Constipation during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes that cause the intestines to move less. Iron supplements can also cause constipation. To avoid constipation, eat lots of fibre-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole meal bread and cereal, prunes and prune juice. Drinking 2 to 3 liters of water each day will also help prevent constipation by keeping stools moist. Regular exercise will also help get the intestines moving. About 20 to 30 minutes’ of brisk walking is a good level of exercise to aim for.
How much weight should a woman gain during pregnancy?
It is not necessary to be obsessive about your weight during pregnancy. A pregnant Woman is considered normal to gain 10 to 12kg (22 to 26lb) of weight.
For practical reasons the pregnancy is divided into three periods:
The first period runs from week 0 to 12 where it is normal to gain 1 to 2kg (2 to 4lb).
The second period runs from weeks 12 to 28 in which it is normal to gain 300 to 400g (10 to 14oz) a week. The third period runs from weeks 28 to 40 and it is normal to gain 1 to 3kg (2 to 6lb) a month.
Where do the extra kilos for Pregnant Women come from?
A total weight increase for pregnant women of about 11.2 kg (24lb) is normal.
A baby weighs approximately 3.5kg (7lb 11oz) before birth. The uterus grows to approximately 900g (1lb 14oz). The placenta weighs approximately 650g (1lb 6oz).
The amniotic fluid weighs approximately 800g (1lb 12oz). The woman’s breasts grow by approximately 400g (14oz). The weight of the extra blood is approximately 1.25kg (2lb 12oz). Water retained in the body tissues weighs approximately 2kg (4lb 6oz).The layer of fat beneath the skin weighs approximately 1.7kg (3lb 11oz).