Lactulose

[DeeBeee]

I am 37 weeks and I think the time has come to start taking lactulose. Have had to start taking iron and it's not doing me any favours. But, when I did a search on the Boots website for lactulose, it came up with prescription-only items. What/where do you actually buy it from as I thought it's over the counter?

Have you tried eating dried apricots? I think they might contain the same stuff as lactulose, but are a bit less aggressive!

I spoke to a pharmacist in a Boots store, and she gave it to me. Though if you've time to see the GP you can get it free.

DH got some for me over-the-counter when I had codeine-related issues after an op, but I also had it prescribed as a preventative when, again, I was taking opiate-based meds for another op.

Ask at your local pharmacy. I believe its perfectly safe in pregnancy, as it just rehydrates the faeces, rather than encouraging a bowel movement, so makes it easier to go.

Try fybogel sachets as well - I swore by a reduced dosage of 1 a day during my last pg & didn't get any constipation - it just 'tops up' your fibre level from your diet naturally & makes it easier to go.

I should say for others reading the thread I have been refused it in early pg, so worth checking if that applies to you.