Help! I need to find a way to stop constipation?

Question

Pregnant and Consitipated. Not Good.

Ive been bound up for 2 days because of the baby. I 6 1/2 weeks pregnant and need a non harmful way to cure it.

Answer 1

Fiber, fiber and more fiber, gradually though or it will upset your stomach, good luck!!!!!!!!



High Fiber Foods:

Grain Products:

* whole grain breads, buns, bagels, muffins
* Bran Flakes, All Bran, bran Buds, Corn bran, whole wheat Shreddies, 100% Bran and Fiber 1
* Cooked cereal such as Red River and Oat Bran
* whole-wheat pastas
* whole grains such as barley, popcorn, corn and brown rice

Fruits:

* dried fruits such as apricots, dates, prunes and raisins
* berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries
* oranges, apple with skin, avocado, kiwi, mango and pear

Vegetables:

* broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, green peas and other dark green leafy vegetables
* dried peas and beans such as kidney beans, lima beans, black-eyed beans, chick peas and lentils

Nuts and Seeds:

* nuts and seeds such as almonds, whole flaxseed and soynuts

OHHHH I FORGOT, they have a prenatal vitaman with a stool softener in it, ask your doc

Answer 2

Prevention and treatment of constipation involve much of the same thing. Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it:

* Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole grain breads, prunes and bran.
* Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly with your increase of fiber. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and lots of liquid that best help you eliminate your waste. Sweat, hot/humid climates, and exercise may increase your need for additional fluids.
* Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for 20-30 minutes each.
* Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil (Catergory B) which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications.
* Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy. Taking smaller doses of iron throught the day rather than taking it all at once can reduce constipation. Talk to your health care provider about checking your iron levels and recommendations to manage iron intake during pregnancy.

What remedies should not be used for constipation during pregnancy?

Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration.

Mineral oils should NOT be used during pregnancy because there is an increased reduction in nutrient absorption.

Answer 3

I think you can take stool softeners when pregnant (but as with anything, check with doc first). Then, you might want to find a prenatal vitamin that doesn't have iron, or very little, in it. That's probably the culprit. Eat a high fiber diet, drink lots and lots of water, if you like prune juice drink that too.

Answer 4

Do you like Apple Cider? For some reason- a couple of glasses a day- does the trick for me. Alittle extra Orange, or Cranberry Juice usually works pretty good- too. It seems our bodies are pretty quick to "dump" any excess vitamin "C" that we take in on any given day (and without any ill effect). In your case- alittle too much of a "good thing" might be JUST what the Doctor ordered! :)

Answer 5

Dehydration is #1. Water is essential. I mean, drink at least 8 glasses a day... if you get sick of it, squeeze some lemon into it.

Flax seeds are awesome. I put a handful into my baked goods (cookies, bread, pancakes, etc). Keeps everyone happy.

Make sure you're getting some exercise as well. Even a 30 minute walk will do daily wonders!

Answer 6

It is important to keep taking your vitamin supplement this early in pregnancy, especially with iron and folate in it.they do however block you up a bit.
what you can do to relieve constipation is to eat more fiber drink lots of water and go walking. Walking helps things get moving down there.
you may be able to take a herbal supplement but check with your chemist or nautropath before trying anything new.

Answer 7

Have you tried some (quite abit for some) prunes. Eat 3 or 4 prunes it should help. If it does call the Dr. They can help.

Answer 8

Drink some apple juice and plenty of water...Also it is never a good idea to strain/push roughly when trying to go the bathroom while pregnant.

Answer 9

My doctor gave me a list of approved medications to take while pregnant, one of which was Milk of Magnesia, specifically for constipation. But you should ask your own doctor first. MOM is a non-stimulant laxative and does not cause cramping.

Answer 10

Try eating some prunes or drinking a glass of prune juice for breakfast.