Natural Remedies for Constipation in Pregnancy
Cures for Constipation During Pregnancy
- Eat a high fiber diet. Most adults require 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day. If you are pregnant, you may need to increase this amount of fiber consumed to combat the effects of constipation.
- Drink plenty of natural fluids. Consider drinking at least 12 cups of water a day (people who are not pregnant are recommended to drink 6-8 cups a day). Liquid is what help eliminate your solids in your intestines, so increasing the amount of liquids should help your elimination. Avoid caffeinated beverages that may act as a diuretic. You may need to drink more if you live in a more hot or humid location.
- Exercise on a regular basis. Experts agree that moderate exercise like walking or swimming stimulates the activity of your bowels. Start with 20 to 30 minutes of regular exercise a day. Always ask your doctor or personal trainer what kind of exercise regiment you should be taking while pregnant.
High Fiber Options During Pregnancy
Eating a diet high in fiber can be a challenge for most people in America. If you are battling constipation during pregnancy, you may have to eat even more fiber since taking laxatives during pregnancy is discouraged. Below are some sample of snacks packed with fiber and nutrients.
- Apple with skin, 4.5 grams of fiber
- Pear with skin, 5.1 grams of fiber
- Whole wheat baked pita chips, up to 5 grams of fiber
- 1 cup of Whole Grain Cereal, up to 9 grams of fiber
- Hummus with carrots and celery, up to 8 grams of fiber
- Avocado, 12 grams of fiber
- Cooked whole oats, 12 grams of fiber
- Black bean salsa, up to 9 grams of fiber
- Cooked brown rice, up to 7 grams of fiber
- Lentil soup, 7 grams of fiber
Additional Benefits of Fiber
As you may be eating more fiber to prevent constipation during pregnancy, you may want to know about the additional benefits of eating a high fiber diet.
- Controls blood-sugar levels. As many pregnant women have to be wary of gestational diabetes, eating more fiber and help the absorption of sugar and may help control your blood sugar levels.
- Helps lower bad cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber is commonly found in oats and beans and other high fiber foods. Soluble fiber is known to lower your low-density lipoprotein or your “bad” cholesterol levels.
- Reduces the risk of hemorrhoids. Constipation can cause annoying and painful hemorrhoids. By keeping your stools soft, fiber adds bulk to your diet and helps prevent hemorrhoids from developing.
Disclaimer
The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed.
