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    Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

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  • Pregnancy and you blog

  • Aug. 19, 2011

    Pregnancy constipation: Seeking relief

    By Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

5 comments posted

Pregnancy triggers many physical changes in your body — some quite aggravating. During my first pregnancy years ago, the worst of these changes was constipation. In fact, after all this time, I've convinced myself that pushing out a baby was easier than having a bowel movement.

If you've never been constipated or you think all the ads about regular bowel movements are silly, don't assume you're immune to the condition. Constipation in pregnancy and after delivery can happen to anyone. It isn't inevitable, though. To prevent constipation in the first place, consider these tips:

  • Drink more fluids. During pregnancy, waste moves through your body more slowly than usual. This allows water to be removed from the waste, which contributes to constipation. Keeping well hydrated can help keep bowel movements soft. Fluids count after the baby is born, too, especially if you're breast-feeding. Your body will take all the fluids it can get to make breast milk. If you're not drinking enough fluids, the result might be uncomfortable constipation.
  • Include more fiber in your diet. Think whole grains in foods such as breads and muffins, as well as fruits, vegetables and beans. With your health care provider's OK, you might also consider fiber additives that are mixed with water.
  • Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help keep your bowel movements regular.
  • Consider stool softeners, if your health care provider approves. Stool softeners help moisten bowel movements.

I don't recommend laxatives for constipation during pregnancy unless you've cleared it with your health care provider. Some types of laxatives can be used safely in pregnancy while others aren't recommended.

Don't be like me with my first pregnancy. Take care so constipation doesn't become a problem — and no more laughing at fiber and laxative commercials! You could be next.

5 comments posted

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  • January 6, 2013 5:32 p.m.

    I just wanted to say that I am around 6 weeks and I have been constipated. Today I tried drinking more juice (lemonade actually), and it worked!! My tummy feels so much better. Thanks!

    - Wanda

  • September 20, 2012 3:07 a.m.

    Thanks for this post. I think this blog can give us Idea on how to relief for constipation. continue posting on this topic

    - Eliezer

  • November 25, 2011 6:18 a.m.

    Thanks Mary, i am at the similar situation too.

    - Marylyn

  • September 8, 2011 11:39 a.m.

    I suffered from uti's for many years and tried everything out there, am resistant to most antibiotics now and then I discovered that taking 6000 - 8000 mg if vitamin C with rose hips daily has cleaned out my urinary tract within a few days to the point of having had a white discharge that is now gone and everything feels healthy again the way it use to before I kept getting all these uti's. I heard years ago that drinking lemon juice daily would do this but for me that wasn't enough and the vit. c in large doses is doing it. I was praying for a natural solution and so far have not had another uti. I have been on a 4000 mg a day maintenance dose after the initial 1 week high dose. It can cause diarrhea but one can take something for that until you get to a lower dose.

    - uti

  • August 26, 2011 3:08 p.m.

    Two words.... Juicy Juice. Drinking two glasses give or take will get things moving with out pain, or dangerous medications and it does not take days like stool softeners!

    - Holley-Day

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