You may become constipated very early in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes going on in your body. It will help to:

• Make sure you include plenty of fibre in your diet through eating foods like wholemeal breads, wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, and pulses such as beans and lentils.
  
  
• Exercise regularly to keep your muscles toned up.
  
  
• Make sure your drink plenty of water.
  
  
• Avoid iron pills if they cause constipation. Ask your doctor whether you can manage without them or change to a different type. If not, you may have to accept having constipation.