Mumsnet Talk

Sorry if TMI but i'm on pain with constipation.

Can anyone recommend a laxative I can safely take while pregnant?

Thank you!

Lactulose

My friend gave me a huge bottle her doctor prescribed for her x

I am also in a similar situation at only 9 weeks pregnant - I have increased the amount of liquids I'm drinking and have been having a large glass of prune juice a day which does seem to be helping but still feel v congested... so will watch this thread with interest... oh pregnancy... so glam!

Take some Fybogel to "bulk up" your stools and lactulose to soften them to make them easier to pass. My GP said I can pretty much take as much lactulose as needed as all it does is draw water into the stools so defo safe for baby (I take a tablespoon every night, probably should take some in the morning too...).

Lovely, thank you ladies!

I have had a fruit salad and two glasses of orange juice, amd walked to supermarket to get lactulose.

I will take some every day, good to know I can,thanks anderel

goodness it's glamour all the way, isn't it? My hisband had to tie my shoelaces this morning!!!

Was just about to do a post asking for the best constipation tips. Does lactulose work right away?

Hi. Another vote for lactulose here - you can buy it from the chemist. I never take quite as much as they recommend (2 tsps instead of 3) but it usually works within a few hours. Then I take a teaspoon after each meal for the next day to stop it happening again (well, for a little while anyway!)

I was getting a bit constipated from time to time then somebody suggested linseed (buy them in the baking aisle). I have a teaspoonful on top of my cereal and I'm back to pre-pregnancy regularity!

Another vote for linseed. Works a treat.

I second everything people have already said especially about linseed and prune juice. Lactulose doesn't work for me but then I was a chronic constipation sufferer before getting pregnant and very few over the counter remedies work. Fybogel the same. I take movicol which isn't actually 'cleared' for pregnancy but I get in such a state with my bowel (basically the nerve endings don't work properly) that my doc has okayed it for me. If things get v bad for you I guess you could ask about this?

Other tips: try to exercise every day, walking is the best thing if you can but swimming would be good too I think.

Olive oil and other fats are vital, make sure you have enough good fat in your diet.

A single shot of espresso can help too, ideally first thing. But careful re caffeine for baby!!

I sympathise so much... Good luck! Xx

I ended up going to the Dr, and he gave me Movical. It works wonders!!

Syrup of figs worked for mr

Lactulose is definitely safe but essentially only works by softening the poo so can take a bit of time to get things moving. If you're really bunged up, ask a pharmacist for advice about using a suppository. Most things work top down but if its really bad, you may need a ahem bottom up approach!

Once you're on top of the constipation, I recommend having a daily probiotic to keep your gut happy and moving along. Other things like plenty of fibre, prunes (not for me personally!), orange juice will help too.

My GP told me that Lactulose will only will only be effective if you are really well hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water through the day

Acupuncture! I have it for various pregnancy ailments but it definitely works for constipation.

I was told by a medical specialist to try this:

Soak 2 tsp flaxseeds in one glass of water for 12 hours or overnight
Drink them both in the morning

This really helped me!

I've been really suffering with this, and was in a lot of pain last weekend. Was eating loads of fruit, dried apricots, all bran, and drinking LOADS of water, all with no effect.

My friend recommended soft fruits, so over the course of the weekend ate four pears and six plums. I also took lactulose, which my midwife told me was fine. Voila, am sorted.

Good luck, it's horrible isn't it.

Thanks everyone.

It's good to know I'm not alone!