I think constipation has given me a prolapse 😭

[sprite25]

In the last month or so I've been suffering with bad constipation, it's like I've been having to practice for the birth! I brought some Lactulose on advice from my midwife and it seemed to help but today I had such trouble going I thought I was going to pass out, I eventually managed to go but I felt awful pressure and soreness down below and when I wiped it felt like I was wiping the inside of my vagina and it really stung (sorry TMI) now it feels really uncomfortable and almost like how it does after you've had a baby if you know what I mean. I'm really scared that having to strain and the pressure from sitting on the toilet so long have given me a prolapse 😭

Could be haemorrhoids (piles) very common in pregnancy. Are you able to see with a mirror?

Awww you poor thing.

Firstly, lactulose is great, but also you could try glycerol suppositories - they were a lifesaver for me when I was constipated. They go up your bottom and make you go, so you don’t have to strain! Double check with midwife they’re safe for pregnancy. Also sit with your knees elevated, so put them on a footstool or something.

In terms of the prolapse, seek some advice from your GP who can examine you, but I have a prolapse and it doesn’t sting. That’s hopefully (if you know what I mean!) maybe a slight tear?

Are you saying you can feel a bulge on the outside of your vagina? That could be a prolapse. You could put a finger inside and see if anything feels different - a prolapse feels like a bulge. If you can’t feel anything and don’t have any symptoms then even if you do have a mild prolapse don’t worry. Apparently loads of women do without realising.

Do lots of pelvic floors even if it isn’t a prolapse - I’m sure you know this anyway - and if it is, get some advice from your midwife on if it might affect method of delivery.

Oh hang on, can you feel this outside your vagina or outside your anus?

It's definitely more at the front 😕 I was too scared to look to be honest

Am now suffering even more as I took a higher dose of Lactulose which seems to have given me stomach cramps, wind and needing to go every couple of hours.... Can't bloody win