Embarrassing - constipation

[Canttouchthat]

Second trimester constipation is making me miserable
What can I do?
I have had lactulose which works but then I immediately get constipated again and I don’t want to keep taking it plus it tastes revolting and the wind pains match the constipation for discomfort/embarrassment

What can I do? I am eating five fruit/veg per day, two litres water/juice on top of any hot drinks (tea/coffe).
I am doing some exercise - 30 minute walk each day so I admit not great but not totally sedentary either.
I am just so uncomfortable and fed up with this.
I wouldn’t like any other medicinal options as I am far too embarrassed to see my gp, and as far as I’m aware lactulose is the only known safe medicine to take anyway.
Please help me find a remedy!

I had chronic constipation with DS2. I'm afraid that the only thing that cured it was hospital beans on toast when I went in to be induced. Sorry.

Glycerin suppositories every other day after first hot drink/ breakfast. Guaranteed.

I lived on lactulose in my pregnancy but I poured it into fresh orange juice and it was far more bareable if you drink it quickly.

Can you buy glycerin suppositories or do I need to see the gp for them?
Also are they generally considered safe in pregnancy.
Thanks.

Try a handful of almonds with your fruits. Try dried fruits like Paw Bears or whatever it's called for children. Aldi sells delicious dried apple/pear snack. Lidl sells nuts at a affordable price. They also sell dried prunes which can also help with constipation. Try as well muesli not granola - a mix of oats, dried fruits, nuts. Add boiling water to soak instead of milk.
I know some pregnant women try to be careful with eating nuts during the pregnancy but I have read that a little bit is fin and actually is very good for both the mother and the baby.

Dried fruit bats from Aldi [[
www.aldi.co.uk/apple-%26-pear-fruit-bars/p/066621007091200]]

Bars of course

Movicol. You can buy it at the chemist. My gp was happy for me to take it during pregnancy. It's very effective and doesn't cause cramps or bloating. One or two sachets mixed in water before bed.

I took lactulose, thought it wasn't absorbed by the body, just provided a smooth passing!

Suppositories are safe and you can buy them anywhere. No need for prescription.

I second movicol. I took it regularly to get things moving again.

A cup of coffee in the morning always helps me go, it is miraculous. Also can you up your intake of pulses? Beans, lentils (make lentil soup it's like magic!), etc? I find that helps too. Prune juice is worth a go.
I took lactose in my last pregnancy and you really do need to continue taking it daily for it to work in a meaningful. It also won't help with an immediate blockage right by the err... exit as it works further up the digestive tract.
I resorted to glycerine suppositories once last pregnancy as I was desperate. I sent my DH to the chemist for them. I wouldn't have used them repeatedly but really needed to clear the way for the lactulose to work, if you get me... TMI

This website has some (evidence based) information on options for pregnant women to treat constipation, including about Glycerin suppositories
www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Glycerin-suppositories/

I tried Movicol and it worked the first couple of times but then I started to struggle to drink it. At the moment, a banana for breakfast is working for me.

I’m 25 weeks and have been making lentil soup which is fantastic! That and an Apple a day are curing my hideous constipation.

Prune juice worked for me almost instantly

I had constipation for about the first 16 weeks maybe more, had lactulose but it didn’t really do much then my sister told she had a bowl of bran flakes when she was pg. it’s worked wonders! It’s boring but a bowl of sultana bran every morning and I go every day now :-)

I have branflakes, no problems when had them so far, when I changed to granola when on holiday had more trouble (also less veg). Prune juice will be my back up I think though if branflakes stop working!

Fybogel (isphagula husk) is what they usually prescribe in oregnancy - you can buy over the counter too. But you get free prescriptions and a phone call to your GP would get you it for free.

Other tips are fluids, fibre in diet, gentle exercise, taking the time to poo in peace - always go when you get the slightest urge and putting your feet up on a stool can help (recreates the more natural squatting position we used throughout evolution!)

I've been eating a handful of bran in some Greek yogurt every morning and it's kept the problem at bay (so far).

My friend is a nurse and swears by this recipe for all patients struggling with constipation. She said you only need a few tablespoons/day.

I dont know if this will help because i guess everyone is different. But I had this really bad at the end of the first trimester (was really bloated and couldnt go for days) and what worked for me was Prunes.

4-5 prunes a day every day and it seemed to get things moving. I was eating fruit and veg but that didnt help that much