severe constipation in early pregnancy

[Craftycakey15]

I am 6 weeks pregnant after IVF and have been taking Cyclogest suppositories for over a month. I have to take them for another six weeks but think they are responsible for my severe constipation. I have gained half a stone in bloat and don't go unless I take a laxative. Syrup of figs did nothing and Fybogel very little. I tried lactulose but it gives me terrible gas. I saw the locum gp who gave me movicol but didn't know much about it. It didn't do much so I bought milk of magnesium today and took 2 tbsp and still not done much. Does any one know what is safe and effective long term? I need to de bloat:(

[Womaloosh]

I've taken aloe vera before for constipation. Worked a treat! Not sure of use during pregnancy, but definitely worth checking.

[Craftycakey15]

Thank you. It is not recommended for pregnant women but will remember for after!

[GinAndPhonics]

Congratulations!

I'd check with your doc first but the only thing that worked for me was glycerine suppositories. And all of the water. Seriously, so much water.
I did not know this the first time around and got thrombosed piles 

Wised up and managed to avoid these with dc2 and 3, thankfully!

[lilygirl81]

How much movicol did you take? I found I needed at least 3 sachets to get things moving, then around a half a one to keep things regular. Also, if you feel like there is a blockage, glycerine suppositories are the best thing, really gets it out.

[AnaGon]

not sure if this will work for you, but these were suggestions from my doctor on adding extra fiber in my diet: dried apricots, flaxseed (from healthshops) - i add flaxseed to yogurt, cereals, going to try if i can drink it with milk. i stay away from bananas. lots of water too! but i drink as much as 3L a day and i can still get constipated.

[nina99ballons]

Glycerine suppositories worked well for me too I pregnancy. I really agree with maxing out the water and adding dried apricots, sunflower seeds etc to keep things moving and going whenever you get the urge.

I had terrible constipation first time round but I'm managing much better with this pregnancy by doing the above. Congrats btw!

[Figgygal]

I've used dulcolax in the past it's the only thing I've found that works as it stimulates colon as well as softens. I was on meds for this for years senokot And fybogel don't work anywhere near as good as this

[cheapredwine]

Movicol will work but it can take a couple of days. You can safely take at least 2 sachets a day in pregnancy AFAIK (and up to 8 if you're not). Cliche but only things which help me now other than Movicol are All Bran with hot water, piles of dried fruit and lots of fluids.

[Ladymillion]

Hiya, I'm 26 weeks pregnant and I've been on Cyclogest since 14 weeks, it's caused me terrible constipation too. I have tried a few things but the most effective solution for me is pints of water. I literally drink 3-4 pints in the shortest amount of time possible and half an hour later things get moving! I would advise to drink as much as you comfortably can.

[Craftycakey15]

Thank you all for the tips. Are the glycerine suppositories the ones aimed at children (I heard about) or are there some for adults?

[BunchOfBobs]

Whatever you do stay away from lactulose. I took the recommended dose last night and had a sleepless night due to the most horrendous stomach cramps I've ever had. Apparently quite a common side effect but at 17 weeks pregnant it was horrid!
I'm now going to resort to drinking lots more water and hitting the fruit hard!

[Dixiechick17]

I had terrible constipation during pregnancy, I had cyclogest pessaries from 24 weeks until 36 weeks, I was constipated from eight weeks pg, so that was before starting cyclogest, pregnancy hormones just do that to some people, so.be prepared for it continuing once you have stopped the pessaries. I used to make myself prune puree and drink a glass of that every night before bed, that and drinking plenty of water throughout the day really helped me go at least every other day. I just did half a tin of prunes in a cup or water, simmered for fifteen mins on the hob, removed stones then blended, used to make a few days worth.

[Cuppaand2biscuits]

The only thing that worked for me was a very brisk walk.

[tealoveryum]

Prune juice, apricots and lentils can help. If you like curry then a tagine will contain the latter too. Plus bananas as well but only the browny coloured ones, not the greeny ones.

My mum swore by hot water and lemon as soon as she got up, though it didn't ever work for me it was a relief for her.

[Craftycakey15]

nina99ballons and ginandphonics what type of suppositories were they? For adults or children? I bought some glycerine children's ones today and took one but nothing happened. I went to the loo right after and think it fell out. What is the dose?

I have taken three Movicol at once an hour ago and nothing happening yet. It has got to the point that I feel cramps and so bloated. I will try prune purée tonight. I dread going back to the doctor as I only get to see a locum registrar who didn't seem to care or know much about the Movicol she gave me.

[lilygirl81]

Crafty you need to wait at least 15-30 minutes before you go to the loo, they need a chance to work. I found if I could wait an hour it was best.

[Craftycakey15]

Thanks, I didn't mean to go straight after! I took three Movicol all at once this afternoon and made prune purée and had done. Still nothing but the tiniest stool. I am wondering if it's appropriate to go to an urgent care centre as I feel I have impacting. Can't stand to go back and see that same locum!

[cheapredwine]

Movicol doesn't work quickly like senna or something (don't take senna!) It might well take 24 hours or longer.

[Healthyme15]

Drink more water Mommy! Go for natural ways as much as possible so that you and your baby are safe. Fruits and vegetables make greatly help you in carrying your baby. Or a supplement that is fit for constipation. My wife used this Digestic by Mimonis when she was pregnant for our baby as she was also a victim of constipation. We are very reliable on this supplement as our baby is very healthy when delivered.

[Arborea]

Craftycakey I wouldn't feel bad for going to the walk in centre. You're not unusual in needing help with the constipation and you'll feel so much better for getting sorted.

I had awful constipation last time, so have been really chugging back the water, and eating loads of fibre this time. However I have gone to the other extreme and having almost explosive poos. Seeing the doc today for something else so going to mention it: I was diagnosed with IBS before but it's generally manageable.

Hope you get some relief!

[nina99ballons]

I would try the suppositories again and lie down for as long as you can once they've been inserted. I was pooing pebbles last time, it was awful but they really got things moving g but it took a couple of goes.

[Craftycakey15]

What is the dosage fir the suppositories? One a day? Is it the adult ones I take?

[nina99ballons]

Yes it's the adult ones, can't remember the dose but the pharmacist can tell you.