What you should and should
not do when constipated during pregnancy..
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day; start
off your morning with warm water if you don't find it
nauseating.
• Drink fruit juices, especially prune juice.
Eat dried fruits, prunes, figs and apricots in particular
• Abdominal massage is not advisable and a definite
no-no during pregnancy
• Avoid empty calorie foods such as jelly, cakes,
ice-cream; minimize caffeine and fizzy beverages
• Start your mornings in a relaxed manner preferably
with a warm beverage or water whichever you are comfortable
with
• Get plenty of exercises; walking and swimming
are safe and appropriate during pregnancy unless advised
otherwise by your doctor
• Get enough fiber from food especially fruits
and vegetables, cereals (oats and bran. Bran and water
go hand in hand; ensure you drink sufficient water else
the bran will aggravate your constipation. Remember
the more fiber you ingest the more fluids you will need
• Eat fresh and lightly cooked foods; vegetables
and fruits, high fiber cereals. Avoid processed and
pre-cooked, instant meals as much as possible
• Don't take any laxatives without your doctor's
okay; some laxatives may cause painful contractions
of the bowel that may have repercussions on the uterus
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