Ugh! Is this what constipation is like? (tmi)

[clareb2014]

Hi everyone,

Sorry that this is so embarrassing but...

I've been needing the toilet all day at work today (but hate going away from home, so have been avoiding it). I got home about two hours ago, sat on the toilet and...

I can't poo!!!

Even if I try really hard, it's like my bum muscles aren't able to push properly, and I can't quite manage it!

Do you think I've got constipation? I've never had it before. Has anyone else had the same problem?

I really, really need to go!!!

Clare

[theborrower]

Yeah, sounds like it! One of the joys of being pregnant.

You shouldn't resist the urge to go though, as this can make constipation worse.

The usual advice is to drink lots of water, eat more fruit and veg, get some moderate exercise, etc. some people swear by prune juice or dried apricots. I got some lactulose from the doctor and that did the trick :-)

[BikeRunSki]

I had terrible constipation in first trimester, both pg. Lactulose helped.

[BelleOfTheBorstal]

Yes, that is constipation. Drink prune juice. I suffered terribly with it during my first pregnancy, during the second, I drank a glass of prune juice every day and it helped.
Also codeine at the mo, which bungs you up, managed to get things moving with a couple of glasses of andrews salts. I think you can have it while pregnant.

[ethelb]

You need to go when you want to go or you will make it worse!

[BelleOfTheBorstal]

I am on codeine.at the mo, that should read!

[squizita]

Yep.

I have found that regardless of diet, I also need a small glass of prune juice (or an innocent smoothy in Strawberry) before bed and a fybogel in the morning to keep in check.
Don't ever hold it in when you do need to go - it can be sore if you haven't had anything to soften it, but it needs to be done or it can really hurt!

[clareb2014]

Thanks everyone

I just find it really difficult to 'go' in a toilet cubicle when there are other people around, and so that's why I waited until I got home.

But now I am home, I can't go anyway!

[Boogles91]

How have you gone through life wiiut having it lol i wish i could :( i have ibs so its worse!

[HeavenK76]

I had terrible constipation in my early weeks, it was horrific. Ended up having piles, still got them.
I'm better now, more loose stools I would say.
somehow better than being constipated.

[clareb2014]

I never realised that constipation was so uncomfortable.

I've just had to 'try' again and still can't go - I just can't seem to push hard enough!

I thought that leaning all the way forward would help - but that's not working either!

[Cariad007]

If all else fails then tackle it from the other end by using glycerin suppositories.

[ithoughtofitfirst]

I don't remember having it this bad in my first pregnancy.

I think I'll have to try prune juice ... shudder

[Rainbowshine]

You shouldn't push otherwise you will get piles. Just do the dietary things PPs have said or lactose and wait. Also, do go when you feel the urge, it's really damaging to hold it in as the poo will get harder and harder inside (sorry if tmi).

[whereisthewitch]

Don't lean forward. ..lean back and if you can raise your knees on a low stool it helps...that's the natural direction of your bowel.

definitely get some lactulose....if you push too hard there's the added misery of piles!

[theborrower]

i thought that leaning all the way forward would help - but that's not working either!

Try a footstool under your feet, so your knees are higher and you're sort of in a crouching position, this can help. Btw, don't strain too hard, you don't want piles!