Constipation is common in pregnancy as the hormones, which prepare the muscle of pelvis for labour,can slow the digestive processes down. Adjusting your diet can often help mild constipation. Increases your intake of fluids (especially water), fruit and vegetables, go easy on wheat products (as the gluten can have a clogging effect) and avoid iron tablets unless prescribed by your GP.
Any lasting changes in your usual pattern of bowel movements should be assessed professionally but for a simple case of constipation in pregnancy, try one of the following remedies:
Bryonia: large, hard dry stools which are difficult to expel; often with a headache which is worse for the slightest movement. You are irritable.
Nux vomica: frequent urging to pass a stool but in spite of straining, passing only small amounts each time; it feels as if some is left behind; piles that may itch and bleed.
Sepeia:straining to pass a large, hard stool; your stomach feels full and there is a sensation of a lump in the rectum that may remain even after passing a stool. You feel generally sluggish.
Sulphur: constipation with piles that itch and burn and are worse for heat. You are generally restless, thirsty and sensitive to the heat.
During pregnancy, it is especially important to eat well from a wide range of foods, as this will provide you with the extra trace minerals and vitamins that you need. If you are on a restricted diet or wish to take vitamin and mineral supplements, then it is important that you do take professional nutritional advice avoid smoking and alcohol as these have been shown to damage your health and that off your unborn child. Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep and to exercise regularly. Yoga has been found to be particularly helpful during pregnancy. Increase your intake of iron-rich foods to keep up with an increased demand. Foods rich in iron include green, leafy vegetables, blackstrap molasses, dried peaches and apricots,beans and lentils, whole grains, seeds (sunflower and pumpkin), and eggs.
Vitamin C can help the body to absorb iron so take a fresh citrus drink with a meal to increase your iron intake. Avoid tea, especially with a meal as it actually prevents iron from being absorbed. Iron tablets often have side effects such as constipation so ask your homeopath about homeopathic alternatives if you need extra iron are not able to get it from your diet.
Many of the above foods (especially black-eye beans and blackstrap molasses) are also high in folic acid, an important trace mineral that helps with the absorption of iron and is essential for a healthy pregnancy.
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