I am 22 weeks pregnant and for the last two weeks I’ve found it hard to go for a long call. I eat well, take a lot of water, eat fruits and vegetables but I stay up to 3 or more days before going for a long call, and once I do that, it’s so painful and tears my anus. I’ve talked to my doctor and has advised me to take more vegetables, fruits especially paw paw and water but all in vain. Please advice on what to do coz I fear hurting my unborn child with the push of the hard stool.
Esther Kimani Staff
Pregnancy hormones can slow down the muscles in the bowel causing constipation in some women.
It will help to:
• make sure you include plenty of fibre in your diet e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, wholemeal breads
and breakfast cereals, dried fruit, nuts and legumes
• take a fibre supplement such as psyllium
• drink plenty of water and fluids
• exercise regularly
* Constipation can sometimes be caused by taking iron tablets – ask your doctor if you can change to different type.
