Constipation

Constipation is a common side effect of pregnancy, but you shouldn’t be taking laxatives at this time. A simple alternative is glycerine suppositories, which you can get at any chemists, but these shouldn’t be necessary if you take more care with your diet.

The most important thing is not to be tempted to sprinkle bran on your food – it interferes with the absorption of iron, calcium and other mineral, which you and your baby need.

Here’s a simple recipe for constipation during pregnancy:

  • Put 1 tbsp of seedless raisins into a glass. Raisins have a huge amount of Iron and fibre
  • Sprinkle with soft brown sugar and the juice of a whole lemon
  • Leave to stand covered overnight
  • Eat on its own or stirred into porridge, meuseli, Shredded Wheat or Weetabix. .

    Or you could try this natural remedy:

  • Pour 1 ˝ pints of boiling water over 2 lbs of stoned prunes and a few pieces of bruised liquorice stick
  • Cover and leave overnight
  • Remove the liquorice, pour off the liquid and puree the prunes
  • Keep in the fridge and have 3 tbspsn with breakfast and with a warm drink at bedtime

    Other herbs that might help include:

  • Dandelion root
  • Linseeds
  • Ispaghula seeds
  • Psyllium seeds
  • Fennel seeds

    The Homoeopathic remedies Alumina, Bryonia, Opium might also be helpful.

    Black pepper, Ginger and Marjoram aromatherapy oils massaged clockwise around the stomach are very soothing.

    And as far as therapies are concerned, acupuncture, yoga and abdominal exercises taught by a qualified gym instructor could also help.

    If you’re looking for natural supplements, Ortisan fruit cubes – based on tamarind - are the best natural commercial products.

    But the real key to preventing constipation which isn’t a symptom of anything serious is learning how to eat healthily. You can get advice from a registered naturopath, but the basic principles are:

  • Drink at least 2 litres of fluid a day
  • Eat more soluble fibre from apples, pears, oats, toot vegetables, green vegetables and dried beans
  • Increase your fibre intake with more wholemeal bread, brown rice, nuts, seeds. Wholemeal pasta
  • Eat plenty of dried fruit, especially apricots and prunes – they’re rich in fibre, too
  • Eat a pot of live bio-yoghurt every day – your gut needs the friendly bacteria

    It’s also worth remembering Iron pills may cause constipation. If you get anaemia, try the natural remedies in that section.
     
     
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    The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.