You are more susceptible to constipation during pregnancy. Your digestion slows down to make sure you absorb as many nutrients from food as possible, so that you have enough to nourish yourself and your baby. This slow digestive system could cause constipation. As your uterus grows, the increased pressure on your digestive system could also cause constipation.

Symptoms of constipation

If you are having difficulty when passing stools, you may be suffering from constipation. Common symptoms include:

• dry and lumpy stools
• abnormally large/small stools
• stomach ache
• stomach cramps
• bloating
• nausea
• loss of appetite

Foods that can relieve constipation during pregnancy

Something as simple as changing what you eat could actually make you feel a whole lot better. The following foods could relieve your constipation, and help get things ticking over once again:

1. Berries– grab yourself a bowl of mixed berries. Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are all high in fibre, and could help to relieve your constipation.

2. Prunes – your grandma probably swears by this treatment, and that’s because it works. You can eat the prunes, or buy a carton of prune juice to enjoy. Prunes are high in fibre, and contain a natural laxative.

3. Beans – beans are one of the best sources of dietary fibre. Add beans to stews, soups, curries and salads to increase your intake of fibre. You could also sit down to a plate of baked beans on toast – but make sure the toast is on wholemeal bread, because white bread could actually make your constipation worse.

4. Dried fruits – dried fruits are full of fibre, and a great way to relieve constipation. Raisins, apricots, pineapple, prunes, dates and figs are all full of dietary fibre. Snack on dried fruits throughout the day.

5. Cereal – choose a high-fibre cereal to help relieve constipation. The cereal will usually say whether it’s high fibre, or you can check the nutrition table on the box. Sprinkle some flaxseed on top for extra oomph.

When to call your healthcare provider

If you are suffering from persistent constipation, contact your healthcare provider for advice. Your doctor may prescribe a laxative, and only certain laxatives are safe to use during pregnancy.

Do you have any tips to relieve constipation?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Varicose veins are swollen veins. They are usually a dark blue or purple in colour, and may appear lumpy. They are most commonly found in the legs, although can appear elsewhere on the body.

What causes varicose veins?
Veins have small valves inside, that prevent blood from flowing backwards, and ensure that the blood flows towards the heart. If these valves stop working properly, blood can flow backwards and pools in the vein causing enlargement of the vein.

Varicose veins during pregnancy
Pregnancy increases your risk of suffering from varicose veins, as the pregnancy puts extra pressure on your body. During pregnancy, hormones cause the walls of your blood vessels to relax. Your body is working harder than ever to pump an increased volume of blood around your body. And your expanding uterus is putting pressure on the veins in your pelvis.

If you have varicose veins on or around your vulva, you should inform your healthcare provider. You should still be able to have a vaginal birth, but they may wish to keep a close eye on the veins in question during labour.

Symptoms of varicose veins
As well as the general appearance of varicose veins, you may also experience:

• muscle cramps in your legs
• swollen legs and feet
• a throbbing or burning sensation in your legs
• dry, itchy skin over the affected area

Treatment and prevention of varicose veins
To prevent and treat varicose veins, try the following tips:

• always sleep on your left – during pregnancy, you should avoid sleeping on your back because your enlarged uterus can prevent proper blood flow in this position. It is recommended that pregnant women sleep and lie on their left-hand side, because this allows for optimum blood flow.
• change position often – do not sit or stand for long periods, try to move around regularly. If seated, you should try to take a short walk every half hour to prevent blood from pooling in your legs.
• elevate your feet when seated.
• avoid crossing your legs when sitting.
• take regular exercise – regular exercise can help circulation and prevent blood from pooling. Swimming, yoga and walking are all great exercises during pregnancy.
• avoid eating for two – being overweight can increase your risk of suffering from varicose veins, so try to eat healthily during pregnancy. Eat a balanced diet filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, and try to avoid consuming empty calories such as soda and junk food.
• avoid constipation – hemorrhoids are a common form of varicose veins experienced during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water, eat a healthy balanced diet and make sure you are eating enough fibre to reduce your chance of suffering from constipation. Constipation can easily lead to hemorrhoids.
• wear support tights or compression stockings – maternity support tights are widely available and can help to prevent blood pooling in your veins. Your doctor may recommend compression stockings if the maternity support tights are not providing any relief.

Most women find that the varicose veins disappear by themselves after the birth. As the uterus shrinks back down, and blood volume returns to normal, the veins are under less pressure and are better able to function. If you still have varicose veins six months after the birth, you may wish to speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Are you suffering with varicose veins?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Constipation causes difficulty when passing stools. You may notice you are passing stools less often, or simply being less effective when you do. If you are suffering from constipation, you may notice that your stools are:

• dry and lumpy
• abnormally large
• abnormally small

You may also notice the following symptoms:

• bloating
• stomach ache and/or cramps
• nausea
• loss of appetite

What causes constipation during pregnancy?

During early pregnancy, hormonal changes make you more susceptible to constipation. As your body begins to nourish a developing baby, your digestive system slows down to allow your body to absorb as many nutrients as possible from the food you eat. This slow and sluggish digestive system can lead to constipation. As the pregnancy progresses, your growing uterus will put pressure on your digestive system, which could cause constipation.

How to avoid constipation during pregnancy

Try the following tips to reduce your chances of suffering from constipation:

• Increase your fibre intake – make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds dried fruits, and whole-grain cereals and breads.
• Reduce your intake of refined foods – far from helping you avoid it, some foods can actually increase your likelihood of suffering from constipation. Refined foods such as white bread and white rice can add to your problems, as can a high intake of red meat or dairy products.
• Stay hydrated – during pregnancy you need to drink at least two extra glasses of water a day. Dehydration can cause constipation, so it’s important to make sure you are drinking enough water.
• Eat little and often – gorging on big meals can lead to a back up in your digestive system. Instead, try to eat six smaller meals each day, this may help to relieve constipation.
• Keep exercising – light exercise can help to get things moving, so try to exercise at least a few times each week. Swimming, yoga and walking are all great exercises during pregnancy, and can help you to stay fit and healthy as you prepare for the birth.
• Supplement carefully – some iron supplements may cause constipation. If you are taking iron supplements, speak to your doctor about trying another brand.

When to call your healthcare provider

If you have tried all of the above, and still can’t go, it might be time to give your healthcare provider a call. Your healthcare provider will be able to advise you on safe treatments for constipation during pregnancy. Your doctor may advise laxatives, although only certain types are suitable for pregnant women so you must seek medical advice before taking these.

Do you have any tips to help readers suffering from constipation?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron, and this leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. There are other forms of anaemia, but iron deficiency anaemia is the most common.

Anaemia during pregnancy
Iron is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your developing baby. Pregnant women need to consume 14.8mg of iron a day, to make sure the baby is getting enough nutrients. Anaemia is a common condition during pregnancy.

You are more likely to develop anaemia during pregnancy if you:

• suffered from severe morning sickness
• are pregnant with multiples
• have recently had a baby
• have previously suffered from anaemia during pregnancy

Symptoms of anaemia
The most common symptoms of anaemia include:

• tiredness
• lethargy
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• headaches
• a pale complexion
• heart palpitations

Treatment for anaemia
Anaemia is most common during the second half of the pregnancy, when the iron stores in the body are running low. Your iron levels will be checked during one of your routine blood tests. If the tests reveal that you are suffering from anaemia or low iron levels, you will be offered an iron supplement to take.

During pregnancy, you have an increased risk of suffering from constipation, so you won’t be pleased to hear that this is a common side effect of iron supplements. Try drinking prune juice, eating a high-fibre breakfast cereal, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day, to reduce your chance of suffering from constipation.

Most women find the anaemia disappears after taking the iron supplements, however a small percentage of women may still suffer from low iron levels. These women are offered iron injections to treat the anaemia.

How to avoid anaemia during pregnancy
The key to avoiding anaemia, is to make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in iron. You should make sure you eat a variety of the following iron-rich foods:

• green leafy vegetables – spinach, watercress and kale are all high in dietary iron
• nuts and seeds – a handful of mixed nuts and seeds each day will increase your iron intake
• dried fruit – snacking on dried fruit throughout the day can increase your iron intake
• pulses – baked beans, and other beans, are high in iron
• lean meats – choosing lean meat can increase your iron levels
• fortified foods – soya milk and breakfast cereals are often fortified with iron and other minerals
• molasses – use this during baking to add iron to your diet

Try drinking a glass of orange juice alongside iron-rich foods. Orange juice makes it easier for your body to absorb iron from food. You should try to avoid consuming dairy products and caffeine with meals, as these foods can actually inhibit iron absorption.

How are you making sure you eat enough iron-rich foods during pregnancy?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.