When clothes are tightening on a weekly basis, the last thing we can afford is to hold onto any extra “baggage”!! As the pregnancy continues and the baby, fluid and placenta grow, room becomes scarce and our bladder, stomach and intestines start to feel the squeeze. With less room for bowel muscles to do their thing, it is important to ensure your diet is high in fluids and fibre. Fruit, vegetables, grains, beans and lentils are all a good source of fibre and you should be aiming for 2 litres of water per day.
Caffeine drinks such as tea and coffee are never recommended during pregnancy not only due to the caffeine content, but they also dehydrate you, which you can ill afford. The reason we are advised to give up caffeine is because it crosses the placenta and reaches your developing baby, and unlike adults, the baby cannot metabolize it. Try herbal teas instead but be careful which ones you choose as some herbs are dangerous during pregnancy and can stimulate the uterus or cause a miscarriage.
Laxatives should never be used if you are constipated – try soaking a dessertspoon of flaxseeds in water overnight and drinking it in the morning. Unfortunately yes, it is supposed to look like wall paper paste! But it works and will get things moving again.
Another suggestion is to watch which foods constipate you. Food intolerance can cause added bloating, digestive discomfort and either constipation or diarrhea.
If you are unsure what you should eat or avoid during pregnancy, contact me for a quick chat or book a consultation.