It is well-known that a high-fibre diet is important for most people in order to promote regular bowel movements. When food remains in the colon for any extended length of time, it begins to putrefy which results in toxic waste that is taken up into the bloodstream. This can lead to illness and disease. Chronic constipation is a serious issue, but if you are pregnant, then this toxic waste is especially dangerous, as your unborn child is getting nourishment from your bloodstream.
Research has shown that during pregnancy, it is important for a woman to have healthy gut bacteria which produces anti-inflammatory substances which help to prevent asthma-related genes in the baby. It is also recommended that if you are at all irregular or constipated during pregnancy, you must increase your fibre intake to get things working smoothly again. This will not only benefit your unborn baby’s health, but your health as well. During pregnancy, expectant moms often develop high blood pressure, which poses a risk for both mother and child as the pregnancy progresses.
A high-fibre diet has the added benefit of lowering what is a potentially dangerous blood pressure spike.
Many pregnant women are often beset by heartburn, indigestion and constipation, ailments which have never been problems in the past. You may be one of those who are troubled by these unpleasant side effects of being pregnant! Fortunately there are reasonably simple answers – and some simple ways to help you cope.
One of the reasons is that as your belly grows, and depending on how your baby is lying, there is upward pressure on your tummy which often prevents all the food from being digested. Some of the food then passes undigested into the colon, resulting into heartburn, flatulence and acid indigestion. This normally happens during the latter stages of pregnancy and the only solution is to wait it out until after baby is born and things return to normal.
Of course the main reason for the constipation and other digestive issues is the lack of fibre in the diet. All too often folk are on a diet which is high in refined foods such as sugary items, rolls, breads, cakes, biscuits etc. These foods are mostly without any nutritional value and certainly not conducive to regular bowel movements. Eliminate as many of the refined foods as you can from your diet, not only while pregnant, but permanently as well, for really optimal future good health. Cut out the trash and up your fibre intake for excellent results!
Fibre is not actually a nutrient but is an important part of a healthy diet. It acts as a cleaner which helps carry waste from the colon to the bowel to enable a smooth elimination process to take place. Sufficient fibre in the diet is a great way to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a hassle-free birth of your baby.
Here are some easy-to-obtain sources of fibre:
Include these as well as others you may find in your diet, and you will improve your chances of achieving your dream of a health pregnancy and child birth.
I am a Sydney based Naturopath and I am passionate about Women's Health, Natural Fertility Treatments and Infertility Management. I am also a Neurofeedback Practitioner using NeurOptimal® brain training system. I specialise in optimising Fertility, Women's health, Preconception care, Reproductive Healthcare for men and women, Miscarriage prevention and managing Menopause. I use both conventional and complementary health care methods to diagnose and treat health issues. I provide very effective treatment, using evidence based natural medicine and guide and support my patients to achieve better health. Personally, my own experience using complimentary Medicine has reinforced my belief and passion for helping people to be healthier.
Dorota Wroblewska is an experienced Naturopath and Nutritionist in Sydney. Dorota specialises in women's health, natural fertility, preconception care and reproductive healthcare for men and women. Dorota also offers natural health solutions for all health concerns, including digestive disorders, thyroid problems and adrenal dysfunction. Dorota is also a Neurofeedback trainer, using NeurOptimal® brain training system.
