Really embarrassed to be asking this, I swear I'm not the poo troll!

[SoEmbarrassingIveNameChanged]

I have name changed because I really don't want this to be linked to my normal name!

Basically, I'm really constipated, I've read its a common pregnancy symptom so does anyone have any immediate relief ideas?

I'm getting to be in so much pain, I don't know what to do, we are supposed to be having a lovely christmas shopping and decorating day tomorrow, and I don't want this to ruin it!

I know about water/fibre/exercise etc but what can I do to sort it now?! I'm so sorry for asking this

Lactulose can take up to 3 days, but its usually quicker- depends on how bad its been really. Just remember to drink lots of water with it. Its miserable isn't it

Pharmacist wont sell DP the lactulose, I have to see my midwife first.. that'll be good since I'm not seeing her until the 3rd week of January!

Not instant relief but taking magnesium citrate supplements 400mg once a day has helped sort it out for me and now back to usual soft and once per day- what relief!! Started working after 3-4 days.

+1 Lactulose. You can actually get prescription for that in walk in centre as well. And it will be free. I doubt that midwife can actually prescribe meds. Mine sent me to see GP.
Anyway, I had constipation about 20 weeks back and got Lactulose. I actually took daily dosage in one go in the morning. Not on purpose. After realising what I did, called 111 and had chat with nurse who said not to worry and it should be fine.
I must say, it was more than fine. It was great! 5 times in 3 hours, so definitely recommend it.

Nothing has worked so far, I'm scared to do all the things suggested at once in case I cause more of a blockage.

My stomach now feels tender to touch and I'm scared to eat in case it gets worse and scared to use the toilet because it really hurts. I have no idea what to do now

Coconut water. I learned from bitter experience after drinking a litre of it

If you are in that much pain i would give the suppositories a go.

Suppositories. Honestly if you're scared to go because of the pain they are the best thing. They soften the blockage and so it doesn't hurt to go.

Also been there, done that and they were absolutely the best help.

I find apricots usually work although i'm struggling a bit again at the moment and they haven't worked yet so i got some lactulose.

I would second suppositories though if you're feeling really blocked. It will at least clear any hardened poo that's sitting in your colon and allow the rest (which should be nice.and.soft now) to follow.

You have my sympathies

I really really cant do suppositories. Managed to get lactulose but so far not working. Couldn't find apricots at the shop

Thanks for all the help

You need to go see pharmacist or doctor and ask for Movicol.
It has been my saviour. I did everything listed above and had limited benefit.

I went to doc who prescribed Movicol. I took half a sachet a day for whole preg (and 3 days after to help with first poos!) it has saved me.

I am currently 10 weeks and doing the same again. It is the only thing that helps. I stopped for a week to check I wasn't taking it unnecessarily. It was necessary!!

I say again Movicol!!

Pharmacist today said all I could have was lactulose. If its no better by the morning I'll call the doctors for either movicol or the dreaded suppositories

I find drinking a litre of fruit juice (pineapple for me but any kind will do) tends to flush things out. Good luck!

A suppository up your bum will be a lot easier than what wants to come out

Kiwis, plums, porridge, prune juice & Lactulose! (not all together, but they all work)

Raisins and prunes, they work well.

Peppermint tea

Or prune juice, be careful, it is effective.

Oh, if it is really bad I would go to the doctor in case it is related to anything else.

Another vote for prune juice here. A glass a day should keep things running smoothly. Also, as someone mentioned, use a step stool when you go and don't strain.

All the stuff I've tried, the stuff inside me must be soft now anyway, so will any of the suggestions actually soften the stuff waiting to come out? I'm mortified I'm asking this also mortified that this is the longest thread I've ever had!

Can't get through to the doctors yet, but no way I can get there in pain so will ask for a call back

If I tell you that the alternatives are an enema or a manual evacuation, do the suppositories look more appealing???

It sounds like you are impacted so you need to be careful about how much stuff you are eating/drinking to help you go. You need to clear the impacted poo first else you are risking complications

As bobsmyaunty said, I had the problem that prune juice, lots of water and Allbran just softened the stool behind the blockage as it were (also gave me horrible, even more painful wind which wasn't great), but didn't really get things moving.
I'd suggest the lactulose or suppository, and then try and maintain the fluids and high fibre once you manage to go!