Constipation in second pregnancy

[mamablondie2]

I’m really suffering and just wondered has this happened to anyone else. I’m actually becoming concerned I may have a prolapse from my previous birth.

Had no consultation at all first pregnancy but have suffered with it for 2+ years since I had DC1 and it’s been especially bad this pregnancy. I eat a lot of fibre, fruit and veg without effort so I know it’s not diet related even though this is all I’m ever told when I bring it up.

Concerned that childbirth is going to make it worse, and not getting listened to when I raise it. Experiences/suggestions welcome I’m so down with it now. X

• no constipation in first pregnancy that should say

Hey,
I'm going through the exact same thing. I'm 19 weeks and it's terrible! Really getting me down!

I called my midwife this morning to ask what I take to help and she said I need to speak to my GP which is impossible to get an appointment for!

I'm so worried about prolapse as the constipation has already given me piles (sorry TMI 🙈) even though my first pregnancy was 10 years ago. I feel your pain, it's horrible 😞

When I had really bad constipation around 14-15 weeks I was prescribed fybogel - apparently this is pretty much the only safe constipation relief for pregnancy. You can buy it in a pharmacy or supermarket. Disgusting sludgy stuff but did seem to help after a couple of days. Lots of sympathy, it's horrible!

Hi, my story isn't quite the same as this is my first pregnancy but I have had constipation from 5 weeks (9+3 now). I also had it while on the pill so I think I'm quite prone to it, but it's worse now. Increasing my fibre intake had helped but not much (and I believe it is possible to have too much fibre and that can be counterproductive?)

Sorry, I don't have much advice. Have spoken to midwife who stressed it was only okay to take stool softeners, which add water to the stool, not laxatives, as these can induce contractions. I haven't tried anything yet though sister from more fibre and staying hydrated.

@LolaSparkle I have the same thing. Also impossible to make a birth plan right now as I’ve had no assessment of this, I’m worried another vaginal would make it worse.

@Shuckle I’ve not heard of that but will look into it thanks. They just keep giving me lactilouse which isn’t really all that helpful x

@mamablondie2 I'm just petrified of a vaginal delivery too, even though I always thought I had good pelvic floor based on having to hold my bladder through the IVF process 😂

Well I've had a callback from my Midwife who said I needed to speak to my GP, finally got a call back from my GP and she has prescribed me a laxative sachet (think it's called Laxicane) and then some different hemarroid cream 🙈 fingers crossed it helps!

On a seperate note, there's also nothing I can take for my hayfever which also sucks! 😭

Dulcoease stool softening tablets are amazing, especially if you hate drinking fybogel like I do! I think most big supermarkets should have them. They are gentle and work slowly.

Stool softening suppositories are great for emergencies

Diet wise, sometimes lots of vegetable fibre can make things worse. For me, regularly eating baked beans and tinned pears (both things I don’t hate!) has really helped.

If you get piles (we all do!!!) I have found coconut oil helpful to help push everything back in and keep the area more comfortable

X