Pregnancy constipation

[RG1121]

Oh my goddddd I am really really suffering with constipation! I'm eating loads of fruit and veg and goods with fibre but I'm really having a bad time!

I think I need to drink more water but I'm really struggling!

Does anyone have any advice for this? I know the general things like fiberous foods, water, exercise etc but any home remedies and anything to actually get things moving without it taking days on end?

I'm also taking one teaspoon of phsyllium husks with breakfast and hot stewed ginger, honey and lemon!

Oh god! I've been suffering since I was 7weeks and it's still not great (20 weeks now). I have a bag of dried prunes at the side of my bed, and will eat 2 daily. Honestly it helps a tonne! On days I forget to, it goes back to the previous pains I was having 😫

Prune juice if you can find any. I've also tried glycerin suppositories which work like a charm

I got given a bottle of the laxative lactulose (sp?) from the pharmacy and it worked well. My mum also told me to massage my jaw and keep my mouth open while I tried to go... it honestly, honestly helps! I have heard this also helps in labour so it must open everything up down there.
Yes, eat plenty of fruit. Kiwifruits are very good. Lots of water.

Dried figs are the only thing working for me. I’m 11 weeks. Never suffered with it before, but bloody hell, it’s bad! Hope you find a cure.

Another vote for lactulose, it’s fine to have while pregnant and breastfeeding. Will also be your friend when you have given birth and end up constipated/have no desire to push hard ‘down there’ for a couple of weeks (TMI but you will thank me)

I'm 23 weeks now and I did notice an improvement from about 18 weeks... I really struggled (and still do to some point) to drink enough water, the nausea was so bad early on that I just couldn't get it down me.

I got myself a pint glass at about 18 weeks and forced myself to drink 3 pints a day. I also started having a coffee in the morning after nausea went and these two things resulted in me going once every other day which was a massive improvement.

If I get lax with my 3 pints of water, it gets bad again.

I'm 6 weeks and I'm the same. I have lactulose prescribed from previously suffering from constipation. Mine is so bad it makes me bleed but the lactulose works wonders.

It's the worst! Still suffering now at 17 weeks. Lactulose really does help, was recommended by my midwife - I started off taking it twice a day, but now just do one dose in the evening. If I skip a day though I really notice! I tried lots of other things, Califig, dried apricots, prunes etc but find the lactulose most gentle and effective. Good luck!

I find exercise helps a lot.

I hate prunes but found the following work for me:

• 1/2 Tinned pears in juice most days
• bakes beans if I fancy them instead!

• Dulcolax stool-softening tablets are brilliant

Anyone suffering with constipation for the first time - try not to let it get bad, as it puts extra strain on pelvic floor and worsens hemmorhoids!

Thank you so much everyone! Lots of great tips and ideas here

Has anyone experienced spotting after straining to go? I’ve had this on two occasions and very worried despite an early scan yesterday showing everything fine and showing 6 weeks +5 approx.

Yoga! There’s loads of pregnancy yoga available on YouTube that you can do at home. Did the trick for me with lots of fibre and water xx

@Blueeyedgirrl81 yep me! I’m 27 weeks and had it since I was 6 weeks... been for a couple of urgent examinations and they can never find anything near my cervix. I’ve noticed it’s associated with bowel movements... I think all the vessels are plumped up down there and easily torn x

Big glass of warm water first thing then wait half an hour before you eat anything else.

Excercise, especially when it jiggles you about-running or skipping

Movecol!

You have my full sympathies it was the absolute worst thing about pregnancy for me and is not much talked about!

Dried apricots, kiwis a couple times a day or pears. 😁

Thanks @Siobhan1989. I should try not to worry. The doctor said not to worry, that it happens but I found it difficult to focus on anything after she showed me the screen and the heartbeat. Also difficult under the circumstances as I had to go alone and I never saw the doctor’s face behind her cap, glasses and mask. Scary times all around. I will try and relax.

Lactulose!! I struggled throughout pregnancy, and then about a week after DD was born and I was given iron tablets. I cannot even tell you the struggle, it was as bad as giving birth I swear. Trusty lactulose helped me though

@Blueeyedgirrl81 bless you... it is really frightening! And you did the right thing getting it all checked out. I was the same the first few times as well! It might stop (crossing my fingers for you) and as baby grows and you can feel them moving around you will feel better, even if you keep getting it! First trimester is full of anxiety (particularly now) take care of yourself xx

Vit C / 1000mg per day.

@Siobhan1989 I don’t know whether I should call the EPU again or just hope that it stops. Both incidents happened after straining so am hoping that it’s because of that. I should have paid more attention and asked more questions. I’m hoping that the heartbeat etc are a good sign that things are on the right track despite the bleeding. It was just a small amount.... xx

I would definitely call again if you are worried! They can ask specific questions and advise. If it’s just a little spotting then it’s unlikely to be anything to worry about! Unless it starts getting heavier or painful (I’m also a medical doctor btw) x

@Siobhan1989 I might call anyway. I have pain but I’m not sure if it’s constipation pain, normal pain or more sinister pain. I really appreciate you replying x

Definitely lots of fibre in your diet, you should be aiming for 30g a day! Bran flakes for breakfast every day is a start, jacket potato (with the skin) and baked beans, raspberries are full of fibre and go great in a smoothie with banana and apple juice. Definitely up your water intake; aim for at least 2ltr a day if not more. The more water in your system, the easier it’ll be to keep your stool soft which makes it easier to go.
And if you really need to, then lactose is a safe bet, as are glycerin suppositories. Dulcolax isn’t supposed to be safe I don’t think in pregnancy. That’s what my consultant said anyway.