How To Treat Constipation During Pregnancy Naturally
Constipation during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but there are many home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and promote digestive health. Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before trying any of these home remedies. It is not recommended to take regular doses of ingredients like isabgoli , peppermint, or apple cider vinegar during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
1. Lemon
Lemon exhibits antioxidant properties due to the presence of vitamin C (1). This increases the production of bile in the body. This, in turn, may help in treating constipation.
1/2 lemon 1 glass of warm water Honey (optional)
Do this 1-2 times a day.
2. Oranges
Oranges are excellent sources of dietary fiber (2). Dietary fiber may help increase stool frequency in individuals with constipation (3). 1-2 oranges Have an orange or two on a daily basis. Do this once a day.
3. Prune Juice
Prunes contain a compound called sorbitol (4). This compound exhibits laxative properties (5). Hence, consuming prunes or prune juice for constipation may effectively treat this condition. 1 cup of prune juice Do this at least 4 times a day.
4. Flaxseeds
Research suggests that flaxseeds exhibit laxative properties (6). These properties may help in relieving constipation. 1/2-2 tablespoons of pre-ground flaxseeds Do this once a day. Note: Drink ample amounts of water while including flax seeds in your diet.
5. Ispaghula Husks
Ispaghula husk (psyllium) is a rich source of dietary fiber (7). When mixed with water, it acts as a mild laxative and helps to soften the stool (8). This may help in relieving constipation and its symptoms.
1 sachet of ispaghula husks 1 glass of water
Do this 2 times a day.
6. Lemon Or Peppermint Essential Oil
Aromatherapy massage using peppermint or lemon essential oil may help soften fecal impactioni A condition in which a hard lump of stool gets trapped in the rectum or lower colon and cannot be removed due to constipation. and treat constipation (9).
1-2 drops of lemon/peppermint essential oil 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (olive or almond oil)
Do this once a day.
7. Kiwi Fruit
Kiwis have high water and dietary fiber content (10). This may get the bowels moving and functioning smoothly (11), (12). This may make kiwi one of the best remedies for constipation. 1 kiwi Have a kiwi daily. Do this once a day.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C exhibits laxative activity (13). Hence, it may be suitable for the treatment of constipation. Consuming citrus fruits and juices may help in treating constipation. Note: Consult a doctor before taking additional vitamin C supplements as the vitamin C intake should not exceed 6000 mg daily for pregnant women.
9. Yogurt
Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics that aid digestion by altering the microbiotai A system or range of microorganisms that reside in a defined environment inside all multicellular organisms. in the bowels (14). This may help in treating constipation in pregnant women. 1 cup of plain yogurt Consume a cup of plain yogurt. Do this once a day.
10. Apple Juice
Apples contain a naturally occurring fiber called pectin. It is one of the best juices for constipation and its fiber promotes bowel movements (15). Hence, it may help in treating constipation.
1 apple 1 cup of warm water
How Often You Should Do This Do this once a day.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar may improve digestion. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim.
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon of honey 1 glass of warm water
Drink this every morning and night until you see an improvement in your condition.
12. Coconut Oil
coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that boost metabolism (16). This may help in stimulating bowel movement. 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil Do this 2 times a day.
13. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are rich sources of dietary fiber (17). This fiber aids bowel movement. Hence, chia seeds may help in treating constipation.
1 1/2 tablespoons of chia seeds 1 cup of juice or milk
Do this once a day.
14. Cranberry Juice
Cranberries are a good source of dietary fiber (18). This may make cranberry an effective natural remedy for constipation. 1 glass of unsweetened cranberry juice Consume a glass of cranberry juice. Do this once a day.
15. Epsom Salt
The magnesium sulfate present in Epsom salt exhibits laxative action (19). This may aid in treating constipation.
1 cup of Epsom salt Water
Do this at least 3 times a week.
16. Green Tea
The caffeine present in green tea exhibits mild laxative properties (20). This may aid in relieving constipation.
1 teaspoon of green tea leaves 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Do this 1-2 times a day.
17. Grapes
Grapes are rich in dietary fiber (21). This may help in easing constipation. 1 cup of grapes Consume a small cup of fresh grapes. Do this once a day. Note: Pregnant women are advised to eat grapes in moderation due to the presence of resveratroli A type of natural, chemical compound that is generally found in grapes and is said to be rich in antioxidants. in them. It is best to avoid grapes altogether in the last trimester of pregnancy.
18. Bananas
Bananas are rich sources of dietary fiber and other nutrients (22), (23). Hence, bananas may be a good option to treat constipation and its symptoms during pregnancy. 1 banana Have a banana. Eat a banana 2 times a day. You can also look for other remedies, like drinking green smoothies, that may help improve constipation during pregnancy. Guest blogger, Bethny, recounts her struggles during her first pregnancy on the blog Wikie Pedia. She shares how she managed her constipation problem during her pregnancy, writing, “I faced constipation, so my mother advised me to drink green smoothies to have proper bowel movements (i).” The appropriate use of these home remedies for constipation may have a positive effect and relieve constipation. However, there are more home remedies for constipation that you can try. In the pregnancy scenario, before trying anything new, consulting your healthcare provider is a must. The appropriate use of these remedies may bring about a positive effect and relieve constipation. Nevertheless, constipation is quite common in pregnant women. It is wise to take some additional precautions to avoid its recurrence. The following preventive tips may help in preventing the occurrence of constipation during pregnancy.
Preventive Tips
Increase the intake of fiber-rich foods. Hydration is one of the most important factors. So, stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids in the form of water and fresh juices. Keep moving and indulge in gentle exercises and yoga. Avoid using laxatives as they might trigger uterus contractions along with bowel contraction.
Discussed below are the causes of constipation during pregnancy.
What Causes Constipation During Pregnancy?
Constipation during pregnancy is mainly caused by hormonal changes. Pregnancy is often accompanied by an increase in the progesterone hormone. This causes the relaxation of all the muscles in the body, including intestinal muscles. Relaxed intestinal muscles means slower digestion, and this may lead to constipation(24). In addition to this, the pressure on the womb because of the growing fetus and the iron in prenatal vitamin supplements may also cause constipation during pregnancy. Iron supplements are believed to slow down digestion by sticking to the undigested substances in the body, thus triggering constipation(24). Now that we are well aware of what triggers constipation during pregnancy, let us look at the common symptoms that accompany this condition. According to a survey conducted on 474 pregnant women, 403 women who are going through postpartum, and 200 non-pregnant women, the prevalence of constipation in pregnant women (40%) and women going through postpartum (52%) was found to be much higher than the women who were not pregnant (21%).
Symptoms Of Constipation During Pregnancy
Some of the most common symptoms of constipation during pregnancy include (25):
Reduced bowel movements. Feces become hardened, making their passage difficult. A decrease in appetite. Abdominal bloating and pain. Blood splotches in the stool as a result of rectal injury due to hard feces.
Constipation is a tiring condition in general. During pregnancy, it may take a toll on your health. Read on to find out when it occurs so that you are prepared to deal with it.
When Does Constipation Occur During Pregnancy?
Constipation is found to affect a whopping 3 out of 4 pregnant women. It may occur in the first trimester but can also appear as soon as you conceive (26). However, the hormone that triggers constipation is found to increase its levels in the 9th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy. This is usually the period when it may hit you real hard. Constipation may also develop during the end of the pregnancy, owing to the enlarged uterus and the consequent pressure on the intestines (25). Note: Prenatal care is also important, as a healthcare provider may be able to recommend safe remedies or suggest dietary adjustments. It is best to get medical help immediately to avoid severe side effects.
Side Effects Of Constipation During Pregnancy
Given below are the side effects that may occur when you are pregnant and constipated (26). In some cases, these may even call for a medical emergency.
Severe abdominal pain Lumpy, hard stools A feeling of incomplete evacuation Repetitive rectal bleeding Hemorrhoidsi A condition in which the veins in the rectum and anus get inflamed and swollen and cause discomfort and bleeding. Anal fissures
Anal fissures due to constipation are especially commonly seen in pregnancy and often coincide with other perianal conditions like hemorrhoids. Constipation causes one to strain during bowel movements, which may cause tiny tears in the anal lining, leading to painful anal fissures. Research indicates that approximately 40% of pregnant women and those in the postpartum period experience these conditions, with 61% developing during the third trimester and 34% during the first or second day after delivery. Moreover, a study involving 280 women found that 92.7% had hemorrhoids, 5.7% experienced both hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and 1.6% had anal fissures alone (27). What to eat for constipation during pregnancy? Disclaimer: If you are considering taking any of these home remedies, consult your doctor first. It is not recommended to take regular doses of ingredients like isabgoli The common term for psyllium husk (ispaghulla), a dietary fiber that has natural laxative properties. , peppermint, or apple cider vinegar during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnant women should try and include fiber-rich foods, like cereals, fruits, vegetables, and beans, in their diet to combat constipation. What medicines are safe for constipation during pregnancy? Pregnant women are strictly advised against taking laxative medications as they may cause uterine contractions. This, in turn, may lead to a miscarriage. However, they may consume stool softeners to combat constipation after consulting their doctor. How do you rub your stomach when constipated? Apply mild pressure on the left side of your tummy, pushing your hand in a clockwise direction, across the abdomen and down to the top of your left hip bone. Do this ten times. Does ice water help constipation? Yes, ice water may lead to constipation, as the chilled water may harden and solidify the food. Therefore, always drink lukewarm or room-temperature water. Can coffee cause constipation? Studies suggest that drinking coffee may help treat constipation. However, it’s unclear whether coffee or the caffeine in it is responsible for the effect (28). Is oatmeal good for constipation? Yes, oats contain insoluble fiber, which may facilitate digestion and bowel movement (29). The fiber bulks up the stool, making it easier to transit through the colon. Are eggs good for constipation? Higher intake of eggs may lead to constipation, as they do not contain dietary fiber and may affect proper bowel movement. So, keep your intake in check. Is milk good for constipation? A study found that consuming fat-free milk may help relieve constipation (30). How to relieve constipation during pregnancy immediately? While there might not be instant relief but you can increase your water intake to relieve constipation during pregnancy. You may also opt for home remedies like lemon water and psyllium husk or take OTC constipation treatments on the recommendation of your doctor.
