Pregnant women are prone to constipation during pregnancy, which is a normal phenomenon. This is because pregnant women's body secretes a large amount of progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscles in the intestines and slows down intestinal peristalsis. As a result, the large intestine absorbs more water, causing the stool of pregnant women to become hard and difficult to pass, leading to constipation. However, constipation in pregnant women can be prevented. So how to prevent constipation? Below, I will introduce some methods to prevent constipation in daily life.
1. Increase body hydration
Pregnant women should drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables rich in fiber. It is advisable to drink water at fixed times during the day, taking large sips but not excessive drinking. This allows the water to reach the colon quickly instead of being absorbed by the intestines into the bloodstream. In this way, the stool becomes soft and easy to pass out of the body.
2. Maintain a happy state of mind
Arrange work and life reasonably, ensuring sufficient rest and sleep, and maintain a good mental state and optimistic attitude towards life. Pregnant women should not be upset and restless due to discomfort caused by vomiting. A restless mindset can also lead to constipation. It is recommended to engage in activities of interest, such as listening to music, appreciating flowers, reading, etc., and try to avoid negative mental stimulation.
3. Eat a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Pregnant women often have difficulty passing stools due to a diet that is too refined. Therefore, it is important to eat more vegetables, fruits, and coarse grains that are high in fiber, such as celery, leafy greens, radishes, melons, apples, bananas, pears, oats, legumes, and brown rice.
4. Have a regular bowel movement in the morning
The urge to defecate is most likely to occur in the morning and after meals. Therefore, after waking up, drink a glass of cold water or honey water on an empty stomach, and then have a good breakfast to promote the upright reflex and the gastrocolic reflex after waking up. This will quickly produce the urge to defecate, and persisting in this habit will lead to a good habit of having a bowel movement in the morning.
5. Abdominal massage
Do abdominal massage that promotes intestinal peristalsis, gently rub and circle the abdomen with your hands to push the stool downward.
6. Exercise appropriately
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time in daily life, and take regular walks, which are beneficial for preventing constipation.
These are the methods I have summarized for preventing constipation in pregnant women. Start from the small details of life, develop good habits, pay attention to diet, and maintain a pleasant mood. However, if the constipation is severe, these methods may not be effective for you. It is necessary to actively seek medical treatment under the guidance of a doctor.
