Health Tip

Pregnancy constipation: using softeners

Pregnancy constipation can be stubborn and seriously uncomfortable. Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Stool softeners moisten the stool and make it easier to pass. The active ingredients in these products aren't absorbed by the body, so they're unlikely to have an adverse effect on a developing baby. Check with your health care provider, however, before taking any medication — including stool softeners and other types of laxatives — to treat pregnancy constipation. Also, remember that pregnancy constipation can often be prevented with lifestyle changes. For example:
 

• Drink plenty of fluids. Water is a good choice. Fruit juice — especially prune juice — also can help.
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Daily walks and other aerobic activities can help prevent pregnancy constipation.
• Include more fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. With your health care provider's OK, consider a fiber supplement.

• If you take iron supplements, mention the constipation to your health care provider. Although iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy, too much iron can contribute to pregnancy constipation.
• If you haven't had a bowel movement in three days, ask your health care provider for a recommendation.
• If your health care provider approves stool softeners or other types of laxatives, be careful to use them as directed.

Headaches during pregnancy

There's much you can do to prevent or relieve headaches during pregnancy without taking medication. Start with simple prevention tips:
 

• Avoid headache triggers. Keep track of your meals, activities and headaches for several days to help pinpoint your headache triggers — then do your best to avoid your triggers.

• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Try a daily walk or other moderate aerobic exercise.
   
• Manage stress. Find healthy ways to cope with the stressors in your life, such as delegating tasks on your to-do list and spending time with people who lift your spirits.

• Practice relaxation techniques. Try calming activities such as deep breathing, yoga and visualization.

• Eat smaller, more-frequent meals throughout the day. Regular meals will keep your blood sugar on an even keel, which can help prevent headaches.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated can keep you feeling your best.

• Follow a regular sleep schedule. Fatigue and lack of sleep can contribute to headaches during pregnancy. Go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day, even on weekends.

• Consider biofeedback. With this mind-body technique, you learn to control certain bodily functions — such as muscle tension, heart rate and blood pressure — to prevent headaches or reduce headache pain. If you'd like to try biofeedback to treat headaches during pregnancy, ask your health care provider for a referral to a biofeedback therapist.

When a headache strikes
 

• Rest - Lie down in a dark, quiet room with your eyes closed.
• Use a compress - Apply a warm compress (such as a hot towel) to your face, eyes and temples — or try a cold compress on the back of your neck.
•  Try massage - Ask someone to massage your shoulders and neck to relieve tension. You might rub your temples, too.
•  If these steps don't help, check with your health care provider about other treatment options for headaches during pregnancy.
•  Herbal headache remedies, such as feverfew and butterbur, aren't generally recommended during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding while pregnant

Generally, it's safe to continue breast-feeding while pregnant — as long as you're careful about eating a healthy diet and diligently drinking plenty of fluids. Breast-feeding can trigger mild uterine contractions. Although these contractions aren't a concern during an uncomplicated pregnancy, your health care provider might discourage breast-feeding while pregnant if you have a history of preterm labor or you're experiencing uterine pain or bleeding.

Your comfort might also be a concern. During pregnancy, nipple tenderness and breast soreness are common. The discomfort might intensify while breast-feeding. Pregnancy-related fatigue might pose challenges as well. If you want to continue breast-feeding while pregnant — or breast-feed both the baby and the older child after delivery — you might need additional support from loved ones or other close contacts. Also check with your health care provider about taking supplemental prenatal vitamins.

Courtesy: Health Prior 21