Home remedies for Immediate Constipation Relief during Pregnancy [DRASTIC Approach]
Constipation becomes a lot more than discomfort when you’re pregnant. During pregnancy, up to one in every four women suffers from constipation. The purpose of home remedies for constipation during pregnancy is to get immediate relief from discomfort and enhance the health of the mother.
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is characterized by fewer than 3 bowel movements per week and difficult-to-pass feces. If you have constipation, passing stools may be uncomfortable or difficult, and you may need to push or strain.
Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation results from the gastrointestinal system slowing down during pregnancy due to the rising levels of progesterone hormone. Due to the womb’s retroversion, which occurs up to about 12 weeks of pregnancy, and an abrupt change in the blood progesterone level, constipation and discomfort are more common in the early stages of pregnancy. The strain the expanding womb puts on your bowels during the second and third trimesters will make the issue worse. Additionally, taking iron and calcium supplements, eating a low-fiber diet, not exercising, becoming dehydrated, worrying, and experiencing anxiety may all contribute to or cause constipation.
Symptoms Of Constipation
The following can be some of the symptoms of constipation during pregnancy:
- Hard or stiff stools
- Decreased bowel movements
- Having pain after a bowel movement
- Urge of farting
- Stomach pains that seem crampy
Read more: Home Remedies for Heartburn During Pregnancy: The CHELSEA Approach
Home remedies for Immediate Constipation Relief during Pregnancy [DRASTIC Approach]
There are numerous at-home management and treatment options for constipation during pregnancy. You can use our DRASTIC approach including home remedies to have immediate relief constipation during pregnancy:
- Drink lukewarm water
One of the straightforward treatments for many of our illnesses is water. To maintain regular bowel movements, one should frequently drink water. Water aids in normal digestion and facilitates smooth muscular motion. Dehydration can occur frequently as a result of weather changes, which is one of the main reasons for constipation. You can maintain regular bowel movements and help pass stools easily by drinking lukewarm water.
- Regular physical activity is a must to ease constipation
Exercise can assist with a variety of constipation problems. Constipation is more likely in people who lead sedentary lifestyles, thus doctors advise exercise to keep the stools moving. Try out some simple exercises at the beginning, such as swimming, running, or even biking, to see if it helps. You should avoid excessive exercise because it can worsen constipation.
- Add high-fiber foods to your diet
This remedy can provide relief right away or even work to prevent constipation in the long run. The component of plant matter known as fiber is indigestible. It can give the stool both bulk and softness. Softer stools are the result of soluble fiber’s ability to absorb water and its ability to gel with fatty acids. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, does not dissolve in water and adds bulk and moisture to the stool. To treat and prevent constipation, it is advised to ingest 20 to 25 grams of fiber daily. Ispaghol sometimes referred to as psyllium husk, can provide immediate relief when combined with lukewarm water and consumed first in the morning.
- Smoothly massage your stomach
Early on in a pregnancy, constipation is normal. However, you shouldn’t ignore it because it could turn into a more serious issue if you do. Constipation can be eased with a gentle stomach massage. You must complete it in a clockwise direction. If your placenta is low lying or you are in danger of early labor, you should avoid using this remedy.
- Take lemon by adding it to a little bit of water
Lemon aids in digestion and aids in the removal of toxins and other partially digested food. Warm water with a squeeze of lemon in it stimulates your senses of taste and smell and causes bowel contractions that aid with stool passage. Consider adding a little water to the concentrated juice to dilute it. This adds little Fluid and lessens the lemon’s sharp taste.
- Intake of flaxseeds
This is yet another well-liked at-home treatment for constipation during pregnancy. Flaxseed includes omega-3S and is rich in dietary fiber, which gives your diet the necessary roughage. You can also think about utilizing flaxseed oil. Hence the use of flaxseed can ease constipation.
- Consider Laxatives
Two different kinds of laxatives exist. One causes the bowels to constrict, while the other gives the feces more bulk. The laxatives increase the water content of the feces, giving it more volume. These, however, might cause a bowel cramp. The unwise use of laxatives might result in a variety of adverse effects. As a result, they must be utilized effectively and efficiently. Laxatives can ease persistent constipation. Chronic laxative use can cause a lethargic, twisted bowel. A physician should always be consulted before using a laxative.
Read more: Home Remedies for Nausea During Pregnancy: The CRACKER Approach
Foods To Be Avoided That Can Worsen Constipation
Some foods can worsen constipation in pregnancy. When possible, try to avoid these. Following are the foods that should be avoided so that constipation doesn’t gets worsen
- Low Fiber Foods
- High FODMAP Foods
- Bananas
- Eggs
- Processed Meat
- Fast Food
Medication For Constipation During Pregnancy
Following medication can be used to ease constipation during pregnancy. When used as directed on the label, these over-the-counter laxatives have no known negative effects on a developing fetus.
They have been utilized more frequently and are efficient. But remember:
DON’T DO ANY MEDICATION WITHOUT THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN.
Disclaimer
You can get some relief from the uncomfortable constipation consequences with the use of these natural remedies. However, it is advised that you see a doctor if none of the above home remedies seem to help your constipation.
Fatima Sarmad
I lead a team of professional nutritionists and dietitians. We provide our consulting services in different areas of nutrition.
