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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Constipation

23 replies

KatieBurningham · 14/02/2014 19:24

Hi all, I'm 16 weeks and am suffering. Not all the time, but when it's bad, it's bad!
Anybody know of anything safe to take that I can purchase in a chemist? Everything I've looked at on boots website says don't take if pregnant or consult your doctor before. Ideally I'd like to get something tomorrow and obviously doctors isn't open, also it's a nuisance to get an appointment at my doctors, you have to call at 8am, appointments are usually gone by 8.05am!
TIA

OP posts:
SellyMevs · 14/02/2014 19:35

I've found fybogel the best and you can buy it over the counter in a pharmacy. It's a bit gentler than some other laxatives and just taking one or two a day will help keep you regular!

stressbucket1 · 14/02/2014 19:38

Prune juice is good for constipation!

WishUponAStar88 · 14/02/2014 19:43

Prune juice worked incredibly well for me a couple off weeks ago. It looks and tastes vile, but after an hour or two had worked it's magic. I drank 500mls - wouldn't recommend more initially as there was quite a dramatic response!

Original poster
KatieBurningham · 14/02/2014 20:30

Thanks all. Will purchase some fybogel and prune juice tomorrow and try my hardest to drink it :)

OP posts:
purplemurple1 · 14/02/2014 20:32

Crushed flax seed is good too (try the baking area) 1 desert spoon a day on your cereal. And drink lots of water throughout the day.

Imnotsurehowtogetthisout · 14/02/2014 20:36

Lactulose!!

purplemurple1 · 14/02/2014 20:36

Also it doesn't taste of anything so easy to take every day.

K8eee · 14/02/2014 20:56

5 dried apricots & dried prunes on yoghurt if you can't stomach them on their own, with a glass of water has helped me immensely! I'm on iron tablets and have piles Hmm just bought some arse cream to shrink the little bastards Grin (excuse my language!)

Toothygrin · 15/02/2014 07:42

All Bran (I think it's that one - you're looking for the little sticks of bran) mixed with your usual cereal. I was able to stop mainlining Lactulose when I started on All Bran. Also fresh fruit juice with breakfast. I swear by Copella Apple and Pear.

I'm 17 weeks now and haven't struggled since the early weeks. I had awful trouble with my last pregnancy and found Fybogel too awful.

weebairn · 15/02/2014 07:45

You can have lactulose.

Other things that are helpful - lots of fluids, prunes, exercise (I can often poo after a nice brisk walk)

I get up early and give myself uninterrupted toilet time !! Just sit on the toilet and breathe deeply and slowly for a good 5 mins. Sounds nuts but seems to work. I do it before my daughter wakes up and hassles me!

weebairn · 15/02/2014 07:45

I'm 8 weeks. I had horrible constipation last time, I didn't even poo during labour!

weebairn · 15/02/2014 07:46

Try to avoid straining or you might get the dreaded piles. Breathing and relaxing!!

JustDanni · 15/02/2014 08:07

I struggle with the same issue.
5 days running now.
I have been snacking on dried apricots. High in fibre and easy to store in lunch box for work.
Seems to be getting things moving again.
I try to keep it as natural as possible as im on anti sickness meds too and dont want to take too much.

Drink plenty of water and start your day with a bowl of fruit and fibre and a glass of dreah fruit juice.

JustDanni · 15/02/2014 08:08

lol fresh
not dreah

Stockhausen · 15/02/2014 08:10

Once you get going again, eat weetabix every morning to keep things moving. Drink plenty water too & get some exercise ideally walking

Aoifebelle · 15/02/2014 08:13

Prevention is better than cure. I have 1 or 2 activia prune youghurts every day and bran cereal for brekkie. Seems to be doing the trick.

theborrower · 15/02/2014 08:41

God yes, been having this problem recently, got some lactulose from the doctor which got things moving again.

Where is everyone buying their prune juice? I've not seen it in the supermarket or am I just in the wrong shop/aisle?

I've got IBS and usually had the, err, other problem, so it's weird.

theborrower · 15/02/2014 08:42

Oh, a question about lactulose for those who have taken it - how long do you take it for? Just for a few days until you've had the desired effect?

firstbaby01 · 15/02/2014 10:25

The only thing that worked for me was activia yoghurt. four of those one evening and the next day I did the biggest poo ever! (sorry way tmi!) I have been having one a day since and have not had any more trouble and they are yummy to eat which is.an added bonus Grin

AJH2007 · 15/02/2014 10:45

Add linseed to porridge/weetabix etc, sprinkle it on salads too.

pollypocket31 · 15/02/2014 11:55

Prune juice on an empty stomach. Its literally amazing!

RaRa1988 · 15/02/2014 14:03

Drink as much acidic fruit juice (orange/grapefruit is ideal) as you can, eat lots of fruit, and get plenty of cardiovascular exercise. Doing that has worked better for me than any of the things the doctor gives you - and is no doubt better for you too!

Are you taking a pregnancy multivit? The iron can cause constipation. I've been on iron before (years ago, well before pg) and was fine with it, but I've found that taking it with a sluggish pregnant digestive system causes me problems. I've stopped taking it now - though I am 23+2 and I don't think it's recommended that you stop taking it before about 13 weeks.

HahaHarrie · 15/02/2014 14:09

I know your pain! Flax seed, loads of water, fruit, exercise and if all else fails a glycerin suppository!! Good luck.

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