TMI question!!! very embarressed

[katesav87]

Hi Everyone, This is really embarressing but i have found for the past couple of weeks that ive been very constipated. Think its all the food i ate over christmas maybe. Im 20 weeks now and ive just gone to go to the toliet and have to strain (sorry tmi and it gets worse) as im finding it difficult to go and i swear it feels like the baby is bulging out of me down there. Ive checked with my hand and my vagina is really bulging but defo no baby there lol. Has anyone else experienced this? Im really scared to go to the toliet now!! sorry again for all the information im so embarressed i dont want to ask anywere else!

[Rowan1204]

Hi kate ,

please don't be embarrassed as it is such a common thing to suffer with during pregnancy. but I know it can be hugely uncomfortable as I have been there myself many a time, even when not preg :-/

The bulging you can feel is where the bowel is putting pressure on your vaginal wall and you can feel it there - it's a bit of a worrying feeling but all normal.

The doctor gave me some Movicol which tbh i can't stand, but it does work a bit. but do you know what I find helps the most?! Weetabix! it really, really helps me. I get the mini ones and they are really quite tasty and they have really helped to keep things regular!

Also my doctor said just go and sit on the loo even if you dont really have the urge to go to encourage your bowel movements a bit, and a warm bath. but nothing for me works better than weetabix! lol. hope you feel more comfortable soon.

[katesav87]

Thanks Rowan i dont remember this with DD1 and it really scared me i thought that baby was going to just fall out lol. Then thought dont be silly as no bleeding or pain!!
Thanks for reassurening me. Im going to see if the docter will give me something to take for the constipation as its been weeks now! i will try the weetabix aswell as i love weetabix. Just want to be able to go again now im so uncomfortable. The joys of pregnancy hey!

[tinkletinklestar]

Movical, once in the morning once in the evening will get you moving in no time atall once you become regular again continue to take one sachet per day during pregnancy.

I have suffered awfully with constipation this pregnancy (was even hospitalised due to dehydration and everything stopping working) and my saviour is Movical.

It tastes like celery but if you drink it quickly its not so bad. Don't bother with lactose as its pants and takes far to long to work.

Try not to do to much straining and wait till your desperate to go as you can give yourself piles. (Another lesson learnt)

[tinkletinklestar]

P.s just to add.

Don't let your Dr give you a senna tablet. I was given one as I hadn't been for 2 weeks almost and it was horrific the pain and cramps was worse than labour, I ended up in hospital after that smart idea from the Dr.

[HavingALittleFaithBaby]

I agree movicol or lactulose are the kindest ways to get you moving again. I have IBS and combined with pregnancy it's been a nightmare! I've found once the laxatives have worked, taking a daily probiotic (I like Yakult myself) helps to keep me going. Make sure you're drinking plenty too.

[katesav87]

thanks so much do u have to go to the doctors for the movical or lactulose or can i just buy from a chemist?

[tinkletinklestar]

Boots sell big boxes of Movical, about £7 for28 sachets.

You will feel much better once your moving normally again

[thedicewoman]

prune juice is also very effective, I used it after my section and it worked a treat.

[thefarmerhasawife]

The only thing that really worked for me was the prune juice from holland and Barrett. Tastes pretty grim but bearable if its been refrigerated for a while and gulped down in one go!

[mummysmellsofsick]

Tinned prunes!

[katesav87]

Thanks everyone for ur help. I will try the prunes. Anything to get this horrible feeling away.

[izzyishappilybusy]

I took lactulose as a matter of course, and also post birth for a week or so - Ive have 4 and this was learned from experience.

[gertrudestein]

Kiwis are also surprisingly good

[grainmum]

I've heard linseed is good - I bought some at the weekend and have been having a teaspoon sprinkled on my wheetabix. just started yesterday so can't comment on efficacy yet!

[sausagesandwich34]

I would actually second the weetabix -it has exactly the sme effect on me

[doyouwantfrieswiththat]

Make sure you're drinking enough, it's not just fibre that eases constipation.

[FoofFighter]

Just don't try all of these at once will you?!

WOuld agree with poster who says don't sit there for ages as your doc suggested, sure fire way to give yourself piles!

[Maiziemonkey]

Try fibogel- quite gentle, drink more water, ripe banana, snack on prunes and do some light exercise like swimming

[tinkletinklestar]

Yes yes re fluids if your upping your fibre content you must up fluid intake at the same time as without thr fluids fibre can make it no better.

When I was ill I kept saying I drink 3 litres
And was told that I needed more as that's what my body is used to having when not pregnant so when pregnant like everything else the blood sucking baby inside was taking away you need more than your used to

[NanoNinja]

After my c-sectioni I was recommended kiwis followed by hot black tea. Also olive oil and lemon in warm water.
A lot of people find that iron tablets worsen constipation - for me they had the opposite effect.
Constipation is horrible- you have my sympathy

[katesav87]

Lots of things to try fingers crossed! I will up my drinking as well. And won't try it all at once! That wouldn't be pretty I'm sure.

[rrreow]

I'm seconding the recommendation for kiwis. They worked a treat for me. When I had to go on iron tablets I ate 1 kiwi a day which totally kept me regular. Prunes/prune juice also worked, but not as well as kiwis for me.

[redwellybluewelly]

Large full strength coffee always works a treat - but I have also suffered this pregnancy and find its worse if i don;t drink enough

[Knittingnovice]

I was told by both my colorectal consultant & Obs consultant not o take movicol as it can cause the uterus to contract. So I have been coping with copious amounts of lactulose.

[tinkletinklestar]

That is quite strange knitting as I was told that Movical is actually better than lactose as it only goes to the bowel and no where else and it is a water enhancer to moisten stools.

Are you getting muddled with senna? As that causes diorehha thus potentially causing contractions