How One Can Prevent And Treat Constipation During Pregnancy
Consume a high fibre diet. You can best avoid constipation by increasing the intake of fibre-rich food or roughage because it helps to keep the intestinal system running smoothly. Soluble fibre permits more water to remain in your stool, making the waste softer, and easier to pass through intestines. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to your stool and speeds up its movement through your gut. It also prevents the feeling of constipation. Hence including fibre-rich foods in your diet can prevent constipation, and is the first advice to a woman who is wondering how to treat constipation.
Why Do Pregnant Women Experience Changes In Bowel Movements
“It is not uncommon to experience changes to bowel movements during pregnancy,” Andrea Maxim, a naturopathic doctor from southern Ontario, told FamilyEducation. According to Maxim, a combination of hormonal fluctuations, nervousness about the new pregnancy and a change in eating habits can all contribute to constipation or diarrhea during early pregnancy and throughout the first trimester.
Later in pregnancy, constipation may continue to be an issue, coupled with hemorrhoids.
Early Pregnancy Signs: Heartburn Gas Tender Breasts And More
Think you might be pregnant? Here are the most common pregnancy signs in the first month.
When youre hoping to be pregnant and you havent missed your period yetor its a day or two lateits pretty easy to interpret nearly any physical symptom as a sign of pregnancy. Its not uncommon to feel symptoms in the first week or two of your pregnancyor even earlier. Some women experience pregnancy symptoms from the moment of conception, says Karen Nordahl, a general practitioner and obstetrician in Vancouver and co-author of Fit to Deliver. Usually, this is second- or third-time moms who remember a particular sensation, such as increased gas. But many first-time moms miss these early pregnancy signs because the very first symptoms arent necessarily the ones we associate with having a baby on the way. So, yes, while some women experience nausea or hypersensitivity to smells, these seven symptoms are among the most common during the first few weeks of pregnancy.
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Pregnancy Sign: A Missed Period
Well, duh, of course a missed period is the most common of early pregnancy signs. For many women who havent been pregnant before, this is usually the first symptom they notice, explains Nordahl. But hindsight is often 20/20. A first-time mom usually thinks back and realizes that a few things were different but wasnt sure what they meant, she says.
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Watch Your Calcium Intake
Too much calcium can cause constipation. Calcium is found in many foods and supplements, particularly dairy products. If you overdo it on the milk and cheese, you might find your bowels get backed up.
Food sensitivities can sometimes contribute to constipation. Keep track of what you eat to see if certain foods are related to bouts of constipation.
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Do You Get Bloated 1 Week Pregnant
Bloating is a common early pregnancy sign. In some cases, bloating can occur even before the first missed period. During early pregnancy, the hormone progesterone increases to prepare the uterus. Progesterone also slows digestion, which can trap the gas in the intestines that may cause abdominal bloating.
What Causes Pregnancy Bloating
It might seem as though your jeans start to feel snug as soon as the pregnancy test comes back positive and you can thank the pregnancy hormone progesterone for that puffy phenomenon.
While progesterone is essential for maintaining a healthy pregnancy , it also triggers that oh-so-delightful trio: bloating, burping and passing gas.
Why? Progesterone causes the smooth muscle tissue in your body to relax. This slows down digestion, giving the nutrients from food you eat more time to enter your bloodstream and reach your baby. That’s the good news.
The bad news is this slower digestion when you’re pregnant can cause you to feel bloated and bring on a cramp or two .
Whats more, your expanding uterus places increasing pressure on your rectum, which can wreak havoc on muscle control and lead to the passing of some serious wind.
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What Relieves Constipation While Pregnant
For example: Drink plenty of fluids. Water is a good choice. Prune juice also can help. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Being active can help prevent pregnancy constipation. Include more fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Causes Of Constipation During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, elevated progesterone levels cause smooth muscle to relax, which slows the passage of food through your intestines. This increases water absorption from the bowel and results in constipation. Your rapidly growing uterus, which compresses your intestines and pushes your stomach upward, also contributes to the problem. Stress, lack of exercise and a low-fiber diet can make you constipated too.
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Signs You Should Take A Pregnancy Test: Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Different people have different reactions to the idea that they might be pregnant. Whatever your feelings are, you can prepare for the future by learning about the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
If you want to find out if youre pregnant for sure, youll need to get a testing kit. You can buy a pregnancy test at most drugstores and pharmacies or order one online.
Many of the early signs of pregnancy are very similar to those youd experience around the time of your period. None of these early signs of pregnancy can determine that youre pregnant for sure, so consider them symptoms to look out for, rather than a reliable test. Youll need to take a pregnancy test if you want to confirm that youve conceived.
Here are 10 common signs of early pregnancy:
Should I Take Laxatives For Constipation In Early Pregnancy
Have you tried all the above strategies with no relief? You could be tempted to try a laxative.
There are different kinds of laxatives, and they have different actions. The main types of laxatives are:
- Bulk-forming: help to reabsorb water into the bowel, increasing the size of the stool
- Stool softening: make the stool easier to pass
- Stimulant: speed up the movement of the stool through the intestines
- Lubricant: contain a mineral oil to make the stool slippery
- Osmotic: increase water in the intestines and soften the stool.
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which type of laxative is safe to use during pregnancy.
Your care provider will most likely recommend a stool softening laxative first. This makes it easier for your digestive system to pass the stool. You should increase your fluid intake at the same time.
Stimulant laxatives, such as castor oil or other mineral-based oils, arent recommended for use during pregnancy.
Taken in extreme amounts, laxatives can over-stimulate the bowel and other organs, including the uterus. This can lead to cramping and contractions, which may cause premature labor.
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First Trimester Changes In Your Body
Pregnancy is different for every woman. Some women glow with good health during those first 3 months others feel absolutely miserable. Here are some of the changes you might notice, what they mean, and which signs warrant a call to your doctor.
Bleeding. About 25% of pregnant women have slight bleeding during their first trimester. Early in the pregnancy, light spotting may be a sign that the fertilized embryo has implanted in your uterus. But if you have severe bleeding, cramping, or sharp pain in your belly, call the doctor. These could be signs of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy .
Breast tenderness.Sore breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. They’re triggered by hormonal changes, which are getting your milk ducts ready to feed your baby. Your breasts will probably be sore throughout the first trimester. Going up a bra size and wearing a support bra can make you feel more comfortable. You probably wont go back to your regular bra size until after your baby is finished nursing.
Constipation. During pregnancy, high levels of the hormone progesterone slow down the muscle contractions that normally move food through your system. Add to that the extra iron you’re getting from your prenatal vitamin, and the result is uncomfortable constipation and gas that can keep you feeling bloated throughout your pregnancy. Eat more fiber and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly. Physical activity can also help.
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Pregnancy Sign: Increased Gas
Being gassyor, less eloquently, fartyis no problem when youre chillaxing alone in your threadbare sweatpants, but its next-level horrifying when youre out and about anywhere else. Unfortunately, its one of the more common early pregnancy signs. Expect flatulence during not only the first few weeks of pregnancy but also the next nine months. Inevitably, your unruly gas will strike right in the middle of a work meeting or during a cool-down in your silent yoga class.
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What Exactly Is Diarrhea
Diarrhea is basically poop hell. But more technically speaking, its defined as loose, watery bowel movements that occur three or more times in a day, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It usually lasts just a day or two, which is called acute diarrhea.
Ever wonder whats actually going on in your body to make your butt expel its contents so violently? There are a few different potential mechanisms, depending on the underlying cause . But generally speaking, diarrhea occurs when your digestive system fails to remove enough water from the stool as it moves through, Rudolph Bedford, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, tells SELF. That commonly happens when stool moves too quickly through the digestive tract, as Merck Manuals explains, or when your stool is diluted by excess water secreted by the intestines.
When Does Constipation Start In Pregnancy
You will experience the issue in your first trimester it could affect you when you’re only 6 days pregnant. The condition is usually caused by the increase in progesterone levels, which in turn make your digestive tract muscles to relax a bit and give your intestines more time to extract nutrients from food. There will be a dramatic increase in progesterone levels during your 9th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, and that’s usually the time when constipation will hit you hard. You may also have to deal with constipation towards the end of your pregnancy, and that’s mainly when your uterus grows larger.
You may notice several constipation symptoms during your pregnancy. It could be as common as painful and infrequent bowel movements or you may not feel any urge to use the bathroom for as long as three days. If you haven’t had any bowel movement for the last three days or more, you should go see your doctor and find a solution to this problem.
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What If I *am* Pregnant And Pooping More Frequentlynormal
If your stomach issues go beyond occasional cramping, bloating, and fullnessthese are signs that the uterus is expanding and compressing your bowels, says Dr. Zorethere might be something else going on. Of course, if youre already aware that you have a form of inflammatory bowel disease, just note that the symptoms may flare up during pregnancy, according to a study published in Gastroenterology and Hematology.
If youve never been diagnosed with any gastroenterological conditions and are experiencing frequent bouts of diarrhea throughout your pregnancy, for example, this is worth getting checked out, since it could be a sign of a more serious inflammatory bowel condition, like ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease. “These include multiple episodes of diarrhea per day, bloody stools, fever, and abdominal pain, Dr. Zore explains. Its important to pay attention to any of these symptoms, whether theyre mild, moderate, or severe, she says.
Nausea With Or Without Vomiting
Morning sickness, which can strike at any time of the day or night, is one of the classic symptoms of pregnancy. For some women, the queasiness begins as early as two weeks after conception. Nausea seems to stem at least in part from rapidly rising levels of oestrogen, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly. We still don’t really know what causes morning sickness, but fluctuations in oestrogen levels, changes in blood pressure, and all the physical changes of pregnancy are likely major factors . Pregnant women also have a heightened sense of smell, so various odors – such as foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke – may cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy. There are some hints and tips to help combat the effects of morning sickness.
GP Dr Sam Hay says, “Its worse when the stomach is completely empty. Having a pack of biscuits by the bed to make sure you are never completely hungry can help.
“Eating ginger or drinking ginger tea or ginger beer helps most expecting mums as well. In extreme cases chat to your GP or obstetrician about anti-nausea medications that are completely safe for you to take even during the earliest months of your pregnancy.”
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Varicose Veins In Pregnancy
Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen. They can be uncomfortable but aren’t harmful. They most commonly affect leg veins.
You can also get varicose veins in the vaginal opening , although these usually get better after the birth.
If you have varicose veins, you should:
- avoid standing for long periods of time
- try not to sit with your legs crossed
- try not to put on too much weight, as this increases the pressure
- sit with your legs up as often as you can to ease the discomfort
- try compression tights, which you can buy at most pharmacies they won’t prevent varicose veins but can ease the symptoms
- try sleeping with your legs higher than the rest of your body use pillows under your ankles or put books under the foot of your bed
- do foot and other antenatal exercises, such as walking and swimming, which will help your circulation
Try these foot exercises:
- bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times
- rotate your foot 8 times one way and 8 times the other
- repeat with the other foot
Why Do I Feel Bloated And Constipated In Early Pregnancy
Bloating and constipation during early pregnancy Similar to symptoms of a menstrual period, bloating may occur during early pregnancy. This may be due to hormone changes, which can also slow your digestive system down. You may feel constipated and blocked as a result. Constipation can also increase feelings of abdominal bloating.
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How To Ease Constipation While Pregnant
To help combat constipation , increase your fiber intake, consume whole grains, and drink at least eight to twelve cups of fluids per day. In addition, make sure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet packed with vitamins and minerals to keep your digestive tract moving.
According to Maxim, one of the best ways to avoid constipation is magnesium citrate or bisglycinate taken every day. This can also help prevent preeclampsia. Talk with your doctor to get you started on a good magnesium supplement, along with your prenatal vitamins.
Never take laxatives or stool softeners without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to prescribe stool softeners that are safe during pregnancy. Gentle exercise can also help bowel movements along.
How To Get Rid Of Early Pregnancy Bloating
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Are you just a few weeks pregnant but suddenly feel a few months due to early pregnancy bloating? Maybe youre waiting for that positive test and are wondering if that bloat is from pregnancy or an impending period. Heres why this happens and what you can do!
My attempts to hide my pregnancy for a few more weeks seemed futile as I walked past the mirror at six weeks.
The night before my stomach was flat . That morning? It looked like I was at least five or six months pregnant.
People say you always show sooner and bigger with your second, but I didnt expect that to happen until a little later on.
Im all about embracing your baby bump but man, I was only six weeks pregnant. I couldnt believe that I actually was already showing that much part of me was convinced I must have been pregnant with twins!
Then I remembered hearing about this before early pregnancy bloat. So, I googled it.
I was definitely not the only one to go to bed one morning and wake up with a belly the next. Frequent bloating in early pregnancy is very normal
It can also be one of the first early pregnancy signs mom experiences. Because bloating is common with a menstrual cycle, it might make you wonder if youre pregnant or if Aunt Flo is just on the horizon.
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Is Constipation A Sign Of Early Pregnancy
Although it isnt talked about as often as other signs, constipation can be a symptom of early pregnancy.
About 50% of women say they suffered from constipation very early in pregnancy.
Get the facts about constipation in early pregnancy here.
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How Can Gastrointestinal Issues During Pregnancy Be Treated
Gastrointestinal issues are common during pregnancy and, for the most part, do not cause a serious health risk. However, if you experience any symptoms, you should inform your doctor. He or she will be able to help you manage your symptoms, monitor you for worsening symptoms and determine if additional treatment is required. Different gastrointestinal issues respond to different treatments, so your doctor will be able to suggest the best option for you.
Making changes at home can also help you manage your symptoms. Some of these changes include:
Eat a healthy diet: Changing what, how often, and how much you eat can help manage or relieve your GI symptoms. Depending on your issue, you may need to increase the amount of fiber in your diet, avoid sugary, processed foods, or limit the amount of caffeine and dairy in your intake. Ask to speak with a registered dietitian to determine an individualized healthy eating plan that would most benefit you.
Drink lots of fluids: Increase the amount of fluids you take in, including water, fruit juice and clear soups. Getting lots of fluids can help your digestion and keep your GI tract moving regularly. Certain GI issues can also cause you to become dehydrated, so taking in fluids is very important to avoid any additional health issues cause by dehydration.
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