Let’s take a look at “Foods To Avoid When Constipated During Pregnancy” If you’re pregnant and dealing with constipation, you’re probably looking for relief anywhere you can get it. While there are many foods that can help with constipation, there are also some that can make it worse.
In this article, we’ll go over 6 foods to avoid if you’re struggling with constipation during pregnancy.
What is constipation?
Constipation is a condition in which a person has difficulty passing stool. This can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, or pregnancy.
Pregnant women are especially susceptible to constipation due to the changes in their hormones and the increased pressure on their intestines from the growing baby. Constipation can be very uncomfortable and even painful. It can also lead to other problems, such as hemorrhoids.
There are a few things that pregnant women can do to help relieve constipation. First, they should make sure to eat plenty of high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They should also drink plenty of fluids and avoid becoming dehydrated. Finally, they can try taking a stool softener or laxative if necessary.
6 Foods To Avoid When Constipated During Pregnancy
There are a few foods that you should avoid if you are constipated during pregnancy. Spicy food can aggravate your digestive system and make constipation worse. Dairy products can also be difficult to digest when you are constipated. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can actually help to alleviate constipation. However, if you are already constipated, eating a high-fiber diet can make the problem worse.
Some other foods that you should avoid when constipated during pregnancy include fried food, processed food, and caffeine. These foods can all contribute to constipation. If you are having trouble with constipation, try to eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of fluids, and avoid spicy and dairy foods.
1. Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can aggravate the digestive system and make constipation worse. If you are struggling with constipation, it is best to avoid spicy foods altogether.
2. Processed Foods: Processed foods are often high in fat and low in fiber, which can make constipation worse. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, and opt for whole, unprocessed foods instead.
3. Dairy Products: Dairy products can be hard to digest and can contribute to constipation. If you are constipated, limit your intake of dairy products or switch to a dairy-free diet.
4. Red Meat: Red meat is another food that can be difficult to digest and can contribute to constipation. If you are struggling with constipation, limit your intake of red meat or switch to a leaner protein source such as chicken or fish.
5. Fried Foods: Fried foods are high in fat and can make constipation worse. If you are struggling with constipation, it is best to avoid fried foods altogether.
6. Caffeinated Beverages: Caffeinated beverages can dehydrate the body and make constipation worse. Caffeinated beverages can have various effects during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that moderate caffeine intake (up to 200 mg per day) is unlikely to cause any harm, while other studies have linked high caffeine intake to miscarriage, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. Caffeinated beverages can also cause insomnia and anxiety, which can be harmful to both the mother and the developing fetus. Therefore, it is important to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy.
Home remedies for constipation during pregnancy
There are a few home remedies that can help with constipation during pregnancy. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is important. Eating high-fiber foods can also help. Some good options include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Staying active can also help keep things moving along. Walking is a great way to get some gentle exercise.
If home remedies don’t seem to be helping, there are a few over-the-counter options that are safe to take during pregnancy. stool softeners like Colace or Dulcolax can be helpful. Fiber supplements like Metamucil or Citrucel can also be effective. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication, even if it is considered safe during pregnancy.
When to see a doctor for constipation during pregnancy
If you’re experiencing constipation during pregnancy, it’s important to see a doctor. While constipation is a common side effect of pregnancy, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition. If you’re having trouble passing stool or if your stool is hard and dry, you should see a doctor. They can determine if you have a medical condition that needs to be treated.
Here Are Top 15 Foods To Help Naturally Relieve Pregnancy Constipation
This food might be magic, but they are not. Pregnant women need 25-30 grams of fiber every day. Some of these items will help with the discomfort associated with irregularity.
Certain classes of foods, like nuts, can actually make hemorrhoids worse. Hemorrhoids are painful and should be treated by a doctor if present. You can avoid hemorrhoids if you eat plenty of foods with fiber and drink enough water.
There is no evidence that constipation can harm the baby you are carrying. Constipation will only bring discomfort to you. The first time pregnant women experience constipation is because of the increase in progesterone, especially during the 1st trimester. Relaxation of your muscles may lead to slower digestion, which then leads to optimal absorption of nutrition from your gut and less constipation. Less movement, low-fiber foods, or even anxiety can also lead to constipation during pregnancy. Iron found in prenatal vitamins or any iron supplement may also cause constipation.
According to WebMD prenatal vitamins contain organic agave inulin powder to help support digestive health and promote normal bowel function. Drinking a lot of water is also important when taking iron because it increases constipation. Anything high in fiber will be beneficial as well.
The best way to relieve constipation is with a healthy diet plus plenty of water. If this does not work, there are always stool softeners, which have not been shown to have adverse effects and are safe for pregnancy. Laxatives are not recommended during pregnancy because they can cause dehydration and may even stimulate uterine contractions. Always consult with your OB about taking any over-the-counter medication.
RED RASPBERRIES
Each cup of red raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber. In salads, smoothies, yogurt, and cereal, as well as on their own, take pleasure in them. Additionally, red raspberries are rich in vitamin C, which supports your immune system. The majority of its nutrients are retained during the freezing process, making frozen raspberries ideal for smoothies. Just before eating, make sure to properly wash fresh berries with water and vinegar to remove dirt and grime.
GREEN PEAS
Each cup of green peas contains 9 grams of fiber. Enjoy them in salads, marinara sauce, soups, and stews. They also have potassium and vitamin C, both of which are essential for both mom and baby! You’ll receive the advantageous nutrients whether you consume green peas that are fresh, tinned, or frozen. Just be sure to rinse off any extra salt from green peas in cans.
PEARS
For a medium-sized pear, 5.5 grams of fiber are present. Pears are a wonderful source of antioxidants and surprisingly high in folate. They are delicious on their own, with yogurt, cottage cheese, porridge, chopped and sautéed in coconut oil and cinnamon, and even when eaten raw. With vinegar and warm water, wash thoroughly.
LENTILS
There are a staggering 15.5 grams of fiber in one cup of cooked lentils! Given that they provide mom and baby with the B vitamins, iron, and magnesium required for a successful pregnancy, lentils are unquestionably a “superfood.” Lentils can be used in salads, stews, and soups.
BLACK BEANS
Black beans have 15 grams of fiber in one cup. Antioxidants and protein are also present in black beans. Enjoy beans with rice, in tacos, soups, chili, stews, salads, or as a hummus-like vegetable dip. Beans in cans are convenient and nutrient-rich, but make sure to rinse off any extra sodium.
BROCCOLI
One cup of cooked broccoli has roughly 5 grams of fiber. Additionally, it has calcium and iron, both of which are necessary for strong bones and healthy cells. Broccoli can be used in so many delightful ways. Our favorites are pasta and broccoli with garlic and oil sauce, roasted with olive oil, diced in salads, cooked with potatoes and melted cheese.
WHOLE WHEAT SPAGHETTI
One cup of cooked whole-wheat spaghetti has 6 grams of fiber. Pasta has endless pasta-bilities! Add any sauce that you enjoy. We have delicious, quick, and nutritious Bolognese, pesto, and marinara sauces. Add broccoli and some beans and you have yourself a dish packed with fiber. Always cook pasta according to package directions (al dente is best!), and NEVER rinse with water. For best flavor, toss spaghetti with the sauce before enjoying!
WATER
With all of this fiber in your diet, mama, it’s important to note that you can still become well, backed up—unless you drink plenty of water! Pregnant women need at least 12, 8 oz glasses of water daily (plus more in the summer months!). Water helps the fiber move along your digestive tract. It’s necessary to keep stool both soft and compact. Fiber promotes stool softening and bulking, therefore water and fiber both work together. Foods contain both soluble (stimulates bowels to hold on to water) and insoluble fiber (does not dissolve and moves through intestines) and you need them both in order to have “happy” bowels.
FOODS WITH PROBIOTICS
In addition to fiber and water, you may want to add more probiotics to your diet as well. Foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles, and miso soup help to keep healthy bacteria in your gut, which in turn helps keep your digestive system moving, literally. Aim for at least 1-2 servings of these foods daily.
CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds have about 10 grams of fiber per ounce. Sprinkle on salads, yogurt, smoothies, and oatmeal. You can also add to pancake/waffle batter, cookies, peanut butter, and jelly sandwiches, and even make chia jam. Chia seeds are also high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which make them perfect for babies’ brain development.
QUINOA
Quinoa is a super versatile seed! Yes, it’s actually considered a seed, not a grain, but can be used to replace grains in recipes. It has about 5 grams of fiber per 1 cup cooked. Quinoa is bland in flavor therefore it takes on any flavors pretty easily. Quinoa tastes great in salads and soup. You can use it in place of rice in stir fry recipes too. Quinoa “oatmeal” is the perfect way to start the day and you can even add uncooked quinoa to homemade granola.
TURNIP GREENS
One cup of cooked turnip greens has 5 grams of fiber. Sauté turnip greens in olive oil and garlic or add to soups and stews. They are loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C, which make them good immune-boosting food! Make sure to clean with water thoroughly to remove excess dirt and grim.
APPLES
Apples have 4.5 grams of fiber for 1 medium-size apple. Make sure to wash the outside skin well because that is where most of the fiber exists. Apples are perfect when sliced and added to salads, yogurt, and oatmeal. Spread peanut butter or any other nut butter and even top with some chocolate chips on them for the perfect snack. Baked or sautéed apples with cinnamon and coconut oil taste delicious with some yogurt or ice cream on top too! Apples are also high in vitamin C! Here is a trick: add lemon juice to slice apples to prevent browning!
OATMEAL
One cup of oatmeal has 5 grams of fiber. Oatmeal is a “blank canvas” for many different flavors from sweet to even savory. We love oatmeal with chia, ground flax seeds, mashed banana, and peanut butter. You can also add uncooked oats to smoothies and meatloaf or meatballs ( in place of breadcrumb). Oatmeal is also a great way to add fiber to pancake, waffle, and cookie batter; just ground up into a flour-like texture. Oatmeal is also high in iron and magnesium, which are bodybuilding nutrients for your little babe.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that everyone thinks they dislike, but when they cook them the “right” way, they end up becoming a favorite! At 4 grams of fiber per cup, they Bake/roast Brussels with olive oil and salt in the oven until crisp. They can even be sliced thin and added to salads to be enjoyed the same way as lettuce. Rinse Brussels under cool, running water to remove debris. You can also find vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate in Brussels, which make them a perfect veggie for pregnant mamas!
Final Note
There are a number of foods to avoid when constipated during pregnancy, and it is important to be aware of them. By avoiding these foods, you can help ease your constipation and make sure that your pregnancy is as comfortable as possible.
