How to avoid constipation, cramp and feeling faint while pregnant

Constipation in pregnancy: You may become constipated very early in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes taking place in your body.

How to avoid constipation during pregnancy

• Eat foods that are high in fiber, like whole meal breads, wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, and pulses such as beans and lentils.

• Exercise regularly to keep your muscles toned.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Avoid iron supplements. Ask your doctor whether you can manage without them or change to a different type.

Cramp legs during pregnancy  

Cramp is a sudden, sharp pain, usually in your calf muscles or feet. It is most common at night, but nobody really knows what causes it.

How to avoid cramp in pregnancy  

Regular, gentle exercise in pregnancy, particularly ankle and leg movements, will improve your circulation and may help to prevent cramp occurring.

How to ease cramp in pregnancy  

It usually helps if you pull your toes hard up towards your ankle or rub the muscle hard.

Feeling faint while pregnant   

You may often feel faint when you are pregnant. This is because of hormonal changes taking place in your body and happens if your brain is not getting enough blood and therefore enough oxygen.

If your oxygen level gets too low, you may actually faint. You are most likely to feel faint if you stand still for too long or get up too quickly from a chair or out of a hot bath.

It can also happen when you are lying on your back.

How to avoid feeling faint    

• Try to get up slowly after sitting or lying down.

• If you feel faint when standing still, find a seat quickly and the feeling should pass. If it doesn’t, lie down on your side.

• If you feel faint while lying on your back, turn on your side. It is advisable not to lie flat on your back at any time in later pregnancy or during labor.