CONSTIPATION

Causes of Constipation:

Increase in the levels of progesterone slows down the digestive system. At the same time extra iron from prenatal vitamins can harden the stool.

In the third trimester, the pressure of the uterus on the intestines and the rectum can add to the problem.

This all makes you feel bloated, gassy, and generally uncomfortable. Constipation can also lead to hemorrhoids, another common side effect of pregnancy.

Relief Measures:

Include raw fruits, vegetables and whole grain in your diet.
Eat approx. 6 prunes every morning (if u like them) - good source of fiber.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water during the day - take a glass of warm water in the mornings to stimulate digestion.
Exercise - a short walk 20-30mins will get your bowels moving.

Contributed by various members on the IHMC
==Prenatal with Stool Softener
==OTC - Colace, mylanta (Please check with Doc or Nurse b4 taking any medication)
==Fiber in daily diet
==drink 4 oz of Prune juice, immediately within one hr you will get relief. Once your motion is regular try drinking 7 oz of carrot juice daily, it really helped me a lot.
==avoid a big meals during the nights.
==daily one banana
==raisin bran cereal
==brown rice