Is this going to cause me a problem? (slightly tmi)

[rachelb2014]

Could I please ask for some advice?

I suffer from constipation, even when not pregnant, and I often have to take stool softeners to be able to go.

Since being pregnant it has gotten worse, and the stool softeners don't work properly any more.

In order to go, I have to sit on the toilet for anything up to a hour.

Is this likely to cause me any problems, and does anyone else have the same issue?

Thanks.

I have suffered from terrible constipation this pregnancy - in fact my whole day is spent on high alert making sure I am on top of things so I don't get problems...

I drink water practically ALL the time ... Make sure I have fruit... And include soft vegetables in my diet ( I.e. Tomatoes, boiled carrots instead of raw veg)..

If I don't do these things then my food doesn't move down... And I end up throwing up even..

Even if you think you're having enough water have more.. And keep active...

Spending that long on loo is not good, it may cause you to strain and this can lead to piles..

Different things help different people, prunes/prune juice, dried apricots...

Hope you can get it sorted... I know how stressful it is!

X

When I'm particularly stuck I drink a few glasses of water while tidying up/hoovering (have bought a Jug for this purpose) - helps sometimes!

Yes, in short. You definitely don't want to be sitting for that long, it increases the risk of piles. Assuming you don't have a problem with fibre - Can you take more fibre & water, especially soluble fibre. Also, gentle exercise will help as it gets the blood circulating better which helps. And speak to the HV or GP. Don't eat any white carbs (pasta, rice, bread etc) if there is a wholemeal alternative.

Thank you :)

I do sometimes have to strain (sorry tmi) - but it never actually seems to help me to go, so I try not to.

I just find it hugely stressful - especially when I need to go first thing in the morning before work.

I think you should really try & get on top of it cos at the end, if you end up with lots of drugs in your system and / or a csection it can make the most regular person horrendously constipated.

Sorry to perhaps sound negative, but I wish someone had warned me how bad constipation can be. It was a bit of a shock!

It really was a nightmare for me earlier on, (two whole weeks... the horror...) so I am now trying any and all theories just in case they help stave off another bout.

Obvs drink as much water as you can - especially warm/hot water, and with lemon in supposedly helps.

And eating loads of fruit and veg (apparently Kiwi fruit is especially good) and they say go for the BRATS ie bananas, rice, apples, and oats.

You might find it interesting to read up on soluble and insoluble fibre, but broadly it seems you need a mix. www.webmd.com/diet/fiber-health-benefits-11/insoluble-soluble-fiber.

Oh no that sounds so unpleasant. I'm finding myself constipated too. Kind of scared to go as it feels like it might be too big to come out
Exercise has helped a bit.

Thank you.

I'm having an awful time going this evening. I can't go, and it's stopping me from being able to sleep. I have to keep getting up to go and sit on the toilet.

It's as much about what to avoid as what to eat. I would leave meat well alone except cooked in casseroles in small quantities with loads of veggies. Fish doesn't seem to pose the same problems ie it's more easily digestible so eat that for protein and baby brain food. You can eat as much white fish as you like when preg. Good luck.

Have a cup of coffee - caffeine can trigger stools ( though it won't soften, it will make if hurry up! Iyswim).

I know its unusual but i think coffee makes me constipated.

A definite problem for me is chocolate, especially high cocoa content in the evening. Admittedly I was pregnant and eating above average quantities when I discovered this but I have to be really careful even now. I can tell you I was mightily pissed off when I made the link.

I used to drink a pint or more of warm water in bed each night. Really seemed to help.

Stay hydrated - you can download apps that measure how much you've drunk during the day. It's quite amazing just how much we need to be fully hydrated!!

Don't sit on the toilet for more than a few minutes. If you don't go straight away, get up and do something else. Sitting on the toilet for ages will cause piles, which are horrid little beasts that will make your life hell.

Exercise seems to get me going - try a brisk walk round the block.

Apricots, prunes & water. Lots and lots of apricots and it will fire out of you under its own steam!!