What Do Pregnancy And Constipation Have In Common?

Sadly, for some of us, pregnancy and constipation come hand in hand. The good news is that it does not have to be this way.

What Causes Constipation During Pregnancy?

Well, the main culprit is the hormone progesterone.

Progesterone relaxes your smooth muscles and slows down the movement of your intestines. You are more likely to experience constipation if you already suffer from constipation while not pregnant.

Additionally, as your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows bigger, the added weight will place increased downward pressure on your pelvis, making a problem with constipation more likely.

During pregnancy, your stomach also produces less acid and pepsin which are important for the breakdown of proteins. Sounds like your body is working against you, doesn't it?

It is not the case.

Natural Constipation Cures: Diet and Exercise

Regular treatments for constipation usually involve constipation medication which is not necessarily safe or effective. The good news is that there are also some natural constipation cures.

The most important thing is watch your diet!

A high-fiber diet provides more roughage to aid with your digestion and this will help. So it is true eat fiber and avoid constipation. But please do remember to increase your water intake at the same time!

Without extra water the fiber will only bulk up your stool, making it hard and difficult to pass along the intestines ...and therefore more constipation.

Note: Remember that iron tablets will make this problem worse. If iron levels are low, there are natural, proven and gentle ways to treat it.

Exercise!

Lack of exercise is never good and during pregnancy is no exception. Walking is a perfect pregnancy exercise. Swimming is another great exercise since the buoyancy of the water helps you feel weightless. And that's a great benefit especially toward the end when you feel big and bulky!

Bran	Raw Foods	Prunes	Molasses	Yogurt	Flax Seeds

Constipation and Pregnancy: Foods That Cure Constipation

Bran

Bran is wonderful way to include more fiber into your diet.

Here are some wonderful bran muffin recipes:

Best bran muffins

Buttermilk bran muffins

Raw Fruits And Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables include much fiber and they should be a part of your daily diet.

Salads are a wonderful way to include fiber and greens into your diet.

Prunes And Prune Juice

For those who like them, prunes and prune juice do work well as a constipation cure. One cup of the juice - or 1/2 cup of the fruits - works very well.

Molasses

Molasses has a mild laxative action.

You can add it to milk, in various foods, on top of pancakes or waffles, in tea...your imagination is the limit. One to two tablespoons per day is enough.

Molasses is also high in iron and therefore a wonderful way to add extra iron to your diet.

Yogurt

Yogurt will help stimulate your intestinal tract by including beneficial bacteria.

Raw honey

Agave syrup

Xylitol

Stevia

Flax Seed Meal

As far as homemade remedies for constipation, raw flax seed meal is wonderful. One tablespoon a day works well.

It can be added to recipes such as pancakes, yogurt, breads, etc.

Buy the flax seeds and grind them yourself or buy them from a reputable health food store as flax seed meal can go rancid quite quickly. Keep in the freezer.

Our Best bran muffins contain flaxseed meal!

Homemade Remedies for Constipation: Essential Oils

Aromatherapy has been around for a very long time and has proven useful for many ailments.

Ginger and Peppermint are great constipation remedies. Dilute them in some oil and rub below your stomach or on the soles of your feet.

Homemade Remedies for Constipation: Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are gentle, safe and effective.

To learn more about homeopathy: Click here.

To find some remedies for constipation: Click here.

Pregnancy and Constipation: Resources

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