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Pregnancy

Constipation help.. Beware TMI

14 replies

Lynzi85 · 04/04/2013 12:26

Firstly I'm sorry but this is going to have TMI. I'm now 10 days overdue and not being induced until Sunday and for the last two weeks I've suffered really bad constipation.
I know you have it throughout your entire pregnancy but this stage is horrendous, the back ache I'm getting from not being able to go is so bad and embarrassing I'm having to lie to people and say it must be slow labour because sometimes I can't even stand up straight , I'm getting overwhelming urges to use the bathroom and make a run for it then sit in agony for sometimes 30 mins with no joy.
Can anyone help with advice or natural remedies are you allowed to take any type of laxatives ?
I'm just afraid when they do induce me I'll not know the difference in the cramps I'm getting ... Silly I know but I'd be great full of any advice.
Thanks

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RunningOutOfIdeas · 04/04/2013 12:31

Natural remedies - prune juice, dried ready to eat apricots or figs. Drink plenty of water.

Also you can take lactulose or fibogel - ask a pharmacist for them. Neither is absorbed from your guts so cannot affect your baby. If you are feeling as bad as you have written, then taking both could be useful.

Hope you get both the worlds biggest poo and a beautiful baby soon.

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MammaCici · 04/04/2013 12:33

I've been taking a fibre supplement (ispaghula husk) that's been great but it may be too slow acting for you. I wonder if an enema from the pharmacy would be best for you at this stage. You could use it at home. Or milk of magnesia. But whatever you try make sure you are well hydrated, lots of water helps.
If I was you I would call my midwife/doctor straight away and get advice. They are bound to be familiar with this and know the best answer. Best if luck!

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KayleeKay · 04/04/2013 12:36

Hot water always helps me. Good luck!

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Sunnysummer · 04/04/2013 12:43

Definitely a second vote for milk of magnesia! After I had to start taking iron supplements in the second trimester this was the only thing that worked, other than running (which also stopped being an option not long afterwards! ) The prune/fruit/senokot-based stuff gave me horrible gripes but no relief, and finally my lovely GP recommended this. You can start with a smaller dose than recommended if you're nervous, I find that a third of the official guidelines works for me. Good luck

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elliepac · 04/04/2013 12:46

When I suffered during pregnancy I found a combination of prune juice and liquorice helped.

It sucks. Hope you have a lovely baby soon to make up for it.

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Lynzi85 · 04/04/2013 12:51

Thanks very much ladies! I'll be giving them all ago just getting DH to get his shoes on now to make a trip to the chemist and supermarket! Can I just ask is the milk of magnesia fast acting?!
What women have to go through in pregnancy honestly! Lol x

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Foxeym · 04/04/2013 12:55

I had terrible constipation and had a massive bowl of All-bran last night and lets just say by this morning it had definitely worked!!!!

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jojie79 · 04/04/2013 14:09

Milled flaxseed! A spoonful or two a day on cereal, porridge or yogurt. I use linwoods brand that you can get in waitrose, sainsbury's and holland and barrett. I've had constipation and IBS issues for years and its the only thing that helps.

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JBrd · 04/04/2013 14:42

I second the flaxseed/linseed, I'm suffering, too, and they are great. Although it might not be fast enough for you.

I've heard that eating kiwis with their skin is meant to do wonders - have not tried it myself, not that desperate just yet...

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Lynzi85 · 04/04/2013 17:03

Thanks for all the advice ladies sent DH out and he came back with lactulose ,milk of magnesia, an assortment of fruit juices and trail mix things and yogurts so I've started taking them and hoping I'm sorted before my induction! Xx

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MammaCici · 04/04/2013 18:03

Don't forget to drink plenty of water. Magnesium has the effect of adding water to your stools so you need to input that water. Don't let yourself get dehydrated. Hope it works quickly for you. It may even get labour going before your induction. Best of luck with everything!

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sleepyhead · 04/04/2013 18:25

I'm getting induced on Tuesday and have been on iron tabs for the last fortnight. Things are starting to get really bunged up after a week of the opposite so I'll be trying a couple of things on this thread.

It does kind of bring back memories of labour with ds though, which felt for all the world like trying to do the world's biggest poo, so maybe it's good practice

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Littlemissexpecting · 04/04/2013 19:50

What is milk of magnesia? Is it a tablet or liquid like gaviscon?

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Lynzi85 · 04/04/2013 20:33

Chemist told me to try lactulose first then milk of magnesia .. Simply because im so close to being induced.. Def starting to see results now I'll move on to milk of magnesia tomorrow if I still need to.
I got it in a liquid littlemissexpecting not sure if you can get it in tablet form.
I'm hoping all this has been good practice for labour!
Thank you all ladies! Xx