Overcoming constipation in pregnant women with natural and medicinal ways

Constipation is usually not a sign of a dangerous condition. This indigestion can be cured with home care or by taking laxatives sold in pharmacies or drug stores. However, if it occurs in pregnant women, how to deal with constipation should not be arbitrary. Especially when it comes to choosing laxatives for pregnant women who have difficulty defecating.

So, how do you safely handle it? Don't worry, check out the following reviews.

Natural ways to deal with constipation in pregnant women

Constipation occurs due to slow bowel movements that make the stool stuck in the large intestine, getting harder, and ultimately difficult to pass. This condition generally occurs due to lack of fiber intake, laziness to move, not drinking enough, and having a habit of holding back bowel movements.

In pregnant women, constipation is not only caused by lifestyle. Physical and hormonal changes also make them more prone to constipation. Fortunately, mild constipation can be treated at home. This method is usually preferred for pregnant women rather than directly using drugs.

Some ways to deal with constipation in pregnant women that are safe without using drugs, include:

1. Improve your diet

Diet is closely related to constipation. Therefore, improving diet can be a natural laxative for pregnant women.

First you need to increase your intake of fibrous foods. Fiber helps the stool become softer so that it can pass through the intestines and reach the anus smoothly. This is because fiber works to draw more water into the intestines, so that stool that was originally hard and solid will become softer.

You can increase your fiber intake by increasing your consumption of vegetables, fruits, such as apples or pears, peas, and wheat. You can use these foods for breakfast, lunch, and snack menus.

Make sure you wash and serve them properly. You can enjoy fruit directly, while vegetables should be steamed, boiled, or sauteed.

Second, you have to pay attention to the portions. Avoid eating large portions because it can worsen constipation symptoms. So, eat small portions but often.

2. Drink lots of water

In order for the methods to deal with constipation in pregnant women that have been described to be effective, you must increase your fluid intake. The reason is, fiber works together with water to soften feces. If you don't drink enough, your constipation will get worse.

Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Apart from drinking water, you can also get fluids by consuming soups or fruits that contain lots of water.

During this treatment, you will urinate frequently. It is highly recommended not to resist the urge to urinate or defecate. If you deliberately hold both of them, constipation will be more difficult to cure, it even increases the risk of urinary tract infections.

3. Make sure to stay active

Exercise can facilitate bowel movements so it is a good way to deal with constipation in pregnant women. This activity can stimulate bowel movements so that they push stool through the intestines more smoothly.

However, pregnant women must be careful when applying this method. The reason is, the choice of sports that are not right can endanger the health of the mother and the fetus. Choose sports that are safe for pregnant women, namely brisk walking or walking, yoga, tai chi, or swimming.

Overcoming constipation in pregnant women with drugs

The natural methods mentioned above are generally quite effective in overcoming constipation in pregnant women. However, in more severe constipation, pregnant women need constipation medication.

According to the journal Canadian Family Physician, there are various types of laxatives that are considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, even though it is safe, having difficulty in defecating still has the opportunity to cause side effects for pregnant women.

Therefore, you need to be careful using drugs. Always read the rules of use and make sure you don't use the drug in the long term.

The following is a list of difficult CHAPTER drugs that are safe for use by pregnant women:

1. Laxative bulk

This constipation medicine for pregnant women is like a fiber supplement, which is to attract more water so that the stool is softer.

Pregnant women are safe to use this drug, but there are still side effects that may occur, such as stomach ulcers and bloating. An example of a bulk laxative that pregnant women can use is psyllium.

2. Stool softener

This medicine for difficult to defecate for pregnant women contains surfactants which make the stool smoother so that it is easy to remove from the body.

Use of this drug is associated with hypomagnesemia, but it is very rare — there is only 1 case. One example of a stool softener that pregnant women can use is docusate sodium.

3. Lubricant laxatives

Overcoming constipation in pregnant women can use lubricant laxatives. The way it works is to coat the stool with special minerals so that it can pass through the intestine smoothly.

However, this medicine should not be used long-term because it can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins that can affect pregnancy. Examples of this class of constipation drugs are mineral oil .

4. Osmotic laxatives

This medicine for difficult to defecate for pregnant women works by increasing the volume of water in the stool. Examples of this class of drugs that can be used by pregnant women are lactulose or polyethylene glycol.

There are possible side effects that might occur, such as flatulence. This drug should also not be used long-term because it can cause an electrolyte imbalance.

5. Stimulant laxatives

This drug works to stimulate the muscles around the intestines and anus to contract so that the stool is pushed out. Examples of stimulant laxatives that you can use are bisacodyl or sennoside.

A rare side effect of using this medicine is stomach cramps. Avoid using the drug in the long term because it can cause an electrolyte imbalance.

Overcoming constipation in pregnant women does not only depend on taking medication. Stay in balance with a healthy lifestyle, such as drinking lots of water, increasing fiber intake, and exercising regularly.

Overcoming constipation in pregnant women needs to be supervised by a doctor

During pregnancy, your body becomes sensitive. Moreover, the use of certain drugs can flow to the fetus, which may cause problems.

So, make sure you always connect with your obstetrician, both for consultation on pregnancy problems and constipation that you are experiencing.

The doctor will help consider which constipation treatment is safe. Therefore, do not underestimate the problem of constipation. Treat faster, avoid the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

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