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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Can't take lactulose. What now?

20 replies

FredFlintstonesSister · 13/11/2013 08:54

I'm 25+4 and terribly constipated. I've had this problem for about 2 months and it actually seems to be getting worse!

I have increased fibre naturally and with supplements, am drinking plenty of water and get more than my 5 a day.

About 6 weeks ago, I tried lactulose, however I am lactose intolerant and ended up with extremely painful wind and indigestion. It also made me feel exhausted and generally unwell - but still constipated!

I saw my GP last week who gave me fibogel and senna tablets. Neither have worked at all. I hold her that I think I need a stool softener as the problem seems to be its just too difficult to actually 'get it out' (sorry) but she said the only safe one was lactulose and wouldn't give me anything else.

I really don't know what to do now. I have used dulcolax when things have been really unbearable, which has at least worked to some extent, but the GP said this wasn't suitable.

Sorry about the length of post!

OP posts:

HMT13 · 13/11/2013 09:03

Someone on here advised me to try lepicol. I'm lactose intolerant too and have IBS. It's worked great for me. Might be worth a try. It's definitely safe to use in pregnancy. I'm still not what I would consider to be as I should be but it's a lot more comfortable. I had some horrendously painful episodes before that!

Original poster

FredFlintstonesSister · 13/11/2013 09:10

I will give that a go. Is it just fibre though? I worry I'm actually making things worse by stuffing myself full of fibre that's then just sitting there! Said this to doctor who looked at me like I was mad...

OP posts:

ScottishDiblet · 13/11/2013 09:13

Oh you poor thing. I was the same when I was pregnant except that I could take lactulose. My cousin had the same problem when she was pregnant but was given Movicol which she says is much better than lactulose. I also used dulcolax when pregnant too so don't think it's on the forbidden list. I really hope you find something that works. I really wouldn't let your gp fob you off actually. She could refer you to someone who could help. You can't just be constipated and feel terrible for the rest of your pregnancy.

Original poster

FredFlintstonesSister · 13/11/2013 09:21

The GP is new and not very experienced. I think she is being overly cautious about what she prescribes. She said movicol wasn't suitable in pregnancy but couldn't give a reason why other than it said so in her book.

Can you buy it over the counter? Dulcolax may cause contractions apparently, but then I read that so can senna and she prescribed that! And I think you have to have a high risk pregnancy for it to affect you.

The GP basically said that if I wanted to take something other than lactulose then that was up to me but that I could be putting my baby at risk...

OP posts:

Lovelybitofsquirrel · 13/11/2013 09:22

When I was suffering after giving birth my midwife suggested sugary drinks (coke, lemonade), it did seem to help. I have heard that too much fibre can have the opposite effect so you're not mad! Good luck, it's all worth it in the end!

HMT13 · 13/11/2013 09:23

It's like a 'husk' that I think helps move things along rather than fibre. It's a prebiotic. It's not the nicest thing to take, like drinking sawdust, but it's fine. I ordered mine online from amazon. It's only a teaspoon in some water everyday. I go once-twice a day now but small amounts. It's enough to keep me comfortable. Compared to not going for 4-5 days at a time previously, so it's much better!
I used to take movicol but my doc wouldn't give it to me whilst pregnant? I actually prefer the lepicol as I didn't like taking a medicated laxative. Lepicol seems a bit more natural to me.

Original poster

FredFlintstonesSister · 13/11/2013 09:42

My understanding is that movicol works the same way as lactulose in that it is an osmotic so not a stimulant laxative. Not sure why GP was against it - I think probably just because there have been no trials done in pregnancy. I'm getting really desperate now though - constipation and bloating make it difficult to eat and I've not gained much weight so far. Will head into boots today and see if they will give me it.

OP posts:

HMT13 · 13/11/2013 09:44

Good luck. I hope you get what you need

CrispyFB · 13/11/2013 10:53

I've been using Movicol. Never asked a doctor, just did some research online. It's behind the counter at the pharmacy but doesn't need a prescription. It's not cheap though!

Cariad007 · 13/11/2013 10:57

Maybe ask her about Dulcoease? It says on the packet to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding but from Googling it doesn't seem to be dangerous for pregnant women to take it.

Original poster

FredFlintstonesSister · 13/11/2013 12:57

Got the movicol at boots. They only had packs of 50 though so it cost me £20!!! If it works, it's worth it...

OP posts:

CrispyFB · 13/11/2013 13:08

Good luck, I hope it works for you! I think it can sometimes take a few days for things to truly ease up. Movicol is also good for impaction if you take a lot at once. I had some glycerin suppositories I was going to try at one point but I think the Movicol got there first

Wilberforce2 · 13/11/2013 13:23

I've been given Movicol on prescription and it is great, so much better than Lactulose which just gave me terrible stomach cramps. I had to take three sachets a day to begin with just to in the doctors words "have a good clear out" and now I take one every few days. My little boy has paediatric and it's great for him as well.

I would definitely give it a go.

Peacenquiet2 · 13/11/2013 13:27

I take dulcolax and im 23 weeks. I hav suffered horribly with constipation this time and all other things have failed to work. I think if you are'nt high risk dulcolax should be ok. If it was'nt for them id be in a right state by now :-!

Peacenquiet2 · 13/11/2013 13:29

Oh and on desperate days i go straight for the glycerol suppositries which are an instant hit. Nothing worse than being bunged up and pregnant as the bloat is horrendous!

idlevice · 13/11/2013 13:30

Have you tried prunes & figs (even syrup of figs)? Once you are sorted out it might be worth trying them to prevent recurrence. Could it be any supplements you are taking causing this, esp ones containing iron compounds? If so you could try a different type. I also tried psyllium husk which sounds similar to a previous post but it was not easy to take so I gave up with that.

Privatebanker · 13/11/2013 13:54

I know it sounds boring and obvious, but make sure you are drinking lots of water.....

pumpkinsweetie · 13/11/2013 14:10

I find weetabix helps me, aswell as fresh fruit juice, orange being the best and fruit such as grapes etc.
Still suffer from it at 32 weeks but i find the days i eat & drink the above alot better and can actually manage a number two!

lovesmileandlaugh · 13/11/2013 14:15

With laxatives, you have to be sure it doesn't pass through the placenta to the baby and cause it to pass meconium.
Castor oil is one such one, that people don't realise is a strong stimulant laxative, that causes the baby to pass meconium and go into distress.
I have every sympathy though, I suffered so badly!

Original poster

FredFlintstonesSister · 13/11/2013 14:47

I've tried all the dietary changes people have suggested, but to no avail. I'm going to try the movicol because it just passes straight through and none of it is absorbed so there shouldn't be any risk involved.

OP posts:

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