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Baby on the Way: Constipation during pregnancy

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Posted 4:05 PM 1/18/2012 : Baby on the Way: Plumbing problems

TUCSON - Many of the changes your body goes through in pregnancy are pretty obvious, but some are not, and often times, they are not talked about.

Today on "Baby on the Way," our pregnancy contributor, Judith Schuler, stopped by to discuss one of those changes: constipation.

Here's what she had to say:

It's common during pregnancy - most women notice some degree of constipation. Constipation is defined as condition in which person has difficulty emptying bowels

Why does it occur so often during pregnancy?

-Increased hormones
-Blood-volume increase
-Food moves more slowly going through digestive tract

What can a woman do?

-Drink lots of fluids-water is excellent
-If you don't drink enough, it can cause dehydration and result in constipation
-Exercise may help-it can stimulate bowels and increase muscle contractions to help move food through intestines
-Eat high-fiber foods, such as bran and prunes, to increase the bulk in diet, which may help

What about taking laxatives?

-Don't use laxatives without doctor's OK
-If constipation is a problem, discuss it at prenatal visit
-Some doctors may suggest mild laxative, such as milk of magnesia

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