NATURAL REMEDIES

Before trying any natural remedy, discuss with your doctor.

FIBRE SUPPLEMENTS

There are many fibre supplements on the market, which claim to improve constipation. However, not all of them are safe during pregnancy. A good option is psyllium husk-based fibre supplements, which is generally considered to be safe during pregnancy.

DIGESTIVE BRAN

Many use digestive bran to combat constipation. However, depending on the amount of fibre you already have in your diet, this can in fact worsen the problem. Therefore, it is best to use a small amount and increase gradually depending on your tolerance.

PRUNE JUICE

Some women swear by prune juice during pregnancy. Once again this comes down to individual tolerance and you need to try a little first and see if it works for you.

PROBIOTICS

These are the natural bacteria found in the gut, which play a role in digestion. By supplementing with probiotics, it can help to treat or manage constipation. LEGUMES (e.g. chickpeas, beans and lentils). Legumes are an excellent source of soluble fibre, as well as being high in protein, which is particularly important for vegetarian or vegan moms-to-be. Replace half your mince mixture with lentils for a legume boost. OAT BRAN is also high in soluble fibre and is extremely versatile – it can be added to yoghurt, soups, cereals and even salads. WATER is essential for optimum digestion. Aim for at least eight to 10 glasses per day. APPLES are rich in soluble fibre, which helps to improve digestion and make stools easier to pass. PRUNES are known to be a great source of fibre and are a common digestive remedy. Just be sure to not overdo it and keep to three at a time as they are high in fruit sugar.