Common Discomforts of Pregnancy: Constipation

Not the prettiest thing to talk about - but if you don’t go, you know! 

Interesting facts:

- The intestinal tract flow (peristalsis) slows in pregnancy to help you absorb more nutrients from your food. If there isn’t enough fiber and water to move food through your body - it slows down even more. 

- If you are breastfeeding - making milk takes a lot of water. Your body will use its water stores to make milk - therefore you are more likely to be constipated. Drink more water :) 

You need four things to make poop: 

• Food (fiber especially)

• Water (½ -1 gallon per day)

• Movement (can be an easy walk)

• Relax (parasympathetic nervous system helps you to “Rest and Digest”) 

Also, avoid items that can cause constipation:

- Zofran (ondansetron) a common anti-nausea medicine causes constipation as a side effect

- soda/tea (causes dehydration - drink water instead)

- chronic stress (try walking/meditating in the mornings; or use a squatty potty or reading something a little boring while on the potty like the back of a tube of toothpaste/face wash).

Try to avoid stool softeners or laxatives in pregnancy. While they are safe, your body can become dependent on laxatives and therefore should be used as little as possible. 

Additional resources: MothertoBaby 

- Guide to treat: https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/navigating-constipation-during-pregnancy-a-comprehensive-guide/ 

- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/laxatives/ 

- https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/docusate-sodium-pregnancy/pdf/ 

ACNM - “Taking Good Care of Yourself while Pregnant” -  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/j.jmwh.2009.08.019 

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