Brought to you by
Let’s not tiptoe around this: Being constipated is a horrible feeling — the bloating, the pain, being constantly uncomfortable, it can be overwhelming. And to add to that, it is actually more common in women! In fact, most of us have experienced this discomfort at some point, but it is even more common when you are pregnant.
According to The Department of Health at least 1 in 4 women experience constipation while pregnant, and it is the second most common gastrointestinal complaint in pregnancy.
For many pregnant women constipation can happen early on when there is an increase in progesterone hormone causing slower digestion and bowel movement, whilst others may experience it later in pregnancy with pressure from the baby as it grows in size.
Other contributing factors are diet, reduced exercise, medications such as iron supplements and stress.
So, what can you do about it? Whilst most laxatives are not recommended for pregnant women, there are some natural products available and also day to day things you can do to assist with relief and potential preventive measures as well.
For relief, try this natural bowel regularity supplement
As specialists in laxative products and knowing there is an increased need during pregnancy, NU-LAX have launched a natural Pregnancy Regularity Support powder, specifically designed to support bowel regularity safely during all trimesters.
Add that to, it’s Australian made and owned and uses some pretty incredible natural ingredients to make it effective yet safe, like:
• Seawater magnesium – bioactive multi-mineral marine magnesium that helps to soften stools
• Whole green kiwifruit powder – clinically proven to gently increase stool frequency
• Prune powder – high in natural fibre and phenolic compounds
• Prebiotic fibre – helps balance and feed the good bacteria in the gut and contribute to overall digestive health and function.
It is really easy to take due to its powder form, you can just add to water or a favourite beverage. It is lightly flavoured to accommodate sensitive palates of expecting women and can be taken daily or as required with no known side effects. Plus, it’s also safe for post-natal and breast-feeding women too.
Did I say it’s safe to take during all trimesters? I think this product is going to help a lot of women!
For potential prevention, try focusing on increasing fibre rich foods
Fibre plays such an important role with your digestive health. Getting enough fibre from a variety of sources (soluble, insoluble, prebiotic) across a range of fruits, vegetables, nuts and wholegrains will not only improve the consistency of the stools but also help with increasing stool bulk and removal of toxins.
As a side note, so your body can properly adjust, it is best to increase your fibre intake gradually. It is recommended to have a daily intake of at least 28 grams.
Also, really important to keep fluids up
Drinking a sufficient amount of water is beneficial to keep stools soft and making them easier to pass while helping the absorption of water-soluble vitamins and many biochemical and metabolic processes. It is important to increase your water intake, especially if you are increasing fibre in your diet. Aim for 8 glasses a day and more in hot/humid weather.
Continue regular exercise and movement
Being physically active can help stimulate the bowels and manage stress. We know that being pregnant can be very tiring, but even a gentle walk each day can be really helpful. There are also many low impact exercises that pregnant women can partake in when you feel up to it however remember it’s always best to check with your healthcare professional first.
If you are interested in other natural regularity products, NU-LAX has just launched a Kids Regularity Support. Safe and effective, it assists little ones from 1 year onwards, plus, they still have all their much-loved natural laxative products for other adults in the family.
To find out more, head to nu-lax.com
