Lemon, water, Citrus fruits(oranges), Prune juice, Ispagulla husks, Flaxseeds, Kiwi juice, Vitamin C and Apple cider vinegar are some of the home remedies for treating constipation in pregnancy.

Constipation is an uncomfortable physical condition, where it implies that the bowel movements happen less frequently or that the stool is tough. It is so common that most people experience it at some point in their lives. Even though it isn’t very serious a problem, you are prone to feel way better after the body is functioning like it should. The time gap between the bowel movements depends for each person. While some pass stool thrice daily, others may pass stool twice weekly. If the stool is passed after more than three days then it is generally considered to be too long. The faecal matter becomes harder after not being passed for three days at a stretch.

Constipation in Pregnancy

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy: Up to half of pregnant women get constipated at some point. One reason for constipation during pregnancy is an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including the digestive tract. This means that food passes through the intestines more slowly. And the problem may be compounded later in pregnancy by the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum. Iron supplements, especially in high doses, can make constipation worse.

10 Natural Remedies for Treating Constipation in Pregnancy

In this article, we will discuss 11 best laxatives to relieve constipation during pregnancy. The list is as follows:

Lemon

Lemon is great for digestion, and helps flush out the toxins and other undigested food. If you add a lemon to a warm glass of water it stimulates your sense of smell and taste and induces bowel contractions that help to pass stools. You may want to dilute the concentrated juice by adding a little bit of water. This decreases the intensity of the lemon and adds little fluid.

Water

You should drink plenty of water. Around 10 glasses a day is recommended. This helps you get the desired amount of water in your body. The water will start softening the hard stool ensuring that food moves smoothly through the digestive system.

Watch Video: 11 Best Laxatives To Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy

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Citrus fruits(oranges)

Citrus fruits like oranges have a high fibre content, and vitamin c. A major reason of constipation is lack of fibre in your daily routine. It is one of the best remedies for constipation. You should consume around 30 gm of fibre in a day. Grapefruits also have high fibre content and could be consumed to treat constipation.

Prune juice

Prune juice is one of the effective cures for constipation during pregnancy. You can have the juice around 5 times in a day to ease constipation and soften the stool. If the concentrated taste of the prune juice is too strong, it can be diluted with a little water and a slice of lemon can be added to enhance the taste.

Read More: 5 Health Benefits of Prune Juice for Babies

Ispagulla husks

Ispagula husks or isabgol is one of the well-known home remedies for constipation in india. Ispagula husks contain mucilage that absorbs fluids and this mucilage adds to the stool. If you choose this remedy then you need to drink at least 10 glasses of water daily. However, you should not opt for this remedy if you have any heart ailments or blood pressure. This cure should be used only if prescribed by a doctor.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that help to retain the fluids in your body. Additionally, they also contain a slimy compound called mucilage that forms a protective layer around your digestive tract. It also adds bulk to the stool and makes it soft. These properties make flaxseeds one of the best remedies to relieve constipation.

Read More: Health Benefits of Flaxseed for Babies

Kiwi juice

The high water and fibre content of kiwis can get your bowels moving and functioning smoothly, making them one of the best remedies for constipation

Vitamin c

The intake of citrus fruits and juices for treating constipation has one reason in common – their vitamin c content. Vitamin c, when consumed in larger doses, was found to exhibit laxative activities. Hence, it might also be suitable for the treatment of constipation. The bowel tolerance for vitamin c usually varies between 2000 and 4000 mg. However, it is to be noted that pregnant women must not exceed 6000 mg of vitamin c daily. Hence, it is better to consult your doctor before going ahead with any additional vitamin supplements, especially during your pregnancy.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics that aid digestion by altering the microbiota in your bowels. This proves to be beneficial in the treatment of constipation. This fact is also backed by a study that tested the effect of probiotic yogurt on constipated pregnant women.

Read More: Health Benefits of Yogurt for Babies

Apple juice

Apples contain a naturally occurring fibre called pectin that promotes bowel movements by bulking up your stool. They also contain sorbitol, which is known for its laxative properties. The combined activities of these constituents can help relieve constipation

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains pectin and acetic acid that help improve digestion. It also contains magnesium that eases bowel movement and relieves constipation.

What we basically want to say is that constipation is one of the most common problems during pregnancy and more often than not, simple home remedies actually work. However, if the problem still persists, definitely pay a visit to the doctor.

Hope this article was of help to you! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy, Healthy and Empowered Women!!