severe constipation

[kat2kat]

Hi I'm 35y, have just learnt I'm pregnant, 5w, in A&E department, where I went due to severe pain in lower abdominal region. After a scan I was told it's 'only poo' and that I'm pregnant; pregnancy is ok.. The pain in the abdominal area is better, however, I still feel it. I was advised to take lactulose, but it is not perfect for lactose intolerance (me, unfortunately) and I'm a bit stuck: is there any natural way of helping my problem? I know prunes, flax seeds... has anyone been going through anything similar? any help would be greatly appreciated

If you're very badly constipated then natural remedies won't work, sadly. There's no point stuffing yourself with extra foodstuffs because they won't shift the blockage - only add to it.

Lactulose isn't effective for bad constipation so I'm surprised they recommended that. You need Movicol and plenty of it. You can get it on prescription or buy a box OTC.

Hmm. Glycerine suppository? Wouldn't help if the blockage is v high up though I don't think. I used them in pregnancy though, you can just get them over the counter.

Drink gallons of water, fruit, veg, salad. But at the same time you don't want TOO much fibre.

I had to have an enema (self administered Fleet enema) due to pregnancy constipation before I even knew I was pregnant. Did work well!! Then took lactulose (is there an alternative you can take?) and fybogel for the rest of the pregnancy to keep things going. Good news is I've been more regular than I ever have been since giving birth!

Good luck! It's the worst.

Thank you, that's a very good advice. I'm going to see a doctor as well, just it takes time to get an appointment :(
Lactulose so far caused wind and a lot of it, so the pain didn't improve.

I understand the importance of diet, but as you say it is better to solve the matters first. Tbh, initially, I thought the problem was a burst ovarian cyst, especially the pain was localised and in one area. I can only be happy it is solved somehow for now, as I had bowels opened and quite a lot, but I really need something now to help to recover from the problem.

I'm allergic to sweeteners, but I see there are versions of Movicol with no sweeteners... I will go to the pharmacy now.

Second Movicol. It's much gentler than Lactulose in my experience and is safe in pregnancy. You can buy it over the counter. If they give you the option of the plain or the lemon / line flavour, I'd recommend plain. Presumably the plain has no sweetener and it's much more pleasant and you can add squash if you like (or indeed can). Movicol will help. You can take up to 8 sachets in theory, but not sure that's advised during pregnancy. From memory, 2 sachets a day are fine though (it says in the instructions)

Gallons of water and PRUNE juice! I drink at least 2 glasses of prune juice a day in pregnancy and keeps it bearable... Plus I really notice the difference depending on how much water I drink. Worth a try!

Go for a gentle swim. The bump is nicely supported in the water so it helps move things along. Worked for me

Flax seed helped me. And if you get anaemic, take liquid iron supplements like spatone, not the tablets, as they will make it worse.

You can get movicol otc now in the UK? definitely the best remedy!!

Lots of walking as well, you need gravity on your side.

Yep you can strawberry!

Syrup of figs! plenty of it! I've suffered so badly this pregnancy with constipation, cant recommend it enough. The lady as tesco pharmacy just gets the bottle from behind the counter when she see's me coming

thank you so much! I am getting all these things, including syrup of figs, and going swimming :)

Hi Mommy Kat,

It is very normal for a pregnant woman to undergo constipation. Just take more water as much as possible. Fresh fruit juices is also very helpful for you. Try to go for natural ways as much as possible. You can have this Digestic by Mimonis also which is an herbal supplement that is very effective in relieving constipation. It was the one used by my wife when she was pregnant.

I take a lot of very strong painkillers which can make you super constipated, having tried most things I found to my amazement (and annoyance after throwing money at the problem!) that staying super hydrated really really helps. Although if the worst comes to the worst the glycerin suppositories are awesome, in many meanings of the word .