Just thought i share this info i found while googling for constipation in 2nd trimester..
Constipation
By the fourth month of pregnancy, many women notice their digestive system has slowed down and they are distressed by infrequent, hard stools. An increase in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy contributes to constipation by slowing the waves of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract. Digestion is slowed so that nutrients have more time to be absorbed in order to supply the developing fetus. As the uterus grows larger and presses on the lower bowel, this can also add to constipation. Ab
There are many ways you can cope with pregnancy-induced constipation:
increase the amount of fiber you consume, including fruit (prunes are great), vegetables, and bran;
drink large amounts of water;
use the bathroom as regularly as you can-whenever you have to go, you should. Be aware of the signals your bowel is giving you; and
exercise, which can help move food through your system.
Talk to your doctor about other measures for easing constipation if these methods fail. You may be advised to take a mild laxative such as milk of magnesia, a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil), or a stool softener such as docusate sodium (Colace). Avoid such remedies as enemas, cod liver oil, and harsh laxatives.