You may become constipated very early in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes going on in your body. Progesterone relaxes the smooth muscles of the bowel and in combination with dietary changes during pregnancy (i.e intake of iron supplements) constipation may occur.
It will help to:
- make sure you include plenty of fibre in your diet through eating foods like wholemeal breads, wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, and pulses such as beans and lentils exercise
- regularly to keep your muscles toned up
- make sure you drink plenty of water
- avoid iron pills if they cause constipation – ask your doctor whether you can manage without them or change to a different type; if not, you may have to accept having constipation.