Safe Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy

As you scour the internet you to find natural relief for constipations seems like an easy fix. 

Not necessarily... 
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CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION IN PREGNANCY

1. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy slow down the time it takes food to go through our body.
2. Increased uterine size. Your growing uterus can cause a physical obstruction.
3. Decrease in maternal activity. Resting more and doing less slows down bowel activity.
4. Iron supplementation. Most iron supplements list constipation as a potential side effect.
5. An increase in levels of sodium and water absorption in the colon leads to small, hard stools.
6. Low motilin, and activity of relaxin appear to change activity of muscle of the gastrointestinal tract.
7. Low ingestion of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber increases stools bulk, weight and frequency, and reduces the mean transit time. 

FIRST-LINE TREATMENT FOR CONSTIPATION IN PREGNANCY
They may sound like simple solutions but the majority of moms-to-be will find relief from constipation by increasing their dietary fiber and fluid intake.
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Lenny Sue, from Alpine Midwifery, says "My go to is to add bulk to the diet.  Extra vegetables high in fiber, extra water, and plenty of walking.  If this doesn't do the trick, then try adding a little Senna to your morning supplements but follow safety instructions and only use 1-3 days without consulting your midwife or doctor.

SECOND-LINE TREATMENT FOR CONSTIPATION IN PREGNANCY

Osmotic Laxatives
Laxatives are recommended if dietary modifications fail to improve the symptoms.  The best Osmotic laxatives include lactulose, sorbitol, magnesium sulphate or citrate, and salts (sodium chloride, potassium chloride).

Osmotics are a type of laxative that work by pulling water into the intestines.
Since the medication is not well-absorbed by the intestine, very little gets into the blood which means exposure to the pregnancy would be small.
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​Misty McBride, a midwife at Ohana Midwifery, but has a degree in Clinical Herbalism from the North Carolina School of Natural Healing.   She recommends, "Calm magnesium is best, as it works osmotically by pulling water into the bowels."  Start with the recommended 2 teaspoons and ad 1-2 more till constipation is resolved.  

In conclusion, if these remedies do not help with constipation, you may need to consult your pharmacy for additional remedies.  

Sometimes hormones just rule!
Lenny Sue, Midwife at Alpine Midwifery