Constipation during pregnancy: causes and relief

Constipation is one of the most common (and least glamorous) complaints of pregnancy, affecting up to half of pregnant women. Progesterone slows the movement of food through your digestive tract — which actually benefits nutrient absorption but also allows more water to be reabsorbed from stool, making it harder and drier. Iron supplements (often prescribed in pregnancy) frequently worsen the problem.

The most effective natural remedies: significantly increasing dietary fiber through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and especially prunes and flaxseed; staying very well hydrated; and regular moderate exercise. If dietary measures aren't enough, your provider can recommend a safe stool softener like docusate sodium for pregnancy use.