 8. Mangosteen juice has been shown to have a positive effect on all systems of the body including bowel mobility. Mangosteen is a fruit and is very effective in preventing pregnancy complications. 9. Consult with a homeopath for a pregnancy safe homeopathy remedy for constipation. 10. Avoid over-the-counter laxatives as they can stimulate uterine contractions resulting in miscarriage or pre-term labor.
Prevention of constipation is the best place to start. Many pregnant clients have experienced a constipation free pregnancy, by understanding the normal physiology of pregnancy. The more educated you are about the minor, and major symptoms associated with pregnancy then the more steps you can take for prevention. is definitely preventable, and easy to correct.
Pregnancy can be an extraordinary experience for a woman. It is far more than growing a baby and dealing with issues like constipation. Pregnancy has a huge emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic side to it. The more you understand these aspects, the easier and less symptomatic your pregnancy will be. Learning how to connect with the emotions of your unborn child, will allow you to enhance your pregnancy experience and surrender to its normal physiological process like constipation during pregnancy.
The Figures
It is believed that at least 78% of women experience insomnia during pregnancy. Although some may not experience this sleeping problem throughout pregnancy, at least 97% of pregnant women experience temporary pregnancy insomnia near the end of pregnancy or at the last trimester. Aside from common pregnancy insomnia, 30% of pregnant women also develop snoring habits that could be a sign of sleep apnea.
Pregnancy Insomnia
Pregnant women may experience pregnancy insomnia because of pregnancy induced pains and discomforts. A woman may have trouble sleeping simply because a big tummy makes nearly all sleeping positions uncomfortable. Pregnancy insomnia is more commonly experienced during the last trimester because the swollen uterus presses against body parts and organs and creates pressure in some parts. This results in common pregnancy complaints like nausea, cramps, heartburn, body aches and the need to frequently urinate. Fetal movement and psychological anxieties may also contribute to the incidence of pregnancy insomnia.
Other Sleep Problems
Aside from pregnancy insomnia, sleep apnea may also be a harmful condition that may develop during pregnancy. Nasal passages may increasingly swell in pregnant women which may block airways. Snoring which may accompany this kind of apnea may result in high blood pressure. The lack of oxygen could also potentially harm the fetus. In some women, this sleep apnea may also be the cause of pregnancy insomnia since a pregnant woman may wake up suddenly because of gasping which may follow snoring.
Tips
There are numerous ways to help reduce pregnancy insomnia. The following may be helpful tips:
· Experiment with sleeping positions like sleeping on your side. Avoid sleeping on your back to avoid pressure on your diaphragm and bladder. · Drink a lot of water in the morning but reduce fluid intake before bed time to curb frequent urination. · Perform pregnancy exercises to reduce painful night leg cramps. · Add comfortable pillows on your bed. You can hug a long body pillow or use special pregnancy pillows for your head and back. · Take a warm bath and have a soft massage before sleeping. · Drink warm milk or water with honey before sleeping. · Make sure that you are comfortable with your room's temperature and that the room is well ventilated · Play relaxing music or turn on the TV to a boring show. · Read a boring book. · Avoid spicy or acidic foods to avoid heartburn. · Eat bland crackers to reduce nausea. · Practice deep relaxation breathing techniques like the method taught in pregnancy classes.
Find What Works
Pregnancy aches and pains are usually unique to an individual. You may therefore need to find your own personal solution to pregnancy insomnia by experimenting on which of the above mentioned tips will work for you. One thing is certain though; you should consult your doctor if you plan to take anything for your insomnia. What you put in your body could be harmful to your baby. It is generally a bad idea to take alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives and other sleep medication while you are pregnant. Ask you doctor for a safe sleep supplement.
Both Hannah Bajor, C.n.m.,m.s.n. & Brain are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.