Embarrassing problem!

[Bethy40]

I'm embarrassed to have to ask for some advice on a problem that I have never had before and this is my 4th pregnancy! I am constipated!!! Does anyone have any advice on what I can do. I am 25+ weeks with 3 kids off on summer hols and 3 lively dogs and I feel so bloated and lazy!!

Chopped dried apricots (whole ones tend to get stuck unless you chew v v well).

Lactulose.

Good luck!

First of all, are you drinking enough? 2-3 litres a day, water fruit juice etc. And I always find it "easier" after a cup of coffee (one a day is my limit). Lots of fruit, especially oranges, fibre and if that doesn't work, go to your gp. Am also on my 4th and have a couple of minor episodes - maybe 2 days without going which isn't too bad really.

Bethy40 - I feel your pain.

This is my first pregnancy, but I suffered with constipation from day 1. I'm now at 29 weeks and seem to have it under control with my morning ritual of All-bran for brekkie and a glass of juice, and I snack on dates, raisins and fruit all day. And as already mentioned, keep your fluids up.

I was terrified of getting piles, so I won't risk being without my daily bowl of bran!!

Lots of water, lots of fruit and veg (kiwi seem to be good for some reason).

Another tip someone gave me is to raise your feet when you are sitting on the loo, if you have a toddler step for the loo that is ideal, just put your feet on it so your knees are above your hips, more like a squatting position, makes it much easier to empty your bowels.

Thank you everyone. I shall go and chomp on a few apricots and prunes. I drink loads of water and always have done. I probably am not eating enough fruit though as I seem to crave everything but!! Thanks again.

Prune juice is amazing

I also found it helped to go for a walk everyday really helped, especially towards the end. (I got massive and walking was so hard but it made the difference)

I suffered from day 1 too. I was drinking loads and eating lots of fruit and veg and dried fruit, but nothing seemed to work until I tried lactulose.

You have my sympathy, been there with my second. I would suggest eat some juice filled fibrous fruit. I eat peaches, nectarines, plums (the fat red ones), kiwi, in fact any fruit the supermarkets has which is juicy and fibrous. Eat a portion with lunch and dinner. Tip, let the fruit rippen for a few days after you get them home, much jucier and kiwi when soft can be realy sweet, don't forget to eat the kiwi with the skin on.

Drink lots of liquids, small quantities frequently. Not to much coffee, if you can still drink it, I couldn't with either of mine, I hated the taste and for a self confessed coffee junky this was a shock.

For breakfast try microwavable porridge, with milk (not water) and add some honey and dried apricots. This is a great way to eat porridge. If you?ve never had any or had terrible memories from childhood, I urge you to try this way its pure indulgence but it does you good in so many ways.

Wholemeal! I'm on sultana bran for breakfast, and wholemeal pittas for lunch. Baked potato with beans for dinner works a treat. Most fruits help too. All of these things are full of fibre and will start to help within 24 hours.. or have for me..

Prunes, I take 3 before bed time and it works like magic in the morning.

lactalose (not sure on spelling) only that worked was so bad couldn't actually sit down, this worked within a few hrs and safe during pregnancy

I too feel your pain. Despite stocking up on Prunes and the like I am often in pain from constipation and find that I feel like I want to go but just can't.

Second porridge - I don't have a microwave so I make it on the hob, and I seem to go to the loo straight after! (sorry if TMI)

ALso second the apricots, I chomped tons of them while pg with ds, and even better they're fantastic for keeping your iron levels up!

Sorry to repeat myself but get walking ladies! I think the baby squishes everything so walking can loosen it all up... (sorry TMI)

Thanks again. It's reassuring that so many people understand the pain!!! Have totally overdosed on fresh fruit and prunes, water and orange juice today so fingers crossed!!

Another vote her for Lactulose to clear the immediate problem, followed up with plenty of water and dried apricots (daily) to prevent a recurrence. This goes for post-pregnancy too!

Thanks Igglybuff. I've also been for a long walk with kids and dogs! Here's hoping!!!

You'll be on the throne all night long now you know...