Constipation Relief - Third Trimester

[sunshinecitrus1]

Hi!

Really struggling with constipation at the moment at 31 weeks… Any recommendations on over the counter relief I could buy that has worked for you? I go away next week and want to take something with me to help if I struggle.

Thanks Xo

Tesco value/miss Molly midget gem sweets worked for me, discovered by accident but came in handy when the iron in the prenatal vitamins got a bit much. Theyre really gentle and taste much nicer than the OTC medicines, especially if morning sickness is a problem. Start with 10-15 and see how you go, lol. Good luck xxx

Flax seeds daily
Fresh orange juice
Lactose is safe to take and provably the most quickest and effective way to keep things moving... lots of water and pepperMint tea before
Bed helps me... I'm 31
Weeks too and have same problem!! Hope you feel better soon xx

Sorry lactolose x

Thanks for your replies ladies

@mlgriffo I have heard of lactulose, going to get some tomorrow, thanks! Sorry to hear you are struggling too… Hope you feel better soon! Xo

A kiwi a day helps also

Depending how bad the constipation is, I found that movocol and syrup of figs were a magical combination when I was in dire straits…

Thanks for the tips ladies!

@mlgriffo Got some lactulose today… How long did you take it for? Was it just as and when you needed it? My bottle says about taking 2 x 5ml spoonfuls daily but didn’t know how long for for it to be effective!

I'm behind you but having this issue too eurgh. I do still take an anti-sickness med tho which has constipation as a side effect, as I'm still not fully recovered from the HG.

A close relative of mine is a pharmacist and recommends lactulose. I haven't tried it yet as holding out to try and get on top of it with more fibre in my diet and more water. Haven't had major problems yet although I suspect from the feel and from bleeding I probably have a haemerroid or two already eurgh.

@MeadowHay It's horrible hey! I got some lactulose today, just taken my first dose so will be interested to see if it helps. I really hope you are able to hold out and hopefully feel better without having to buy some!

@sunshinecitrus1 I take it as and when needed however I'm sure I read a post where it could be taken daily if needed (but defo check with midwife first) it usually works super quick for me so fingers crossed for you xx

Heya!
Third trimester and suffering from constipation the whole way through. To add salt to the wound I've also been put on iron tablets which also make you constipated! Not so fun,

Whats really helped me is drinking a lot more fluid, changing everything to wholemeal, having some dates, and taking laxatives prescribed from doctors if i feel like i really need it!
Try not to sit down for too long (easier said than done at this point)
Saying this it's pretty similar to what the other women have been messaging but thought I would add my two cents in !

Hope you have some happy pooping soon!

(Laxitives i am on is Laxido)

No advice on anything you could take but I have weetabix every morning. Was away at the weekend and wasn’t having it.. could tell the difference by the second day! It makes a big difference.. if it’s bad two in the morning and two before bed

GO EASY ON THE LACTULOSE. It bloody well works but take the minimum dose for at least 48h before upgrading! And drink a LOT of water with it. Also, prunes, grapes and tinned pears are brilliant for constipation.

Fybogel really worked for me. Morning and evenings. Lactulose was causing mad bowel sounds so embarrassing. You need to drink loads of water with it. Did not find it much help. increased fruit fibre and whole meal products made a huge difference

I have been using the lactulose for the last couple of weeks. I have been taking 2 x 5ml daily as per the label on the bottle I was prescribed. It makes things a little easier to go but I wouldn't say a massive difference. Usually, I go every other day, I am now going around every 3 days so although this may be my "new regular" for now, I expected the lactulose to make it a bit easier then it currently is. I may speak to my midwife when I see her next week and see what she recommends on the dosage. Xx

You can take 30ml of lactulose in one go with no issues. I find I need to do that to get things moving then can reduce the dose

I find eating a raw red pepper every day works for me. (A salad pepper, not a chilli pepper… although that would probably work too).

Loads of water.
Movicol from the GP. It's amazing stuff and has been great post birth for me to since giving birth has given me horrible piles

Thanks ladies for the advice!

A glass of fresh Orange juice a day helped me. 34 weeks now and got the opposite problem 🤦🏼‍♀️😳🤣 xx

Ladies I'm in first trimester but suffering terribly. I take Lactulose anyway due to iron tablets but finding it's stopped working? Any advice? I'm miserable as sin and just want a poo

@Mumoftwo2021 I have started drinking fresh orange as well so hoping that will help things like it has you!

@Sleepyquest Have you spoken with your midwife about this? She may be able to recommend something else / change your dosage etc. to make you feel more comfortable

Sleepyquest

Movicol on prescription. Worked really well for me

@Sleepyquest try the fresh orange, I have been on two iron tablets most of my pregnancy & it worked for me xx

Thanks all