This is common during pregnancy because the muscles of the intestine relax and cannot move the food through as quickly. Also, as the baby grows, your uterus gets bigger which puts pressure on the bowel, making it work less effectively.

Guide to nutrition to avoid constipation:
• Try to drink about 1.5 litres of water a day-about 8 glasses.
• Make sure you have plenty of fibre in your diet. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables (at least 5 portions a day) and wholegrain cereals.
• Exercise like walking or swimming can help.