Constipation

During pregnancy, constipation may be a problem because your growing uterus takes up a part of your digestive system's working space and hormones may slow the action of the digestive tract. Other contributing factors include the increased amount of iron intake and decrease in physical activity with advancing pregnancy. The following suggestions may be helpful:

• Drink extra fluids (water, juice, milk).
• Eat more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads and cereals. Eat more foods with laxative properties (prunes, prune juice, figs and bran).
• Stay as active as possible. Incorporate regular, daily exercise, such as walking, into your routine.
• Eat regularly and always eat breakfast.
• Moderate activity and good diet may be all that is necessary to provide bowel regularity. If you find that after all of the above measures have been tried to no avail, and you feel that you really need a laxative, you may use one of the natural bulk-type laxatives such as Metamucil® or Citracel®.

Note: This information applies only to Lansing OB/GYN Associates.

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