This is how your intestines stay active during pregnancy

In pregnant women, digestion cannot always function optimally for a variety of reasons: the baby must have enough space in the stomach and may press on the organs, and the body must of course cope with the hormonal changes. And the iron supplements that many pregnant women are prescribed can also affect bowel activity.

As a mom-to-be, you may shy away from doing something about these problems. Because the baby is directly connected to the processes in your body via the umbilical cord, you may be concerned about harming the unborn child – and would rather endure your discomfort. But that doesn’t have to be the case: There are several ways in which you can do something good for yourself and your intestines without any risk for your little one – both preventively and in the event of acute symptoms.

Diet is the key to preventing or eliminating constipation. But sports and yoga exercises, some home remedies and laxatives can also help. We give you the most important tips here:

Tip 1: Eat foods rich in fiber

A high-fiber diet – mainly from plant-based foods – stimulates digestion, ensures a positive intestinal flora, can prevent constipation and is generally good for your body. So put whole grain products, fruit, vegetables and salads, legumes and muesli on your menu. It is important not to overtax the body directly. Therefore, increase the daily dose step by step and try different dishes.

Tip 2: Remember to drink enough

Drinking enough is important. Water and tea are available. Experts recommend at least 2 liters or eight to ten glasses/cups a day. You should make sure that you drink enough not only with meals, but throughout the day. This keeps the stool supple and facilitates transport in the intestine. If you do not drink at the same time as you eat, the feeling of fullness is also reduced. If you have acute digestive problems, we recommend a glass of water, buttermilk or plum juice in the morning on an empty stomach – this stimulates digestion.

Tip 3: Flea seeds, wheat bran and linseed – three little helpers

These three foods are counted among the bulking and bulking agents. They swell up in the intestines, which has a few positive effects: The stool becomes soft and increases in volume, which stimulates intestinal activity and ensures that it is transported more quickly – a natural, light and therefore harmless laxative. It is important to drink enough so that the substances can also swell. These little helpers are best integrated into everyday life at breakfast: Simply snip fresh fruit into a bowl of natural yoghurt and sprinkle with psyllium, wheat bran or linseed.

Tip 4: Split your meals

Several small meals are much easier for the body to process than a few large ones. So try to deviate from the classic “breakfast – lunch – dinner” and switch your rhythm to eating five times a day, for example. Also, take your time with meals, because as the old saying goes: hustle and bustle hurts your stomach! Well chewed food is much easier to digest.

Tip 5: You should avoid these foods

There are a few foods that can contribute to digestive problems. As already mentioned, whole grain products are great, while you should rather avoid products made from white flour. Chocolate, cocoa, bananas, toast and rusks can cause constipation. These foods draw water out of the stool, making it hard. Oatmeal, rice and potatoes, but also boiled carrots can also slow down the digestive processes.

Tip 6: Sport and yoga ensure relaxation

Exercise stimulates intestinal activity. If your stomach is not too round, you can be active, for example, by walking, cycling or swimming. However, do not overexert yourself and avoid all sports where there is an increased risk of falling or colliding with a ball, device or opponent.

Yoga is also very good – especially in the later months. You can also relax a bit with these exercises. Because stress also has a rapid effect on the intestines.

Here is an example exercise that not only stretches your back, but also promotes your digestion:

• Take a yoga mat or find a comfortable but not too soft surface.
• Sit cross-legged and straighten up so that your spine is straight. If you are already in an advanced month, do not sit cross-legged and stretch your legs while sitting.
• Now turn your upper body to the right. Grab your right knee with your left hand – this way you can regulate the pressure. Important: The back should remain straight, the spine is not bent.
• Repeat the exercise on the other side.

Tip 7: Home remedies help with acute intestinal problems

There are remedies and substances that have been used for generations to treat digestive problems. Sauerkraut and sauerkraut juice are examples: Raw sauerkraut (preferably fresh from the market or from an organic shop) and sauerkraut juice (from the health food store) help with light constipation, especially on an empty stomach.

The already mentioned dried fruits and fruit juices as well as linseed can not only prevent, but also help with acute problems. However, the time it takes for the effect to take effect is usually somewhat longer.

In general, many natural laxatives should be used with caution. Castor oil, for example, is not an option because it irritates the intestines. In general, you should talk to your doctor if you want to use something like this.

Tip 8: A laxative as an effective aid

The doctor you trust is also the right contact person if all other options do not bring relief or the symptoms are acute – because then a gentle laxative from the pharmacy can help you. Consultation with the expert is particularly important here.

A popular aid from the pharmacy is, for example, a mini enema – i.e. a small enema. Mini enemas have the advantage that they can act locally on the hardened stool in the rectum. There they release the water still in the faeces and thereby soften it. The ingredients of the enema do not get into your system and therefore not into that of your baby.

Here you will find many more helpful tips on how to get digestive problems in you and your baby under control.