Natural ways to ease constipation during pregnancy

Constipation in pregnancy! So let’s talk constipation in pregnancy, the fear of pooing in labour and the anxiety we feel about our first poop after birth!
So many women are being popped on Iron tablets in pregnancy and whilst it can make us feel so much better it also has a very awkward, difficult side effect for many of us.

Yes, I am talking constipation and the first post birth poop, no matter what your delivery method is (vaginal or sunroof).

Iron tablets can be quite harsh on your system as it can sometimes be processed in your intestines rather than your tummy, so I have many women ask for liquid iron instead of the tablets. try if you can take iron medication with Orange juice as it can help the body to absorb it better. So what can you do to help yourself when constipated?

• Drink more water – this can help to soften your stools

• foodstuff but can make a really big difference when it comes to your poop.

• Eat foods high in fibre, Weetabix, shreddies, dragon fruit, Asda sultana bran, wholemeal bread, fruits and vegetables, lentils and beans all can help and a few clients have found porrage oats to help too!

• Gentle exercise and movement can also help. In my Bumps weekly antenatal classes we practice a few gentle rotating movements which can make it easier to poo the next day.

Now what about pooing in labour or birth? We all get the fear when we start to think about this happening but please don’t worry too much.

As we labour our bodies send us to the bathroom regularly. When you sit on the loo you relax your pelvic floor muscles and any wind, water or waste is released. You body will send you to the bathroom when it needs to go, just don’t get confused with the strong pressure in the back passage that you may feel very close to birth. If anything does come away it will be removed before you even know it has happened.

And lastly what about the first poo after baby has arrived! Many of us might have stitches abdominally or vaginally after having our babies and it can be concerning the thought of going to the toilet just after having your baby. Ok so please stay hydrated during your birth experience and keep going with the foodstuffs above. Some mums take a sports cap water bottle in with them and when peeing skoosh water to help.

In our weekly Bumps Antenatal class we cover movements and breathing to help with constipation that can be a nuisance in pregnancy