MamasHealth.com Home Pregnancy Information Back Pain Babyshower gifts Bed Rest Birth Control Birth Plan Breast Feeding Bowel Problems Braxton Contractions Breast Feeding Benefits C-Section Cat Precautions Choosing a Pediatrition Due Date Education Classes Ectopic Pregnancy Gestational Diabetes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Gifts for Moms Healthy Pregnancy Labor Stages Miscarriage Morning Sickness Natural Births Nesting Osteoporosis Packing for the Hospital Pelvic Muscle Exercises Postpartum Depression Preeclampsia Pregnancy and Calories Pregnancy and Drugs Pregnancy and Fitness Pregnancy Myths Pregnancy Tips Premature Births Prenatal Care Rh Negative Sex after Pregnancy Sex and Pregnancy Shopping List Skin Changes Stillbirth Stretch Marks Teenage Pregnancy The Right Doctor Water Births Links Email Mama First Trimester Second Trimester Third Trimester Child Development Children's Health Save Umbilical Cord Financial Assistance for women's healthcare Adoption Surrogacy options Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter	Bowel Concerns During Pregnancy Why do Pregnant Women Experience Constipation There are a few reasons why pregnant women have bouts of constipation. The first reason involves hormones. Certain hormones in high levels can make a bowel sluggish and these hormones circulate in a pregnant woman’s body. The second reason is that as a woman’s uterus grows, pressure is placed on the bowel which can keep it from its normal activity. Third, prenatal vitamins may cause constipation in some women if the vitamins are high in iron and/or calcium. If you are having bouts of constipation, there are steps which you can take to get your bowels back on track. Carefully monitor your diet to ensure that you are not eating foods which can cause constipation. (Refined foods are especially known to cause constipation.) A diet that is high in fiber will help reduce constipation. Raw fruits and vegetables contain a lot of fiber. Whole wheat bread is also a great source of fiber. Monitor your fluid intake. Try to consuming enough water to keep your body hydrated. Start moving. Exercise can do much to stimulate the bowels. If you still have a problem with constipation, you should inform your doctor. Bladder Concerns During Pregnancy Frequent Urination Frequent urination is a complaint of most pregnant women. Frequent urination can be attributed to the improved ability of the kidneys to rid a pregnant woman’s body of waste products more quickly. Frequent urination is also attributed to the growth of the uterus. The uterus is next to the bladder. As the uterus grows, pressure is placed on the bladder. The second trimester usually brings a little relief from frequent urination as the uterus rises up into the abdomen. The frequent need to urinate generally returns later in pregnancy as the baby drops back down in preparation for birth. Leaking Urine Pregnant women may find that they leak urine when pressure is placed on the body. This can include laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising. The leaking is due to the pressure placed on the bladder by the uterus. Women who have a problem with leaking urine during their pregnancy are encouraged to do Kegel exercises, keep their weight gain at an even level, and to avoid caffeinated drinks. As with any changes in the body during pregnancy, changes in urination should be reported to your doctor.	Featured Book
	Health Topic: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What No One Tells You Medicare Part D: Everything you need to know Finding time for sex How to choose the best weight loss program Easy flirting tips How to deal with a stubborn husband or boyfriend Surviving a financial crisis Save money in the kitchen Inexpensive health insurance
	Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use. Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170 If you want a review of your product featured on MamasHealth.com, let us know. ©2000 - 2008 MamasHealth.com™. All rights reserved