Constipation

[LunaDreams]

Hi all,
I'm currently 14+3 weeks with my first pregnancy and really struggling with constipation. Have had 1 x very small bowel movement in about 8 days and am now in a bit of pain with it.

I drink loads of water (6+litres a day), eat loads of fibre and have taken Fibre-gel for past 3 days with no affect. It's really getting me down now.

I obviously can't call GP or midwife over BH weekend and was told last week that Fibre-gel would do the trick. Has anyone got any other successful recommendations or know of any other constipation relief medication that is safe to take in pregnancy?

Flaxseeds work really well for me, you can get milled flaxseeds from all the big supermarkets. Mix a heaped tablespoon in with whatever you fancy, cereal, yogurt, smoothie etc. Make sure you drink at least a pint of water after eating the flaxseeds.

Try and hot lemon water in the morning half an hour before you eat (might be too late if you’ve had breakfast but try it anyway), dried prunes, prune juice, dried apricots or dried figs, an apple, fresh pulpy orange juice.
Also lactulose you can buy over the counter I’d recommend going to the pharmacy now and getting some before they close for the next 2 days. It’s totally fine in pregnancy it’s basically just sugar. A combination of these things should help! 6 days is a long time though Is that normal for you x

Get yourself some lactulose OP!

@weealba

Flaxseeds work really well for me, you can get milled flaxseeds from all the big supermarkets. Mix a heaped tablespoon in with whatever you fancy, cereal, yogurt, smoothie etc. Make sure you drink at least a pint of water after eating the flaxseeds.

I’ve noticed whenever I eat oat porridge with fruits and flaxseeds and chia seeds I go to the toilet almost straight after. I was getting constipation for the first couple months of pregnancy too but it passed and now I’m going regularly thank god. Not sure if it’s the oats or the seeds but I find it helped me.

I find the days I get my heart rate up (yoga, gentle aerobics) has a huge impact on my bowel movements (compared with when I just walk). I’m certainly getting more and more tired trying to exercise but physically it seems to help a lot.

If you haven't gone over a week, I suggest enema or suppositories with a laxative effect. You really need to do something to go. And then, eat a kiwi after each dinner.

Try psyllium husk capsules from holland and barrett, all natural and safe. works well for me x

Water, fibre, dried fruit, orange juice

Moving around rather than sitting still

Speak to your midwife again if Fybogel isn't working

If you are in a lot of pain call 112

111 not 112 or out of hours gp

I heard prune juice is also supposed to help. I bought it and when I tried it, I wanted to throw up. It’s disgusting 🤢 (not helping LOL)

If you can get hold of some movicol through out of hours services it's absolutely amazing stuff

Prune juice !! I’m having a glass every day and it is working wonders ... quite an acquired taste .. but not too unpleasant once you get used to it :)

I find eating oranges helps. Also chia seeds as they have a lot of fibre.

Thanks everyone.

I managed to get my hands on some Lactulose today which has really helped 🙏.

Will try other dietary stuff alongside so I'm not totally reliant on that.

Thanks for all your help! X