Bowel issues in early pregnancy

[Nattasi]

Ladies, I would appreciate any advice on this.

I’m roughly 7 weeks pregnant. This is a very much wanted pregnancy. The last 2 weeks have been hell! I’ve been in soo much pain. The GP referred me to the EPU and thankfully all looked normal. They put it down to digestive issues.

I’m really struggling. One minute I feel constipated the next I have diarrhoea (sorry tmi). Im also experiencing trapped wind at times. I feel in constant pain and worry. I’m finding it really difficult to function day-to-day and I dread eating, because I’m anticipating the effects of it. I’ve tried fybrogel, which didn’t help. I’ve spoken to GP for the 4th time in a week and they’ve prescribed Lactulose. It’s still early, but I’m not really seeing an improvement. I’ve changed my diet to a high fibre, I’m drinking peppermint tea. I’m trying anything to help.

During the day and night, I’m sat for long periods on the toilet, in great discomfort, which is having an impact on my job.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Try a probiotic drink.
My guts became very unsettled and adding yakult in daily really helped calm them down again.

So sorry that I cannot offer any practical help with this (also tried all sorts from the GP, as well as various dietary changes, to no effect), but I just want to say I 1000% feel your pain. During my first trimester there was absolutely no part of my digestive system that was cooperating. Between diarrhea and piles, awful acid reflux, and stomach cramps, I felt like I would never feel better, and also began to resent mealtimes. And no-one seemed to believe me, as other people had apparently only had this in the third trimester?

Around the 14 week mark things did improve (it may even happen sooner for you). FYI this is my first pregnancy that has made it this far, so the above may not be news to you at all if you've had other pregnancies. Do speak to your work about it if it helps, as they might be able to accomodate your needs in some way. I didn't tell mine I was pregnant as I didn't feel comfortable doing so, just that I was having tummy problems. Hope things improve for you soon

It’s the blasted hormones I’m afraid. What you’ve described is exactly how I feel the first two days of my period.

It should ease by 14 weeks when the placenta takes over.

Healthy diet, peppermint, lots of water x

I've had this exact issue but for me it's been in the 3rd trimester. I'm not sure which have these have worked for me, but one of them has so I'm continuing to take them until my baby is due (1st May). One Actimel probiotic first thing in the morning followed by one Bisodol indigestion relief tablet and one Rennie Deflatine tablet (all of which are safe to take in pregnancy). I then repeat the tablets in the evening before bed too. It's been a week since I started taking everything. My bowel movements have been normal everyday and I'm not having to worry about what I'm eating. Hope this helps x

I have had this throughout my pregnancy, alternating constipation and diarrhea. I've been in constant pain and I'm 15 weeks now. I don't believe it's going to ease so I'm just putting up with it.
I'm drinking lots of water and find a walk helps to ease the pain a little.

Another one here who can't offer help but is here with you in solidarity and looking for answers.

Hoping it eases up in 2nd trimester :)

Are you taking any pregnancy vitamins? I found that the iron in those caused constipation and then diarrhoea. The constipation didn't entirely go away, but eating 5/6 prunes after dinner really helped me.

I had this all through first trimester and it was horrid - never did find the solution but I haven't tried everything other people listed. If it helps it started to ease off around 16 weeks and I am now having a relatively straightforward 3rd trimester - still get the alternating constipation/diarrhoea but it's nowhere near as severe and only painful once a week or so and is completely liveable. I hope it starts to improve. Good luck.

Try taking Symprove on an empty stomach in the morning and also bone broth (I get mine from Spring online). This should really sort out your digestion and the broth is v nourishing for you and baby.
I am 9 weeks and have been very constipated. I am just trying to incorporate fruit and veg as much as poss, and eat some prunes after meals if I remember.
I had to take lactulase like you - it worked pretty quickly for me, took 15ml in the morning and then another 15ml after lunch and boom 🤯

I'm having these exact symptoms alongside bad stomach cramps. I've put it down to hormones as it happened almost as soon as I got pregnant.