Constipation is a common problem amongst most pregnant woman.  Being constipated means experiencing an uncomfortable or even painful bowel movement that has become sporadic and challenging to eliminate because it has become rather rock-like.

The things that may be the cause of constipation for anyone can be anxiety, a diet that is missing enough fiber, not enough exercise and perhaps just worry in general.  For the woman who is pregnant, it is thought that the hormones she develops during pregnancy can cause the muscles of the intestines to become relaxed and the uterus causes pressure on the intestines as it expands.  This causes the food to slow down as it passes through the digestive system.

The problems of constipation can also be due to the use of tablets taken for iron.  Taking iron supplements means that the consumption of water needs to be increased to counteract what the iron may do to the system.  Your health care professional may have a different kind of tablet you can take if this becomes a problem.

There are a few simple things that may help in the prevention of constipation.  Actually, if you already are constipated, these things will also help in the treatment of this uncomfortable condition.

You probably already know that a diet that is high in fiber content is an important factor.  A high fiber eating plan will mean you eat at least thirty grams of a combination of vegetables, bread made of whole grains, bran, fruits, healthy types of cereals and the almighty prune.

The biggest preventative measure you can take for avoiding constipation is drinking lots of water.  Your intake of water needs to be at least ten cups but not more than twelve cups daily.  To get rid of waste materials, your body needs both plenty of water and a diet high in fiber.  There is just no other way to accomplish healthy elimination, especially when you are pregnant.  If the weather or your activity level is making you perspire more than normal, the water intake needs to be even higher.

Inactivity will increase the probability of becoming constipated.  The intestines are invigorated by exercising the body which in turn activates the bowels.  This can mean just twenty minutes about three times during the space of a week.  Using medications over the counter should be at the advice of your health care professional.

Instead of taking supplements containing iron, an eating plan that is high in nutritional value may be enough iron for your body’s needs.  If you do need the supplements, ingesting them in small amounts during the course of the day can help prevent the onset of constipation.  Your health care professional will be keeping track of the levels of iron in your body throughout your pregnancy and will regulate the supplements accordingly.

Using laxatives while you are pregnant can be potentially dangerous. They might cause your body to become dehydrated and worse could cause contractions.  Also, using mineral oils while pregnant can keep your body from assimilating the nutrients in the blood stream.  Always consult your health care professional before taking anything to make sure you do not endanger your fetus.