Natural Remedies For Constipation During Pregnancy

Constipation happens when the food that your body no longer needs hardens in the lower part of your digestive tract (bowel) instead of moving out as a stool.

Constipation is more common when you’re pregnant. Research shows that about 16 to 39% of expecting women get constipated at some point during pregnancy. Some expecting mums have constipation at an early stage of their pregnancy, while it does not affect other women until much later on.

The good news is that there are tried and tested natural remedies for constipation during pregnancy.

Constipation During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, an increase in the progesterone hormone causes the relaxation of your body’s muscles including your intestines. Slower moving intestines means slower digestion and this can lead to constipation.

Although constipation can happen in all three trimesters, you’re most likely to get constipated in the third trimester, when the foetus is heaviest and puts the most pressure on your bowel.

The iron from your prenatal vitamin can also make you constipated. The iron helps your body make the blood needed to circulate oxygen throughout the body.

However, too much iron can make it difficult for the bacteria in your bowel to break down food. This can also cause bloating or gas during pregnancy. Not drinking enough water to soften the waste that’s stuck in your bowel worsens the scene. The waste can build up and you can have constipation. 

Home Remedies For Constipation During Pregnancy

Here’s the list of home remedies for constipation during pregnancy:

1. Lemon: Lemon aids in digestion, and helps flush out the toxins and other undigested food. You can add a lemon to a warm glass of water. It induces bowel contractions that help to pass stools.

2. Plain water: Drinking plenty of water will start softening the hard stool and ensure that food moves smoothly through the digestive system.

3. Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges are a powerhouse of high fibre content, and vitamin C. A major reason for constipation is the deficiency of fibre in your daily routine. It is perhaps the best home remedy for constipation during pregnancy.

4. Prune juice: Prune juice is the best remedy for constipation during pregnancy. You can have the juice around five times in a day in order to ease constipation and soften the stool.

5. Flaxseed: According to research, flaxseeds exhibit laxative properties which helps in relieving constipation. Full of dietary fibre and omega-3S, flaxseed adds much needed roughage to your diet.

6. Ispaghula husks: Ispagula husks or Isabgol is one of the well-known Indian home remedies for constipation during pregnancy. Ispaghula husks contain mucilage that absorbs fluids, and the mucilage adds to the stool. If you choose this remedy after consulting a doctor, you need to drink at least 10 glasses of water daily.

7. Lemon or peppermint essential oil: Aromatherapy massage using peppermint or lemon essential oil can also help soften faecal impaction and treat constipation during pregnancy.

8. Kiwi fruit: With a high water and dietary fibre content, Kiwis get the bowels moving and functioning smoothly and help relieve constipation.

9. Yoghurt: Yoghurt is a rich source of probiotics that aids digestion by altering the microbiota in the bowels. Expecting mums can consume a cup of yoghurt if they are constipated.

10. Apple Juice: Apples are rich in a naturally occurring fibre called pectin. This fibre promotes bowel movements and helps in treating constipation.

11. Apple Cider Vinegar: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar improves digestion. Add a tablespoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and mix it well.

12. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps in stimulating bowel movement as it contains medium-chain fatty acids that boost metabolism. You can consume a tablespoon of coconut oil on a daily basis and get relief from constipation.

13. Chia seeds: Chia seeds are rich sources of dietary fibre and aid bowel movement. Hence, chia seeds are one of the best natural remedies for constipation during pregnancy.

14. Green tea: The caffeine present in green tea is a stimulating chemical compound and exhibits mild laxative properties. Hence, it relieves constipation.

15. Grapes: Rich in dietary fibre, grapes can also help in easing constipation during pregnancy.

These were some of the safe remedies for constipation during pregnancy at home. We hope that our list benefits you. Thank us later!

FAQs:

Can we consume Isabgol during pregnancy?

Isabgol is a bulk-forming laxative that draws water into the stools, and softens it. Since it makes it easier to pass stools, isabgol can be taken in pregnancy if you are constipated.

Can constipation affect the baby during pregnancy?

The pressure that builds up in your belly because of constipation might make you worry for your baby. But there’s nothing to worry about because constipation does not affect the baby.

Is Triphala safe during pregnancy?

Due to its natural laxative effects, triphala might cause diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort and is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Can I have Amla during pregnancy?

Amla intake maintains healthy blood pressure in expecting mums. It dilates blood vessels and normalises blood circulation in the body and sufficient intake is safe to consume during pregnancy.

Conclusion:

These natural remedies for constipation during pregnancy can help relieve you from constipation. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you experience extreme discomfort. The foods you eat, the fluids you drink, the medicine you take and the exercise you do all make a difference therefore it is advisable to try to put good habits into place.