Finding safe medications can be challenging during pregnancy, especially considering the plethora of digestive druthers that many women experience during this period of physical changes. Laxatives for constipation aren’t just found in the medicine aisle and many can come from nature, the produce aisle, over the counter in the form of supplements and even in a hot cup of tea. Using laxatives for constipation relief that are natural can limit medicinal side effects for both mom and baby.
The health benefits of dandelion root go well beyond the occasional case of a packed tight pooper, but as far as laxatives for constipation relief go, it’s one of the most gentle. If you can’t quite figure out what to do with dandelion root, you can always turn it into an herbal laxative tea and add other natural ingredients for more flavor. Another safe and gentle option is good ol’ prunes. You may not enjoy their taste, but they will almost always provide relief without side effects, risk or interactions. Sauerkraut is another safe natural food laxative option that is both healthy (in fact, people should be consuming 1 table spoon of organic sauerkraut daily) and effective for constipation relief. Although, while you may be craving your favorite German sausage with it, processed meats are best to be avoided during pregnancy!
Your diet can help move things along as well, and natural relief for constipation is easily found in many foods that also provide great nutritional content, which is perfect for expecting mothers. Extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil, for instance, will not only improve the flow of feces, but can help relieve hemorrhoids (nasty, unintended consequence of pregnancy in many cases). You can also spice up your diet with natural laxatives for constipation that have likely been hiding in the back of your spice cabinet for months. Turmeric, ginger and cayenne are all fantastic food flavorers and can act as a digestive tract maintenance crew. Go easy on the cayenne however unless you want your growing baby doing the salsa in your abdomen.
When it comes to supplements, you may think that all are safe to take in any dose, and that is not true and particularly not true during pregnancy. High dose vitamin C supplementing, for instance, is not safe during pregnancy and may cause damage to the developing baby. However, most supplements (in normal doses) are fine and actually required for pregnant women. Omega 3 oils either taken in a pill or ingested through dietary means can act as part of a detox plan as well as being great natural laxatives for constipation. One of the best laxatives in a supplement form, magnesium citrate, is a favored option for many expecting moms, but should be used with caution in a proper dose approved by your healthcare provider.
During pregnancy, all medications that you are considering, over the counter or not, should be discussed with your doctor, before you use them. Dietary changes should also be discussed to ensure that your diet is adequate for the monumental task the body faces when growing people. If you have any concerns about your constipation, or feel that it is not easily treatable or managed, you should also consider speaking to a health care provider.
