During pregnancy, many mothers-to-be expertise signs of constipation which embrace rare bowel actions, belly ache and laborious stool. According to numerous experiences, one out of 4 pregnant ladies will expertise constipation and different bowel points in some unspecified time in the future throughout their pre-motherhood journey.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Helai Gupta, Senior Consultant at Rosewalk Healthcare, steered that expectant moms should undertake the next dietary methods to unravel the widespread situation at every trimester of being pregnant –

1. First Trimester: Many ladies devour prenatal nutritional vitamins, dietary supplements that comprise every day nutritional vitamins and minerals one wants earlier than and through being pregnant. It is crucial so as to add meals excessive in fiber to counteract this. Adding fruits, greens, legumes, and complete grains to at least one’s meal is crucial.
2. Second trimester: As the infant grows within the womb, the stress on the digestive system will increase. Focus on sustaining a well-balanced weight loss plan and wholesome life-style by adopting a number of bodily workout routines really useful by your physician which create completely happy hormones whereas balancing your psychological well being.
3. Third Trimester: Constipation usually begins within the third trimester due to the hormonal fluctuations and rising uterus. Where expectant moms really feel extra hungry and eat bigger meals. To assist digestion and forestall constipation, moms-to-be ought to select smaller and 5-6 meals as an alternative of huge ones.

Dr Helai Gupta asserted, “Always take advice from your doctor before making any major dietary changes during your pregnancy. Therefore, throughout each trimester expectant mothers can prevent constipation and maintain overall health and well-being.”

Echoing that constipation is a standard concern throughout being pregnant, affecting many expectant moms throughout trimesters, Dr T Lakhmi Bharathi, M.Sc Clinical Nutritionist and Dietetics at Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital in Bangalore’s Koramangala, really useful that whereas hormonal modifications and the increasing uterus play a job, implementing the next focused dietary methods can alleviate this discomfort –

1. First Trimester: During this part, give attention to fiber-rich meals like fruits, greens, complete grains, and legumes. These assist digestion and soften stools. Hydration is essential; enough water consumption prevents dehydration, a standard reason for constipation.
2. Second Trimester: Incorporate probiotic-rich meals like yogurt or kefir to assist intestine well being. Balanced meals with reasonable parts and common mealtimes assist regulate bowel actions. Prenatal dietary supplements with iron could contribute to constipation; seek the advice of your physician for options if wanted.
3. Third Trimester: Emphasize high-fiber meals and take into account including prunes, figs, or flaxseeds recognized for his or her pure laxative properties. Regular bodily exercise, even mild workout routines like strolling, promotes bowel actions and relieves constipation.
4. Throughout Pregnancy: Avoid extremely processed meals and extreme consumption of iron dietary supplements. Small, frequent meals cut back the workload on the digestive system. Consulting a healthcare supplier for steering on secure, pregnancy-specific laxatives or dietary supplements is advisable.

She concluded, “Remember, every pregnancy is unique. It’s crucial to personalise dietary changes and seek professional advice to manage constipation effectively without compromising maternal or fetal health. By adopting these nutritional strategies across trimesters, expectant mothers can ease constipation and enhance overall well-being throughout their pregnancy journey.”