Constipation

Pregnant women regularly suffer from constipation. This is normal, but very annoying.

CAUSE

Many changes take place during pregnancy. It is caused by changed hormones, reduced exercise and pressure on the organs. Progesterone causes your bowels to work slower. This means that stools stay in your bowels longer, drawing more moisture out of them. Your stool may be drier and harder.

TIPS

• High-fibre food (wholemeal bread, gingerbread), lots of fruit (especially kiwis). Soaked prunes (put dried prunes in water for 12 hours and eat them and drink the water).
• Do not eat bananas
• Drink enough: 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
• Drink 2 glasses of lukewarm water on an empty stomach (possibly in combination with 2 kiwis).
• Don't drink too much black tea
• When you feel the urge, go straight to the toilet and take your time. Do not delay the urge.
• Get enough exercise, at least 30 minutes a day.
• Roosvicee Plums in the yoghurt or as a lemonade drink
• If the above tips do not work after a week, you can get Metamucil from the pharmacy without a prescription. It is still important to drink a lot, otherwise it will not work and can even make constipation worse.