
How to Relieve Constipation During and After Pregnancy
From Pregnancy Podcast by Vanessa Merten
April 19, 2026 · 42 min · Season 12 · Episode 16
About this episode
This episode discusses safe and evidence-based ways to relieve constipation during and after pregnancy.
About one in three pregnant women experiences constipation, and it becomes even more common after birth. It can be uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and a source of real frustration when you are already dealing with so much else. The good news is that there are many safe, evidence-based ways to find relief. This episode walks through why constipation happens during pregnancy, what research supports for relief, and how to navigate everything from fiber and hydration to probiotics, magnesium, and over-the-counter medications. Learn which foods have the strongest evidence for getting things moving, what doctors recommend as the laxative of choice during pregnancy, and how to manage the particular challenges of constipation after birth. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/constipation/ Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: The VTech V-Hush Stroller Rocker is a portable device that gently rocks your baby's stroller or crib to help them sleep peacefully anywhere. With three adjustable motion levels, you can choose the perfect calming rhythm for your baby. It also includes a built-in amber night light, a rechargeable battery, soothing…
People in this episode
Host: Vanessa Merten
Topics covered
- constipation
- pregnancy
- postpartum
- health
- nutrition
Keywords
- constipation
- pregnancy relief
- fiber
- hydration
- probiotics
- magnesium
- laxatives
Sponsors
VTech, 8 Sheep Organics
Mentioned in this episode
Products: V-Hush Stroller Rocker
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