How to deal with constipation during pregnancy?

How to deal with constipation during pregnancy?
Methods

constipation in pregnancy Constipation during pregnancy - is a very common problem that often causes considerable discomfort expectant mothers. This is due to the fact that during the childbearing women entire body, including the intestine, is under the influence of hormones.

What happens to the intestine during pregnancy

The pregnant woman's body produces a lot more female hormones than usual. These hormones are necessary for normal development of the pregnancy and prepare the body for the upcoming birth. But those same hormones significantly slow down the intestine. One of the hormones - progesterone - relaxes the muscles of the whole body; One consequence of this is that the waste is beginning to move slowly through the intestines.

Symptoms of constipation

The main symptoms of constipation are:

Solid, dry feces, due to which defecation can be significantly complicated;
Rectal bleeding being the result of problems with defecation;
Defecation takes place once every four days, or even less;
Abdominal pain.

In extreme cases, constipation in pregnancy can lead to complications during childbirth.

When the above symptoms should consult a doctor, because in some cases they indicate a more serious illness.

Treatment of constipation during pregnancy

Drug-free treatment:

In most cases, pregnant women manage to cope with constipation due to some changes in diet and regular exercise.

Eat more foods rich in fiber. Fiber stimulates digestion and absorbs liquid, and if you use it in sufficient quantity, the feces will not become too hard, and the problems with defecation becomes smaller. A lot of fiber found in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, prunes. Various products rich in dietary fiber should be present in the diet of pregnant women every day.
Drink more water. If you are getting enough fluids will begin to slow down the digestive process, the intestines will be worse to cope with their work, and defecation will occur less frequently. Pregnant women are advised to drink an average of one and a half liters of fluid a day. Remember that even though you use the liquid in the form of tea, soup and a variety of juices, much of it must be ingested in the form of clean, still water.
Move more. Physical activity stimulates the bowels, and greatly improve digestion. During pregnancy, you need to swim, do aerobics or yoga Yoga - the way to preserve youth and health of skin at least three times a week for 20-30 minutes. This - the minimum load, but if you are healthy and the pregnancy is normal, it is best to train more. In addition, try as often as possible to go on foot; Ideally you need to walk at least an hour a day, but even a twenty-minute walk will bring you many benefits.

Medication:

If constipation is not possible to get rid of without the help of medication, you should consult your doctor. He will do an exam and will prescribe medications that are quite effective, and at the same time safe for pregnant women.

Drugs that increase the volume of the contents of the intestine. Medicines of this type are considered one of the safest for pregnant patients, even after prolonged use. However, they are not always sufficiently effective, and in some cases may cause such side effects as severe flatulence, bloating Bloating - when you need to go to the doctor? Cramps and pain.
Means, a stool softener. Of the drugs of this type are the safest during pregnancy is considered docusate sodium. Its effects on pregnant women has been studied many times, and now experts agree that it rarely causes side effects and virtually harmless to pregnant women. However, the fixed one case where prolonged use of this drug has been associated with the development of symptomatic hypomagnesemia newborn.
Fat-based lubricants, which are usually mineral oil is used in very small quantities absorbed gastro-intestinal tract, and apparently do not cause side effects. Some researchers have suggested that prolonged use of these lubricants can impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins Vitamins for everyone But it is only a theory and not a real risk for pregnant women.
Osmotic laxatives. Lactulose and polyethylene glycol are absorbed in the body in very small amounts and usually produce only side effects such as flatulence and bloating. Theoretically, the reception osmotic laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalance; pregnant women, these drugs are usually advised to take only a short time.

Stimulants can cause intestinal motility in pregnant women severe stomach cramps and some other side effects. As the osmotic laxatives, intestinal motility stimulants, when taken for a long time, can lead to imbalance of electrolytes. Laxatives these types are assigned to pregnant women only when other medicines do not help, and the treatment should be as short as possible.