The hormonal changes and growing uterus putting pressure on your intestines can slow things down in the bathroom department. 

In this article, you’ll learn three simple Ayurvedic remedies. 

Try them and get things moving again – naturally and comfortably.

Your body and baby will thank you.

What Causes Constipation During Pregnancy?

There are several reasons for Constipation during pregnancy.

• Hormonal changes. Pregnancy hormones like progesterone can slow digestion and relax intestinal muscles, making it harder to pass stools.
• Supplements. Iron supplements or prenatal vitamins may cause constipation or make it worse. Talk to your doctor about switching or reducing the dose.
• Dehydration. It’s easy to become dehydrated during pregnancy, leading to constipation. Drink enough water ( 8-10 glasses) daily to soften your stool and promote regularity.
• Lack of exercise. Exercise stimulates bowel movements, so a lack of physical activity can contribute to constipation. Walking, yoga, or swimming are all good exercises. Get 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

Simple changes to stay hydrated, increase fiber, and exercise regularly can help relieve pregnancy-related constipation.

Also, give yourself ample time to use the bathroom without feeling rushed. 

If problems continue over a few days, talk to your doctor about possibly using a stool softener or laxative, as some are considered safe during pregnancy.

Symptoms of constipation during pregnancy

Constipation during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Some common symptoms to watch for include:

• Hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
• Less frequent bowel movements, going from your normal daily or every other day to 2-3 times a week
• Straining during bowel movements
• Cramping in the lower abdomen

Complications

Constipation during pregnancy can lead to complications if left untreated. Some issues to watch out for include:

• Hemorrhoids – Straining while bowel movements may cause swelling of the veins around the anus and rectum. Relief can be found with witch hazel pads and ice packs.
• Faecal impaction: If stool becomes hardened and stuck, it will need to be removed by a doctor. Drink plenty of fluids, use a stool softener, and try abdominal massage to help prevent severe constipation.
• Rectal prolapse: Straining may cause part of the rectum to protrude from the anus. See your doctor right away for treatment. Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen rectal muscles.

Ayurvedic remedies for Constipation during pregnancy

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers genuine Ayurvedic remedies for constipation during pregnancy.

Some gentle options to try:

• One teaspoon of Triphala in water is infused for 10 minutes. Strain and drink it before going to bed. The herbal blend helps to relieve constipation and stimulates bowel movement.
• Movements and helps relieve constipation.
• Laddoo prepared with powder of chebulic myrobalan with jaggery and dried ginger
• Consume a decoction made of dashamoola mixed with milk
• A warm porridge with milk and ghee can ease bowel movements
• If you are in your 8th month, you can opt for a vast (enema) procedure that can ease your labor pain, too.
• Prunes and prune juice contain sorbitol, a natural laxative compound. You can eat a few pitted prunes. The fiber and sorbitol work together to relieve constipation in a gentle, natural way.
• Drink plenty of warm water, which helps lubricate the intestines.
• Consume high-fiber food such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
• Exercise regularly to stimulate bowel function. Even light walking can help.
• Abdominal massage with essential oils helps relax your muscles and encourage bowel movements.

Ayurvedic Oils to Massage Your Abdomen

Massaging your abdomen with Ayurvedic oils can help relieve constipation during pregnancy. Two excellent oil options are castor oil and coconut oil.

Castor Oil

Gently massage a few tablespoons of cold-pressed castor oil onto your abdomen, especially around your naval. 

Cover the area with a hot water bottle for 30 minutes. 

This helps the oil absorb better. 

The warm oil relaxes your muscles.

You should feel the urge to go within 6-12 hours. 

Be sure to stay hydrated!

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is soothing and antibacterial. 

Massage a few tablespoons onto your abdomen, especially after a warm bath or shower. 

The oil will moisturize your skin as the gentle massage helps relax your abdominal muscles. 

While coconut oil is not a laxative, the massage can still help make bowel movements more comfortable. 

The oil’s light, tropical scent may also have a calming, uplifting effect.

Natural remedies like Ayurvedic oils, warmth, massage, and hydration can relieve constipation in a gentle, holistic way during pregnancy. 

Be patient, take things slowly, and consult your doctor if needed. Your body and baby will thank you.

Ayurvedic Teas to Soothe Your Digestive System

Two soothing Ayurvedic teas can help relieve your constipation woes during pregnancy.

Fennel tea

Fennel seeds contain compounds that relax digestive muscles and stimulate digestion. 

Steep one teaspoon of crushed fennel seed in a cup of hot water for ten to fifteen minutes. 

The tea can be strained and consumed up to three times per day. 

Strain and drink the tea up to three times a day. The licorice-like flavor is pleasant, and the tea is pregnancy-safe.

Triphala tea

Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal blend of three fruits—amla, bibhitaki, and haritaki—with laxative properties. 

Simmer one teaspoon of Triphala powder in two cups of water for 10 minutes. Let cool and strain. 

Drink a half cup of the decoction once or twice daily. 

Triphala gently softens stool and promotes regularity without griping. Consult your doctor before taking high doses of Triphala if you are pregnant. It may cause uterine contractions.

Sipping fennel or Triphala tea and staying hydrated can relieve pregnancy constipation and make you feel more comfortable. 

But if your constipation persists for over a few days or is accompanied by pain, consult your doctor for guidance. 

They may recommend safe over-the-counter or natural remedies tailored to your needs.

Natural tips to manage constipation during pregnancy

When pregnancy constipation strikes, try these natural remedies to get relief:

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water and warm liquids like herbal tea to keep your stools soft and promote regularity. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day.

Figs

High in fiber, figs can help stimulate bowel movements. Eat 2-3 dried or fresh figs on an empty stomach in the morning. 

The fiber and moisture will help loosen stools and make them easier to pass. Figs are a very gentle remedy and can be used daily.

Eat fibre-rich foods

Load up on high-fiber foods like beans, spinach, and unpolished cereals. Fibre adds bulk to your stools and helps them pass more easily.

Psyllium husks are also proven beneficial and act as a stool softener.

Exercise regularly

Go for walks or do gentle yoga. Exercise stimulates your bowels and helps relieve constipation. Even light activity can help, so get moving!

Squatting posture

Adopt a squatting posture when having a bowel movement. Place a footstool under your feet to elevate your knees above your hips. 

This posture opens up your colon and makes it easier to pass stools.

Yoga Poses

Simple yoga poses can help stimulate your bowels and improve circulation. 

Try gentle twists, hip openers like pigeon pose, and abdominal stretches. Be careful getting up and down, and never force your body into positions that don’t feel good. 

Even walking, rocking your hips side to side, or doing hip circles can help.

Conclusion

So there you have some gentle and natural ways to relieve constipation during your pregnancy. 

Ayurvedic remedies focus on balancing your body and restoring normal function. 

You can get your digestion back on track with the right diet and warm liquids, exercising, and using oils, herbs, and spices. 

The best part is that these remedies are safe, natural, and effective. 

Why suffer through constipation and its uncomfortable symptoms when you have affordable, do-it-yourself solutions at your fingertips? 

Try incorporating a few of these Ayurvedic remedies daily, and you’ll feel better in no time. 

Your body and baby will thank you. Best of luck to you, mama – you’ve got this! Stay healthy and enjoy this special time.