• Pregnancy hormones relax and slow smooth muscle
• The weight of the uterus presses onto the bowel
• You are less active towards the end of the pregnancy
• You may be on iron therapy and one of the side effects of which is constipation

There are several things you can try to help minimize constipation:

1. Make sure you drink lots of fluids - minimum 2 litres daily to prevent dehydration as this will make constipation worse.
2. Incorporate a high fibre diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
3. If the constipation becomes problematic then you can ask your GP or Midwife to give you a mild laxative to help soften your motions.