Lactulose dosage

[RMarieClaire]

Just wondered how much and how often others took or are taking lactulose? I'm 30 weeks and I've been struggling with constipation - and all the joys that come with it - since about 8 weeks in. My midwife suggested I try lactulose because she also prescribed Iron supplements, which can make things worse. But it's not really making any difference, after 5 days. I'm taking 15ml in the morning and 15ml in the evening. Should I be taking more?

Any other tips on how to ease the issue? I already drink lots of water and eat lots of fibre, including several prunes every morning. It's led to piles and it's making me really nervous about labour :(

Oh, pregnancy.

Rather than increase the lactulose i would change the iron pills if they are the ones from the doctor. Get some other like ferrugloblin or spatone (check with the midwife first). The docs iron pills bunged me up no end, I switched to spatone and the problem resolved without need for lactulose.

Daily fybogel in the evening if you take iron tablets. It is safe to use in pregnancy and I think it’s more effective than lactulose but it would be worth asking the pharmacist if there is something you could take first to shift the existing blockage! Good luck.

I would speak to your gp, I find laxido (or movicol) far more effective.

That doesn’t sound like a lot!

My DC 6m at the time was on 5ml. My cousin who was 13 was on 40ml.

It would seem odd that as an adult you’d get less than that?

OP like you I was having 15ml morning and night. I've since switched to taking the full 30ml in the morning which seems to be more, ahem, effective :) I also have a glass of Fybogel in the morning, and am just about managing to stay regular, some days more comfortable than others but the whole dose in one go seems to have helped.

The bottle I have in front of me states three 5ml spoonfuls twice a day. Though I keep forgetting to take the second lot of 3.
That is intrusions from MY doctor though. Please check with your own.

15ml twice daily is a good starting dose, even for adults. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids too. You could increase this but lactulose can give you flatulence, nausea and cramping so just see how it goes.

When I was constipated I found lactulose didn't help, seemed to make my bowel even slower and the poo cane out in small soft amounts rather than one thing.. sorry Tmi!

I find natural us better.. lots of veg, fruit for breakfast, keep hydrated and a couple of walks. If I miss my walk, I get constipated!

Op did you have any joy with the lactulose? I've just started it yesterday and today and it's given me really bad trapped wind 😖 my stomach has gone massive and hard from all the wind and desperate to go! Sorry tmi 😖 I'm 10 weeks x