How To Survive Your First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Pregnancy constipation is real and it can be miserable. Progesterone is a hormone in pregnancy that slows down your smooth muscles, including the ones in your bowel, and that makes food move slower through your intestines. Taking iron supplements is sometimes needed in pregnancy with the extra blood volume that occurs, but they’re also incredibly constipating. Drinking plenty of water, moving your body, and getting foods rich in fiber like fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat bread, can help keep you regular, but you may need to talk to your doctor about trying an over the counter stool softener or Metamucil.