Constipation in pregnancy

[anotheronettc]

Hi guys,
Bit of a TMI question but I don't think any of us care about that right ha.
So I'm 29 weeks. I've been on progesterone pessaries since 24 weeks as I have a slightly short cervix, this is supposed to slow shortening. Anyway, they've given me constipation from HELL. I eat a lot of fruit and veg and drink a lot of water but this week I felt like my stool was too large to pass. Couldn't get it out for about four days until I finally resorted to (stop reading if your me grossed out) using my finger to dig some out. I got a fair amount but it's not all out and I am so uncomfortable. I've taken 5 or 6 movicol sachets in the last 12 hours and have had a ton of water. Nothing.

When should I be worried here... pregnancy is so fun !

Same thing happened in my last pregnancy with progesterone pessaries, same outcome with vaseline in the end. Currently 16 weeks and have them again, it's horrible isn't it. I'm having prune purees before bed and the midwife recommended I buy some lactulose over the counter, which I'm going to do tomorrow, but seem to remember it making me quite gassy when I've used it outside of pregnancy 😳 what dosage are you on?

God it's awful! Especially the added fear of straining with a short cervix. I just went to the pharmacy and asked for movicol which is safe in pregnancy - I'm on 7 sachets now and nothing so I assume I'm impacted. I havent spoken to my midwife as previously they just say ask at the pharmacy. I pray this stuff works! If it does then I'll let you know.. then you know how much to take if you are really stuck (excuse the pun)! X

Thanks @anotheronettc will definitely be good to know if it works. I was also on them from 24 weeks last time, so was gutted when they put me on them earlier this time, even though I know it's for a good reason, they did keep my cervix stable though and I went to term if that helps you feel better about the bloody things :)

Do ask your GP or midwife as I found (sorry TMI) that if the poo was stuck in my actual bottom, or near it, glycerine suppositories were a God send! Just check though as don't know if they'd not recommend it with your cervix.

Hope you get some umm relief soon.

Just come to say glycerin suppositories are your new best friend! Safe in pregnancy. Push one up lay on your side for twenty mins and keep it in ignore the feeling to go for twenty mins honestly the relief!!

Thanks ladies I've asked the consultant if I can use a suppository as nothing yet!

I’m another recommending lactulose in pregnancy. I wasn’t so much constipated (I could feel it was there) but I just couldn’t go. The lactulose softened things up and is quite mild so safe. I also took it after birth for the first toilet trips!

Hi OP I was on a ridiculous amount of progesterone throughout 2/3 of my pregnancy as part of my tailored IVF program. Pessaries twice a day, 400mg each time and then an injection daily. I had severe constipation it was so uncomfortable and no over the counter sachets worked for me. A friend suggested prune juice and this became my best friend! might not work for you but maybe worth a try....get a decent one and you may have movement!

OH MY GOD GLYCERINE SUPPOSITORY HALLELUJAH. 5 mins and it worked. Thank you sooooo much ladies. Hope this helps someone else.
Prune juice and all the things will be added to my daily diet as well!

Did the consultant prescribe them? Will make a note of it for my appointment next week :)

No @annlee3817 but I called the medicom tonight and spoke to a midwife as my consultant didn't get back to me and the gp couldn't speak to me for another day and I was desperate! I just did it and in my mind taking that is better than straining for hours! The midwife said they are fine in pregnancy so I have no regrets ! Xx

Update for anyone interested. The glycerine suppositories worked a bit. My initial relief was short lived as I realized it only moved a tiny bit. I called my gp who called the obstetrician who said progesterone doesn't cause constipation....(!), clearly all of us women are lying. So I'm not on microlax enemas. Loving life