Hi everyone,
I hope you find this helpful but, during this pregnancy the constipation has kicked in severely - so for anyone that is starting to suffer too I thought I would create (what I hope is a funny but helpful/useful) constipation advice thread! 
(I'm not joking when I say that when it started it felt like I was having to pass a grapefruit every 4-5 days, and after a month it was more like having to pass a watermelon! - and even worse was on more than one occasion it happened on the work loos! So embarrassing when people keep using the cubicle next to yours and you can't go!)
Okay - So we all know of things that help you to avoid getting it again in the future (prunes, fybogel etc.) - but what can you do when you actually need the toilet.... but can't?
Some things that might help:
- Try raising your feet up when you are on the toilet (using a box or something similar). Its supposed to straighten your bowel and make it easier to go
- Never try to go to the loo when you are short of time - make sure you have at least 20 minutes (sitting there knowing that you needed to leave for work 10 minutes ago & you're still in your PJs doesn't help things to happen!)
- Try just sitting and waiting for things to happen - no pushing or straining (you think the pushing/straining is helping, but it can actually make you tighten the muscles in the opening of your bottom as you push, when you need them to relax, and so despite all the effort you can't go)
- Try a little bit of Vaseline around the "opening"
- Try lifting your bottom a couple of inches off the seat, so youre not actually sitting on it (supposed to work in the same way as the first one).
Hope this helps - feel free to add anything else that helps you or let us know if you are struggling too!
Beccy xxx