Patient's question:
Female, 25 years old, with very severe morning sickness symptoms. She is constantly dry heaving, and recently she has found herself feeling particularly uncomfortable and having very poor mental state. So, she is asking, what foods are good for constipation during pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Pregnant women often experience intestinal gas and constipation again due to reduced stomach acid, increased physical activity, slow gastrointestinal peristalsis, and the pressure of the fetus pushing on the intestines, leading to weakened intestinal muscle function. In severe cases, this can result in the recurrence of hemorrhoids.To comprehensively prevent and treat constipation, pregnant women should develop the habit of defecating at regular times daily, engage in appropriate exercise, drink plenty of water, and consume more foods rich in dietary fiber. If defecation does not occur within 4–5 days, suppositories can be used, but it should be noted that this is only for emergency situations and should not be used frequently.
Dietary fiber has the effects of stimulating the secretion of digestive fluids, promoting intestinal peristalsis, and prolonging the time food spends in the digestive tract. Dietary fiber absorbs water in the intestines, making the stool softer and easier to pass.