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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Tearful about this STUPID constipation

59 replies

Dozeyland · 16/02/2012 23:02

Getting really fed up now, I just can't go, and when I do its tiny pathetic bits of nothing

It makes me feel rubbish, and having to strain can't be good for bump? (27wks nearly)

Just fed up along with all the other rubbish I'm dealing with right now :-(

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startail · 16/02/2012 23:14

I was going to say it's shit, but realise that isn't a helpful commentBlush

It's really horrible and you have my heartfelt sympathy.
I get constipation whether or not I'm pregnant and it's really painful, but when your pregnant you don't want to take any for it either. Just makes it extra horrible and then the Dr. suggests that orange flavoured fibre drink. Slimy orange squash, given I hate orange squash, that did not make me feel any better.

I hope you do feel more comfortable soon.

Marrow · 16/02/2012 23:15

Have you tried lactulose? It is safe to take when pregnant and gentle but effective.

ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets · 16/02/2012 23:18

I had terrible constipation after DS was born. Apparently it's normal but no-one told me Sad
The midwife said eating loads of fruit that you eat with the skin on so apples, pears etc.
I got really impatient though and just drank a litre of apple juice, it did the trick and I felt much better.
Hope you feel better soon.

Trickle · 16/02/2012 23:27

I've come across an excercise (it said to do it onthe toilet but I just can't work out how so I've been doing it on my bed a couple of times a day and it seems to keep things moving) though I'm only 11 weks so I've no idea how hard it will be to do at 27.

Sit on the bed put your legs out straight out in front of you then move your pelvis in a clockwise circular motion - like doing the hula sat down. It's not a total cure, but I've found it keeps motility going in a more usual fashion though it can't help the actual erm... texture? Blush

TinkerMaloo · 17/02/2012 09:10

whats trickle says is a great tip, it does work!

also it can really help to get your blood pumping by excercising (gently of course)

most important of all DRINK MORE WATER!!! you need more water when pregnant as you have way more blood to maintain, and your body will suck it our of your bowel...

try not to strain too, i know its easier said than done

FutureNannyOgg · 17/02/2012 09:13

Try putting your feet on a small stool (like the ones toddlers use to reach the sink) or a box when you are on the loo, so your knees are above your hips like you are squatting. Works miracles.

Lucylucy57 · 17/02/2012 11:11

Lactulose did the trick for me too marrow. Perfectly safe and can be bought from chemists. Got things sorted within 12hours and I havent struggled since. I drank enough water to sink a ship and sometimes a bit of extra help is needed.

JParkson · 17/02/2012 11:32

I struggle with my movements even when I'm not pg. Lactulose, exlax, squatting in a bucket of hot water, glycerin suppositories - I tried them all in my last pg, and I ended up with fissures (felt like I was passing razor blades even when it was loose).

I had to use a cream to sort it out, it's still not perfect now. Lactulose was the most effective, but I was literally taking double doses several times a day to keep me going regularly.

I went on a gentle diet and now I eat a minimum of a bowl of fruit and fibre or all bran a day, as well as LOADS of fruit & veg, and drink more water than I'd like to. All helps! If you have a good breakfast of 28g/1oz of F&F or all-bran, stick it in a bowl, plonk a muller light yoghurt on top, and pile up with fresh fruit, it'll help no end. Where possible I also eat brown rice/pasta/bread too

PS I'm pg now and have had very little trouble so far and I'm 15.4 weeks Wink

You'll find something that works for you

trickle I've never heard of that exercise - might have to give that a bash! SPD will probably shriek no end, but I'll try anything once!

igggi · 17/02/2012 11:32

Prune juice?
I am wondering now why my chemist refused to sell me lactulose, said it wasn't ok for pregnancy Sad

VikingLady · 17/02/2012 11:38

I was told citrus fruit really helps. I've noticed that eating a big grapefruit will get things moving. Apparently citrus is very high in fibre.

mrswoodentop · 17/02/2012 11:40

Swimming!Apparently it really works the bowel muscle area ands gets you moving

ZhenThereWereTwo · 17/02/2012 11:47

Go to GP, I have had both lactulose and childrens size glycerin suppositories on prescription during my pregnancy (38+5 now) which do really help.

The lactulose takes a few days to take effect fully, glycerin suppositories work within half an hour even if lactulose hasn't kicked in yet.

Other things, putting feet up on stool like others have suggested when going to the toilet, drinking lots of water, walking, going up and down stairs lots, eating raw spinach and lots of fruit and green veg generally.

Dee03 · 17/02/2012 11:51

I had this trouble with all 3 pregnancies.
Go to your Gp and get some glycerine suppositories.....I couldn't go to toilet without them....

Hotpotpie · 17/02/2012 12:21

I found out mine was due to taking pregnacare, just didnt agree with me, in fact none of the pregnancy vitamins did so had to stop taking them at 14 weeks, doctor recomended porridge, yoghurt and oranges - unfortunately the 'damage is done' to my poor body now have got a lovely tear to show for my efforts Blush although with the terrible runs ive been having the last few weeks I would almost wish for the constipation back....almost!

Original poster
Dozeyland · 17/02/2012 12:35

I was taking spatone iron liquid daily as recommended by MW, but I only have it once ever other day(ish) now.

I have porridge every morning either alone, or with chopped banana
with a drink of orange juice most mornings

Lush is always my downfall (Hardly drink anything either :( )

Dinner I'm pretty lazy at the mo, not motivated enough to eat a variety of meals as DP isnt here, so I eat alone.

I really want to drink more, eat more fruit, veg, fibre etc. find it so hard :(

I've just put a prescription in for lactulose, so will give that a go, along with the more water, F & F etc.

I just snack on rubbish recently. I've just eaten a packet of crisps and little packet of sweets , all because I dont fancy anything else (like the natural yoghurt in the fridge)

OP posts:
MockCroc · 17/02/2012 12:48

I have found going for a good long walk has an excellent effect (a bit like a pg version of joggers' trots...). Really surprised me, but I guess it is a combination of gravity and the natural creation of some of the movements Trickle has suggested that are part of the motion of walking. I found I need to walk for about 1/2 an hour + to get the benefit if you are able to do that.

Florin · 17/02/2012 13:48

I Can also recommend swimming, I have suffered from the start of my pregnancy but last week we were sailing on a yacht in the Caribbean and regularly diving in for a swim. As soon as I got out of the water I had the urge to go. It really helped.

GrownUp2012 · 17/02/2012 13:55

If you are still struggling after a few days on the lactulose, go back and see the doctor.

I ended up readmitted after I had my first with a fecal impaction caused by long term constipation through the pregnancy because I couldn't get the doctors to listen to me about how bad it was. They can offer you all sorts, a fibre supplement called fibogel, glycerin suppositories, a mini-enema called micro-lax and I think (though not sure) you can take Movicol, which was my saviour when it came to the last ditch attempt to clear my blockage before surgery was essential. I'd had several enemas in the hospital and these little sachets beat it all hands down.

Swimming is a good exercise to perk up your bowels too, but even just a bit of walking, as the less active you are the more prone you will be to constipation.

Definitely up your fluid intake, one of the biggest helpers here. Try not to overdose on fibre as it can cause problems as well as fix them, but eat a good amount of fruit and vegetables every day.

Hot baths and paracetamol for cramping pains.

keely027 · 17/02/2012 16:12

stop eating eggs, as that can cause problems, reduce your meat intake and seriously up this intake of fruit and veg. I am vegan and I go every day, huge poos with no problem. can't remeber the last time I was consipated and I am coming up to 40 weeks. seriously all i ever hear on this sight is people complaining about consipation and must take lactulose. costipation is about what you are putting in your body. what you put in comes out the other end. sorry to sound harsh but it really is that simple. if you tried it for a few days you would see a MASSIVE difference

Gooseysgirl · 17/02/2012 16:36

Stay well away from white bread! I've found M&S super seeded great. And like everyone else has said.. lots of water and exercise... Fruit is good but limit bananas as they can also slow things down. If that fails, Fybogel sachets can be used in pregnancy and will usually do the trick. Just make sure you knock it back fast before it goes gooey..

feekerry · 17/02/2012 19:20

I had it bad as it was a side effect of my anti emetic drugs. Tried lactose but it didn't really work for me. Found things like fruit and fruit juice work the best.

Original poster
Dozeyland · 17/02/2012 20:21

Keely wise words. I really need to adapt my diet i think. and really want to start swimming too.

Thanks everyone, really helpful.

Also: TMI - but i always need to strain, obviously try not to but then i'm just uncomfy if i dont try. Then when I do go - they are the smallest things! what does this mean? its like its a build up and its too small to pass??!

OP posts:
motherinferior · 17/02/2012 20:24

Keeley, I think you're just lucky. Seriously.

I was lucky too, especially in my first pregnancy - pooed a lot. I'm not a vegan.

Original poster
Dozeyland · 17/02/2012 20:29

I dont eat a lot of eggs or meat actually, but i do need to adjust the diet..

OP posts:
AThingInYourLife · 17/02/2012 20:35

"costipation is about what you are putting in your body. what you put in comes out the other end. sorry to sound harsh but it really is that simple."

Um yeah, because all digestive systems are identical Hmm