Constipation not only causes discomfort for expectant mothers, but also affects their emotional stability. In order to help expectant mothers relieve the troubles caused by constipation, here are 5 remedies.
3 reasons for constipation in pregnant women
After women become pregnant, under the influence of hormonal changes, the placenta secretes a large amount of pregnancy hormones, which reduces gastric acid secretion, decreases the muscle tension of the gastrointestinal tract, and weakens the muscle's ability to contract. As a result, the time food stays in the gastrointestinal tract is prolonged and it cannot be eliminated from the body as efficiently as before pregnancy.
Furthermore, due to the prolonged stay of food in the intestines, the water in the food residue is reabsorbed by the intestinal wall cells, making the stool dry and hard, making it difficult to eliminate.
Also, after becoming pregnant, the physical activity of pregnant women is reduced compared to before pregnancy, making it difficult for the intestinal muscles to push the stool out. The enlarged uterus also puts pressure on the rectum, making it difficult to pass stool. In addition, the abdominal muscles of pregnant women become weak, and there is not enough abdominal pressure to push during bowel movements. Therefore, even if pregnant women feel the urge to have a bowel movement, they may contract their abdominal muscles, but the stool accumulated in the rectum is still difficult to eliminate.
2 major harms caused by constipation
After constipation occurs in pregnant women, they feel the need to have a bowel movement throughout the day but are unable to do so, causing bloating and discomfort in the body. This not only affects their mood, but also greatly affects their appetite. Severe constipation can cause some toxins in the stool to be reabsorbed into the blood, which has a negative impact on the health of pregnant women.
The water in the stool is reabsorbed by the intestines during constipation, making the stool even drier. This can easily cause damage to the intestinal mucosa and lead to bleeding during bowel movements, exacerbating existing hemorrhoids.
Five remedies to relieve constipation in pregnant women
1. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Pregnant women often have difficulty having bowel movements due to excessively refined foods. Therefore, they should eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains that are rich in fiber, such as celery, leafy greens, radishes, melons, apples, bananas, pears, oats, miscellaneous beans, brown rice, etc. Eat regular meals and avoid overeating.
2. Establish a regular morning bowel movement routine
Bowel movements are 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 gastrocolic reflex after waking up. This will quickly create the urge to have a bowel movement and over time, it will form a good habit of having a morning bowel movement. It is especially beneficial to have a bowel movement upon waking up in the morning.
3. Drink plenty of water
Pay attention to drinking water every day, but master the technique of drinking water, otherwise drinking water may not necessarily have any effect. For example, drink water at fixed times every day, drink in big gulps but not excessively, so that the water reaches the colon as quickly as possible, rather than being quickly absorbed by the intestines into the blood. This will make the stool softer and easier to eliminate.
4. Stay physically active every day
In the late stage of pregnancy, many pregnant women tend to be less active due to the increasing heaviness of their bodies, making constipation more pronounced. Moderate exercise can enhance the contraction of the abdominal muscles, promote intestinal peristalsis, and prevent or alleviate constipation. Therefore, even when pregnant women feel increasingly heavy, they should engage in physical activities within their capabilities, such as walking, to increase the bowel movement power of the intestines.
5. Maintain a happy state of mind and body
Arrange work and life reasonably, ensure 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 from vomiting, as this can also cause constipation. It is helpful to engage in activities of interest, such as listening to music, appreciating flowers, reading, etc., and try to avoid negative mental stimuli.
