Higher levels of progesterone can help to relax the person’s bowel muscles and thus help to make them even less efficient. The rhythmic contractions which are normal also tend to slow. The final result is constipation. This occurs most often in the third trimester. In addition, when the baby increases in size it correspondingly puts pressure on the mother’s intestines, thus slowing down the movement of the mother’s feces. It occurs due to the hormonal changes that are associated with pregnancy. Also high intake of iron in preparation for pregnancy and during the pregnancy, further add to a problem of constipation. Constipation however has to be avoided at any cost during pregnancy as it exerts excess pressure while passing stools and can then lead to an abdominal pain starting off because of the uterine contractions. One should keep in mind that exerting extra pressure while passing stools can then lead to the formation of piles.
To avoid the problem of taking an enema, the main remedy to follow is to eat plenty of high fiber food products. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables that are high in fibers help in providing the roughage required for passing a stool. Bananas, mangoes, apples, pomegranates are among the required high fiber fruits. Eating plenty of green beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, French beans, are among the high fiber vegetables that are vital in preventing constipation. Eating figs, prunes and dry fruits are also beneficial. Try soaking figs overnight in a bowl of water. Next morning the pregnant woman should eat these figs and also drink the water. This will greatly help in reducing any constipation. Even the prunes can be soaked in water over night and then consumed next morning along with the water. If the constipation is very bad the pregnant woman should consult a doctor about reducing the high iron intake and supplementing the diet accordingly.
Some natural remedies that people can be taken under medical guidance include castor oil. But this has to be avoided during pregnancy as it can initiate contractions in the pregnant woman’s uterus because of its strong purgative action. A glycerin syringe enema can also be used. Glycerin is useful in lubricating the feces and thus allowing for gentle defecation stimulation. This glycerin syringe enema does not cause any contractions or any cramps which are normally associated with other commercial and natural enemas and hence can be taken quite easily by pregnant women.