IBS - what can you take when pregnant?

[futuregrandmmother]

Asking on behalf of DD who is 5 weeks and suffering from really bad IBS. Has anyone taken Imodium whilst pregnant? She's feeling weak and washed out now. GP suggested Fodmap, but it's dragging on. Thank you.

I was under the impression that there wasn't really anything you could take but then my IBS hasn't been toooo bad all things considered. I used to take Buscopan to manage flare-ups pre-pregnancy but GP took me off as said it didn't meet risk-benefit analysis for me during pregnancy. I've had diarrhea all day today so I know her pain, especially the helplessness of knowing I have Buscopan in the house and not being able to take it! Drinking peppermint tea helps I find, hot water bottles for cramps.

I’m really sorry you are having flare ups. It is not nice. I mainly get ibs with constipation and have to take laxido daily to keep my bowels going in pregnancy. On doctors advice I have also been very occasionally using dulcolax / even though it is not recommended during pregnancy. I ended up in the epu with an impacted stool and in severe pain so i really hace no choice but to get it out! I also drink about 3l of water a day.

I do occasionally get diarrhoea too and have taken pepto bismal. It’s in a sort of grey area to take but gp said it’s ok occasionally. I asked about buscopan too. Like dulcolax it’s not recommended in pregnancy because there have been no human trials but there’s no evidence to suggest it’s harmful either. So he said it was up to me if I took it or not and if the bebifits outweighed the risk. I didn’t take it in the end.

So I guess it’s up to you and how comfortable you are taking the risk.

I don’t follow the Fodmap diet. It’s far too restrictive and basically means all you eat is meat, eggs, some veg and rice! Totally miserable and the last thing you need during pregnancy. Plus to do it effectively you really need to do it under a dietitian. However, I do restrict the fodmaps I eat and try to have at least one or two low fodmap meals a day. For instance I limit my wheat consumption to breakfast only. I find this helps.

The other thing that helps for me is keeping my stress levels down. Stress is much more of a trigger for me than any food. I find yoga really helpful. There’s some really good online pregnancy yoga videos on you tube that are worth a go.

I use Senocalm, which is designed to relieve IBS pains. Imodium is not for IBS so I'd avoid personally. Best to check with pharmacy/GP before taking any kind of medication though, even over the counter stuff.
I also follow Fodmap but it can take months for the body to readjust to that. Avoid onions and garlic and fruit/vegetables like broccoli, peas, apples, stone fruits as they tend to aggravate the gut most.
My IBS developed in my first pregnancy and got worse afterwards unfortunately.