Am I Getting Enough Fibre During Pregnancy?

If you’ve been struggling to poop, you are not alone. Constipation is a common complaint among pregnant women. Really, you can’t help it because your growing baby is putting a little pressure on your gut! (American Pregnancy)

In fact, during pregnancy, your body experiences increased progesterone levels. This causes sluggish bowel muscles, so waste stays in your large intestine for longer. As a result, your body reabsorbs water from the stools, making them firmer and harder to pass².

Easing the Huffing and Puffing

Introducing fibre – the part of the plant that the body can’t digest. As fibre moves through the body, it helps other waste pass through more efficiently. Constipation can also be a result of not drinking enough water² to meet increased fluid needs³.

By reaching your daily fibre goal, you can keep your digestive system running smoothly¹. You can also minimise the discomfort by eating more fibre, drinking plenty of fluids and staying active.

Types of Fibre

There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water and does not break down in the body. Instead, it passes through your system, absorbs water along the way and helps other foods move through.

Like insoluble fibre, soluble fibre also absorbs water. Soluble fibre makes stools softer and easier to pass.

How Much Fibre Do I Need?

Research suggests that most people aren’t getting the recommended 18 g of fibre per day⁴. During pregnancy, you will need up to 28 g a day⁸.

Key sources of fibre¹ include:

•    Bran and wholemeal wheat flour — used in breakfast cereals and bread

•    Oats

•    Brown rice

•    Root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes

•    Dried fruit including apricots and figs

If you think you aren’t getting enough fibre, here are some simple fixes to increase your intake. For instance, choose wholegrain versions of foods such as bread, pasta, cereals and rice, or add extra vegetables, nuts or seeds to your meals. Leaving the skins on your fruit and vegetables where possible is also a good idea.