The pregnancy care planner

You may become constipated very early in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes going on in your body. To help prevent constipation:

• Include plenty of fibre in your diet with wholemeal 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 pills if they give you constipation. Ask a member of the maternity team if you can manage without them or change to a different type. If not, you may have to accept having constipation.