Disgusting post but need some constipation help

[Nikki2ol6]

I'm 23 weeks and I need to poop so bad but it won't come out. It's there ready to come but I push and push and it won't budge. When it does it's a tiny bit at a time like two or 3 little pebbles. I can feel it's there all the time, it's uncomfortable to sit down! I eat loads of cucumbers (my favourite atm) and I drink loads of fluids all day long....... But still this keeps happening. I keep getting the urge to go and I think woooop finally!! Then it just come come out!!!! 😩

You need to up your intake of fiber in pregnancy. Lots of dried fruit.

For now trying lots of walking and coffee always helps me. If you are that uncomfortable then ring your midwife. Don't be embrassed as a midwife they will have seen a lot worse.

Prunes. Tonnes of the buggers.

Second Heir - midwife/GP can prescribe something to help you go if all other avenues aren't working.

It is the progesterone in your system relaxing smooth muscles and hence slowing your gut down.

Glycerin suppositories to clear the immediate problem.

Movicol regularly until everything is running smoothly, then reduce whilst you attend to your diet to improve things

Drink plenty water, eat lots of fruit and veg and oats and pulses to increase fibre. Do not go for bran products as they dry in the intestine and cause more problems.

You may have to use movicol to keep things from bunging up until a while after delivery.

Lactulose helped me - over the counter at the pharmacy.

I would recommend a sachet of fybogel every day but need to drink about 3ltrs of water every day. Good luck.

Thank you evryone

Lots of fluids and patience! I second all that's been said but you have my sympathy - I made a thread about monster poo during pregnancy a while ago! I'm not irregular by any stretch but I remember the huge poop that I was making while pregnant with my son.

Stool softeners are your friend. Ask your midwife.

Glycerine suppositories are cheap and you can get them from the local pharmacy/boots/Tesco etc (not waitrose ). They will get rid of the immediate problem by breaking it down and providing a bit of lubrication and 'oomph'. They are not very dignified but are lifesavers.

Use two, wet them, push them up as far as you can, then try and keep them in for 15 minutes, walk around or lie down or whatever.

They will save you from accidental tears in the skin and muscles. It is worth learning how to use them for future emergencies, post-natally

Agree with stool softeners - lactulose is cheap (and farty) movicol/laxido is more expensive but sometimes you can get it prescribed. Prunes and the like push things through, but long term the softeners are more comfortable.

Fybogel doesn't do a great deal and can have the same problems as bran does.

I couldn't bear to use lactulose as it made me so windy I lived in fear of an accident whilst out in public! Lots of water, dried fruit, veg and a sachet of Fybo-gel every day kept me on some sort of keel towards the end. I did find when I hit the third trimester things got a bit better - around the 20 week mark was a nightmare.

I can't be any help due to the fact I have the same issue and everything that helps make it better turns my stomach!
One bit of advice I read recently though (and definitely thought worth sharing) is that straining too hard on the toilet (apparently) can cause piles.
When your sat down on the loo, put your feet up on a stool or similar as the position helps. I know the feeling of needing to go but can't is horrid, I keep running there and then nothing til after a few days it comes out and the relief is huge!! Good luck x

Porridge.
Coffee (only one cup)
Lentil and veg soup
Apple sauce

Coffee and iced water always do it for me. Also, syrup of figs is pretty gentle too. DS gets constipated and then gets scared to go as he worries it will hurt when he does go - syrup of figs have always worked for him.

Chilli and soups
Fruits beginning with p as well (seriously!) I.e plums pears peaches , just not pineapple

3 dried apricots a day

Bran flakes with sultanas is keeping me "going" and I'm up to week 25 with twins

Orange juice is what I've noticed keeps my bowel moving the way it should (and sometimes a little too well!). I'm 27 weeks if that helps

Kiwi. Honestly. Eat two kiwis tonight and today you'll be fine. Then one Kiwi a day for maintenance.

I know exactly how you're feeling, I went through the same thing when I was about 20 weeks ish (I'm now 38 weeks). I was then diagnosed with an iron deficiency and given iron tablets - these have made a massive improvement to my bowel habits. Now I don't need to strain on the loo and I'm able to go a lot more regularly. But my best advice is drink lots, and don't force yourself to go even if it feels like you need to but get medical help if you are really struggling. Good luck

Top tip from my pregnancy yoga class - "birthing" breathing also helps with constipation. Seriously actually works. Can't comment on how much it helps for actual birth yet, but getting in some good practice...!
Take a deep breath in then breath out slowly, releasing the breath downwards through your body. Don't push or strain, take your time, relax. Not sure I'm describing it very well but if you google yogabellies birthing breath there might be a YouTube video or something.

When pregnant a tin of peaches got everything moving every time - good luck

Thnk you evryone

I second the glycerin pessaries. And miso soup.