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Q. I am 5-1/2 months pregnant and recently have had less appetite than I had in my first trimester. Can this be due to constipation (which I do get occasionally if I neglect water drinking and eating fruit regularly)? Someone told me about drinking aloe vera juice (diluted and flavored with citrus) as a remedy for constipation -- does this sound okay? Prune juice works okay except that I cramp up more than I like with it.

Thanks for your help!

Annie

A. A good way to deal with constipation is by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, etc. Orange or apple juice are simple juices that might not cause as much cramping as the prune juice. Lots and lots of plain water is very important on a daily basis. I would approach the aloe vera juice with caution. Different types of plant extracts and herbal teas can be dangerous during pregnancy. Sometimes the constipation of pregnancy can be relieved by regular exercise.... walking and swimming are great ways to stay in shape and safe for mom and baby. Hope you feel better soon!

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.