Hi momtolupi,
Very surprised to hear what your doctor said. My doctor said absolutely nothing about my IBS being a problem when I got pregnant. It's in my notes and none of the midwifes have said anything either.
I was on Fibogel with mebevrin before I was pg, but you cannot take mebevrin when you're pg, so I started taking the normal non-perscription fobogel. I avoided all the other drugs, except for pain killers, before I was pregnant anyway.
I upped my fibre intake dramatically and tried to eat more natural and organic foods and reduced my starch intake by steering clear of rice, pasta and most refined products (white flour, white bread etc etc) not an easy thing to do I know as most high fibre foods tend to be very starchy. I also think the lack of alcohol has helped a great deal as I drank far too much before and know that this is an IBS trigger for me.
As for flare ups, well all I can say is it's good practice for your breathing! I took paracetomol and surprisingly this did help a bit, although it never has in the past. I'm lucky that none of the flare-ups I've had have not been biggies, but it is weird having them with a baby inside, and yes, I have worried that it might affect the baby, but they're hardy little parasites you know.
My one thought has been that, as stress triggers my IBS, the chances are as soon as I go into labour (without being too graphic), I should get a good clear out so at least they'll be no embarrassing mess in the delivery room. And, as Judetheobscure says, at least we're used to pain!!
Anything else you need to know, just ask. I am due on Friday so nearly there.
Sorry about the long post.
BR