Constipation is commonly associated with pregnancy and the post-partum period. There are some very simple things one can do to help alleviate constipation during these time periods. Read "Constipation During Pregnancy and After the Birth" to learn more.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am 8 weeks pregnant second child. I woke up this morning severely constipated. I went very white and was sweating profusely. I have never experienced this before. It took almost two hours of agonizing pain before I finally had a movement. Now I am afraid to go to the toilet again in case of reoccurance.

Please can you help me? I am really scared

Josey

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am 9 weeks today. I have been really constipated, which I am told is normal. The problem is before I got pregnant my iron was always low and every few months I was on iron pills. Once I got pregnant I stopped taking them, until I saw my doctor to be sure I could still take them (on Thursday).

The experience of pregnancy and childbirth has long been described as miraculous. Constipation is commonly associated with pregnancy and the period directly after the birth. The problems, although part of the miracle of birth, can make you feel less than miraculous! Here are some very simple things that help alleviate constipation during pregnancy and in the post-partum period.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am now 6 weeks pregnant and I am constipated. Can I take a mild laxative, if it exists? If I can't take a laxative what should I do? This feeling is very annoying and I hope you can give me some advice. Thank you in advance for taking time out to read my email.

Breast Changes tenderness, fullness, darkening of the areola

• A well-fitted bra with cotton straps that support the breasts may prevent much of the discomfort associated with pregnancy changes

Frequent Urination

• Omit or decrease the amount of caffeine coffee, tea, colas, and chocolate)
• Decrease fluid intake 2-3 hours before bedtime
• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of fluid daily
• Do your Kegel exercises

Constipation

• Maintain an adequate fluid intake
• Include fiber in your diet

The first 6 weeks following your delivery is still part of the childbearing cycle. Called the postpartum period, it brings many changes as your body adjusts to a non-pregnant state.

Your baby's skin is pink to reddish in color and is smooth. The body is continuing to fill out. The sucking and grasping reflexes are strong. At about 34 weeks, a substance that is necessary for the lungs to function (surfactant) is steadily produced.