Um... "Tummy Troubles" - Bowel Movements

Okay, okay. We don't like to talk about our bowels. How embarrassing! But worrying about our bowels is quite common in pregnancy.

Constipation, diarrhea, straining, gas... Boy, do we ever make pregnancy sound sexy.

Constipation

Constipation is one of the worst symptoms of pregnancy. Not because it's bad, or that it's a health issue, but because it's hard to talk about. No one wants to share the personal details of their trips to the... Um, John.

A lot of things contribute to constipation - lack of water intake, hormones, diet, etc.

It is important to drink lots of water. Now that your blood volume is increasing, your uterus is filling with amniotic fluid, and hormones are surging through you, there is an increased need for water.

Eat lots of food that is high in fibre. Green veggies, oatmeal, bran muffins, and maybe the occasional glass of metamucil!

Exercise helps. Go for short walks to help the movements along.

Straining Through Movements

Don't Strain. No, you won't harm your baby at all by straining your muscles. As your pregnancy progresses, your ab muscles become loose. Straining can harm the muscles easily when they are loose. Also, straining during a bowel movement can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.

If you haven't had a bowel movement in two days, contact your doctor to see about laxatives or some alternatives to help.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a less common symptom. Less common doesn't mean that it isn't normal - a lot of women get it, actually!

Again, hormones are to blame. They throw off your body's natural balance. If you are later in your pregnancy, it could be a sign of oncoming labor.

Drink lots of water and avoid sugary drinks. You want to replace any water that you might be losing through your bouts of diarrhea.

If diarrhea lasts longer than two days, it is best to contact your doctor.

Gas

Oh boy! Gas. One of the joys of pregnancies... Nothing is more romantic than when you accidentally let one slip :D

Fear not. You are not the only human or woman in the world that has gas. Don't hold it in. If you really want to hid it from those around you, go to a different room "looking for something" and relieve the pent up gas.

Gas is just one of the things you will have to deal with - there isn't much you can do about it. If you are competitive in nature, now is a good time for a fart war. Just kidding, but it's a good time to try and relax about the subject. It's best to poke fun of what you cannot change or control. Others will follow.