During pregnancy, a woman’s body is constantly changing. Each woman reacts differently to this challenge. Some mothers-to-be find it easier to cope with pregnancy, while others find it a chore, mainly because of the continuous physiological changes. Today, in the IOANA’S PILL show, we look at one of the discomforts that can occur during pregnancy, namely constipation.
It is estimated that between 11% and 38% of pregnant women suffer from constipation. Second only to nausea.
What causes this unpleasant symptom?
Pregnancy predisposes women to developing constipation due to physiological and anatomical changes in the gastrointestinal tract
First, we’re talking about increased progesterone levels and reduced motilin levels
Also, there is an increased absorption of water from the intestines, which makes stools have increased consistency
Decreased physical activity of the mother-to-be and vitamin supplements (e.g. iron and calcium) may further contribute to constipation;
Later, when the baby grows, the uterus increases in volume and can make bowel movements more difficult.
Methods to remove this discomfort
First of all I recommend you to choose a diet rich in fibre and probiotics; 25 grams to 30 grams/day. These can be found in wholemeal bread, prunes, bran, psylium fibre and seeds (chia, sesame and cashew)
Consume 1-2 litres of fluids a day;
It is important to exercise. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercise will help your bowel transit and that’s why I recommend scheduling them three times a week in 20-30 minute increments.
If you take iron and calcium supplements and constipation bothers you significantly, talk to your doctor;
There are medicines or dietary supplements to combat constipation that can be taken during pregnancy but always consult your pharmacist or doctor for appropriate guidance.
Studies show that probiotics that improve intestinal flora have a beneficial effect on constipation in pregnant women. That’s why I stopped by Omni-Biotic Panda today.
According to studies, Omni-Biotic Panda leads to relief of constipation from 40% to 2.4% of pregnant women and for children reduces colic from 30% to 4.9%. Omni Biotic Panda sachets contain 3 bacterial strains with at least 3 billion organisms per 1 serving:
Can be given to pregnant women from 32 weeks of pregnancy, lowering the risk of constipation during pregnancy.
It has other benefits as well, so for newborns given from the first day of life helps in the prevention of atopic dermatitis. If dermatitis is already present it is taken for 6 months with the possibility of extending the treatment up to 12 months.
For mothers-to-be, mix one sachet of OMNi BiOTiC Panda in 125ml of water once a day, wait 10 minutes for activation and then drink. Preferably taken on an empty stomach.
There are 2 billion mums in the world, don’t worry, pregnancy is a wonderful journey. So let’s think about what writer Eda Le Shan said:
“A new baby is like the beginning of all things wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities”.
AUTHOR: Ioana Gabor, pharmacist
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