Constipation During Pregnancy? Expert Shares Diet Tips For Expecting Women

Pregnancy is one of the most crucial phases in the life of an expecting woman. You have to take care of your diet, medication, and exercise because you are now responsible for the life growing inside you. However, this beauty comes with many challenges, one of which is constipation.

HerZindagi spoke with Dr Kirti Reddy Patlolla, MS (OBG) Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, BirthRight By Rainbow Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, to understand why pregnant women can struggle with indigestion, how they can take care of their diet, and a few DOY hacks that can help them get rid of the problem.

The doctor said, “Constipation, commonly experienced during pregnancy, is primarily influenced by hormonal changes, increased pressure on the intestines, and the prenatal vitamins that are essential for both maternal and foetal health.” Lack of fibre, water, and exercise are some of the most common reasons for constipation experienced by expecting women.

Here is how you can treat the condition at home,

Drink More Water To Get Rid Of Constipation During Pregnancy

When you wake up, drink a glass of warm water. It is one of the most effective remedies to treat constipation at home, and it does not have any side effects as well. You must drink at least eight glasses or 2-3 litres of water in a day.

The expert added that hydrating helps to regulate the regularity of your bowel movements and prevents the stool from becoming hard, which can make it difficult and sometimes painful for you to pass.

Develop Mindful Eating Habits To Get Rid Of Constipation During Pregnancy

The doctor suggested trying to develop the habit of mindful eating during pregnancy. It will help to improve your digestion. You need to savour each bite and chew your food completely before swallowing.

You must incorporate green leafy vegetables into your diet to improve your bowel movements. You should eat bananas or guava (Why Eat Guava Every Day?) before sleeping every night to get rid of constipation.

Add Fibre-Rich Food To Your Diet To Get Rid Of Constipation During Pregnancy

Adding fibre-rich ingredients to your diet can help you do away with hard stool. You don’t need any DIY hack but have to be cautious about what you are adding to your meals.

The doctor suggested eating vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruits in your meals. This will also ensure that your body gets plenty of nutrients, and your baby remains nourished in your womb. You should also eat beetroot, carrot, and cucumber as a part of salads to improve your bowel movements.

Eat Probiotic-Rich Ingredients To Get Rid Of Constipation During Pregnancy

Yoghurt and other fermented foods are known to be rich in probiotics. They promote healthy flora of your gut and improve bowel movements while maintaining hydration levels in your body. If you consume these ingredients quite often, you will experience that complaints regarding constipation will become infrequent.

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Perform Exercises Every Day To Get Rid Of Constipation During Pregnancy

Mild exercises like walking and prenatal yoga are considered healthy for every expecting woman unless they have any complications. If your healthcare expert recommends continuing with these activities, you must not skip them because they can help you get rid of the problem.

The doctor concluded, “Constipation (Immediate Relief From Constipation) is a common challenge, but expecting mothers may get through it with an all-encompassing strategy. We can encourage moms-to-be to prioritise their digestive health by concentrating on a balanced and fibre-rich diet, staying hydrated, practising mindful eating habits, adding probiotics, engaging in regular exercise, and researching mild herbal therapies.”

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What doctor has suggested, our grandmothers and great-grandmothers have been following for decades. Their unique preparation of balanced meals ensures that the mother-to-be and baby remain healthy and fit.