Causes of constipation in pregnant women
Constipation is a common problem in pregnant women. About 50% of pregnant women will suffer from constipation throughout pregnancy. There are many causes of constipation, including changes in hormonal levels, fetal growth, and eating habits during pregnancy. Changes in hormonal levels will cause the function of the intestines to decrease, and the growth of the fetus will make the uterus larger and squeeze the intestines, thus affecting intestinal peristalsis. At the same time, the eating habits of pregnant women are also one of the factors leading to constipation.
Changes in eating habits
The eating habits of pregnant women play a vital role in the occurrence of constipation. In order to ensure the health of the fetus, pregnant women may take in more nutrients such as calcium and iron, and these substances will make the intestines slower. Therefore, pregnant women need to ensure a diverse diet, and while taking in sufficient nutrients, they should not rely too much on any one type of food. In addition, introducing more fiber – fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes can be very effective in relieving constipation. In addition, it is equally important that pregnant women need to ensure the regularity of their diet, eat at regular intervals, and try not to eat too much greasy and irritating food to avoid damaging the spleen and stomach and aggravating the symptoms of constipation.
The importance of exercise
Appropriate exercise can promote intestinal peristalsis. About 10 to 15 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, can help improve the condition of the intestines. Pregnant women can choose appropriate physical activities, such as walking, swimming and yoga. Just let your doctor evaluate your physical condition to ensure that your exercise method will not have a negative impact on your maternal health. Please note that if you have never exercised, do not start an intense exercise program during pregnancy to avoid harming yourself and your fetus.
Always pay attention to the changes in the shape of the abdomen
As the pregnancy progresses, the fetus will become larger and larger, and the abdomen will expand. When the abdomen becomes larger, the anus and rectum will also be squeezed due to the expansion of the uterus, which will worsen the symptoms of constipation. At this time, pregnant women need to adjust their defecation posture to relieve constipation and ensure smooth defecation. The best way is to lie down on the toilet and tuck your abdomen when urinating, which can relax the intestines and relieve the problem of constipation.
Summary
In short, constipation is a common problem among pregnant women, but it can be relieved by adjusting eating habits, exercising appropriately, and maintaining healthy defecation postures. If you find that constipation is interfering with your daily life, talk to your doctor about relief methods. Be sure to pay attention to regular prenatal check-ups and ask your doctor for more opinions and suggestions on constipation treatment.
