Constipation is common in pregnant women and is attributed to hormonal changes taking place in the body during the initial stages of pregnancy. To ease symptoms of constipation, you should:
- Eat plenty of fibre (fibre rich foods include wholegrain rice, pasta, bread and cereals, fruit and vegetables and pulses)
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water
- Get plenty of rest and avoid stressful situations
- Exercise regularly; this will help to maintain muscle tone
- If you are taking iron pills and they are making you constipated, talk to your midwife and see if you can stop taking the supplements. If your haemoglobin levels are high enough you may be able to stop taking them but if they’re low you will need to continue taking the pills; this may mean you have to put up with constipation
Guide to Pregnancy
Heartburn and Indigestion During Pregnancy