What are the methods for treating constipation during the first months of pregnancy? What medical procedures should be avoided during this time? When should a patient go to the doctor? You will find the answers attached in this article.
In the section below, we'll go over ways to deal with constipation during the first few months of pregnancy since it's one of the common issues that most pregnant women experience.
Treatment of constipation when pregnant in the first months: medically
Pregnancy-related constipation can be treated in the first and subsequent months in the following ways:
1. Use over-the-counter treatments
Before taking any over-the-counter medication, speak to your doctor. The doctor may prescribe Metamucil to relieve constipation and ease bowel movement.
2. Use a probiotic supplement
Probiotics are found naturally in yogurt and have a major role in promoting good bacteria in the intestines as well as facilitating the digestion of food. Additionally, it is offered as supplements, the use of which can be discussed with a doctor.
3. Resorting to laxatives
To make it easier for the stool or intestines to leave the body, laxatives add a lubricating layer to them. Glycerine suppositories are among the most prominent of these lubricants, but it is necessary to obtain a doctor’s consultation before using them during pregnancy.
4. Use of osmotic laxatives
Osmotic laxatives draw water into the intestines, which softens the stool and allows the intestines to contract to move the stool. Polyethylene glycol and magnesium hydroxide are two examples.
5. Avoid iron supplements
The cause of constipation may be taking iron supplements , so dividing the dose of iron throughout the day instead of taking it all at once can help relieve constipation. Talk to your doctor about this issue to get the right advice.
Treatment of constipation when pregnant in the first months: naturally
The natural methods include the following:
- Eat fiber
Add peaches, all kinds of fruits and vegetables, whole grain bread, and bran bread to your diet to get between 25 and 30 grammes of fibre each day.
Avoid eating refined grains, such as: pasta, white rice and white bread. because it contains little fibre and might make you constipated.
- Instead of eating fewer, larger meals, divide your meals.
It will be simpler for the digestive system to digest smaller meals, which will ease constipation.
- Drink more fluids
In order to increase the stool's softness and ease of passage through the intestines, make sure to consume 8–12 cups of water, fruit and vegetable juices, or broth. Prune juice is one of the natural and beneficial laxative juices.
Additionally, if it's hot and muggy outside or if you're exercising and perspiring a lot, drink more fluids.
- Doing exercise
Aim to exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes three times per week. Simple exercises like swimming and walking can help with bowel movement and the passage of stool.
Remedies that should not be used for constipation during pregnancy
To treat constipation while pregnant, laxative pills are not advised. This is due to the possibility that it will dehydrate you and trigger uterine contractions. As we previously mentioned, seeking advice from the treating physician is required before using any over-the-counter medicines or other stool softeners. Additionally, mineral oils ought to be avoided while pregnant. Because it reduces the absorption of nutrients.
When do you visit the doctor?
A doctor should be seen if methods for treating constipation during the first trimester of pregnancy were tried and were unsuccessful, especially if certain symptoms such as:
- vomiting.
- Nausea.
- stomachache.
- Not feeling comfortable after using laxatives.
- Constipation persists for more than one to two weeks.
- Bleeding from the rectum .