Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent. The condition of having bowel movement fewer than three times a week is known as constipation. Stools are usually dry, hard, small in size, and extremely difficult to eliminate due to constipation. If you are constipated, you may experience painful bowel movements. Also, you will often experience straining, bloating, and the sensation of a full bowel due to constipation. If you are suffering from constipation, you must try the remedies mentioned below to get relief. Just remember that a constipation remedy which is suitable for adults, is not always suitable for infants. Constipation Relief for Infants Infants can't express and communicate their problems or uneasiness. Due to this reason, parents often get anxious and confused when they realize that their little one is unwell. Constipation in babies is a common problem. You can confirm that they are suffering from constipation by checking whether their stool pattern has changed from soft and moist, to hard and dry. For immediate constipation relief, you can give a stool softener syrup to your baby. Natural colon cleanser or softener is one of the best infant constipation remedies to cure the problem and avoid any possible side effects. Chemical based treatment can lead to negative side effects to your baby's health, and therefore, should be avoided. Intake of fresh fruit juices, at least twice a day is recommended. You can give them apple juice and pear juice. For babies over 4 months old, foods having high fiber content make the best treatment. This must include cereals, prunes, peaches, strained apples and bananas. Gently massage your baby's tummy in a clockwise direction. Giving a warm bath to your constipated baby is one of the popular remedy for constipation problem in infants. This will relax your baby's body. Try 'bicycle legs' movement, which is another way of relieving constipation problem in babies. Place your baby on his/her back on the bed, hold the legs in a half-bent position. Now, gently move your baby's legs as if he/she is riding a bicycle. This should definitely give an immediate constipation relief. Constipation Relief during Pregnancy Women's health during pregnancy period is fragile and weak. They commonly suffer from constipation problem during pregnancy. Hormonal changes, changes in dietary pattern, and pressure of the developing baby are the common causes of constipation during this period. An effective home remedy for constipation during pregnancy is increasing intake of water and consuming a high-fiber drink after consulting your doctor. You can also try simple movements and walking exercise which will maintain a healthy digestive system, and cure and prevent many other minor health problems. Increasing daily fiber intake is very essential. Consuming fruits, cereals, green leafy vegetables, and whole grain bread is a good home remedy for constipation. You can opt for an over-the-counter fiber supplement for immediate constipation relief that has failed to respond to water and fiber intake. Consult your doctor to get a prescribed stool softener that will be mild, safe, and effective in getting quick constipation relief during pregnancy. Other Remedies for Constipation As mentioned earlier, intake of water and natural fruit juices is the best way to get immediate relief from constipation. Herbal tea is popular home remedy for constipation. Be active and exercise a lot while you suffer from constipation. Some green leafy vegetables and beans are quite effective in improving the bowel movement. You can opt for broccoli, spinach, green peas, dried peas, kidney beans, lima beans, black-eyed beans, and chickpeas. Massaging your abdomen gently for 10 to 15 minutes is a good idea. This will relax your tense muscles and help stimulate the bowel activity, hence giving relief from the uneasiness. Opt for an over-the-counter laxative that provides immediate relief. The active ingredients in laxatives soften stools and promote bowel activity. There are also a few effective colon cleansers available in the market that offer an effective solution for constipation. Be careful while choosing laxatives, because the chemical based laxatives might lead to side effects. Some people get worried if they do not have bowel movement every day, thinking that they are constipated. Remember, normal stool elimination may be three times a day or even three times a week, the frequency varies from person to person. In most of the cases, constipation occurs due to lack of water and fiber. Hence, keep yourself hydrated by drinking more water and opt for a high fiber diet to get immediate relief. Eating a balanced diet and following a meal timetable is the best way to stay away from the problem of constipation. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is meant for educating the reader, and should not be considered as a substitute for an expert advice.