Constipation relief

[inky1991]

Hi there

I appreciate this is the least glamorous post ever, but really need some advice

Im 33 weeks pregnant and have pretty much been constipated my entire pregnancy. I have been using glycerin suppositories throughout and they are basically the only way I can go for a number 2 now! I've tried fybogel and lactulose - didn't work. I eat enough fibre, and drink loads of water, and try to go for walks as much as possible but my SPD is making exercise near impossible now

I'm having a C Section in 6 weeks, and from what I hear constipation gets even worse then. Does anyone have any amazing advice on how to deal with this? Do prunes and prune juice really help? I'm getting so fed up with my bowels not working properly for months now, I'm so uncomfortable all the time 😞

Thanks in advance

Bran flakes in the morning is helping me to go. Not daily but I go more frequently than I used to at least. I only eat half a bowl, mixed with half Frosties to make it taste nice.

Try optibac pregnancy supplements, they add gut bacteria which should help in digestion. I have been using them for some time (after having years of digestive problems).

Movicol is the answer! Keep increasing the number of sachets until you get the desired result.
Worth trying with lactose to compliment. You will feel so much better when you're a bit more regular!

I totally feel you as I am also in the same club! Things that have made mine better: prunes, coffee, orange juice.
In my experience (in pregnancy, and as a GP) for most people, increasing soluble fibre (oats, fruits e.g prunes and pears, peas and lentils) tends to be better than insoluble fibre (bran flakes and weetabix type cereal, wholemeal pasta and rice). And drinking tons, like you are already.

Two weetabix morning and night have been my lifesaver in both pregnancies. I got a little cup to drink of something to help in hospital after my section but this time I swear I’m taking weetabix in with me! It was actually surprisingly fine though after it. I do remember the midwife asking (in front of my husband - we don’t talk about that topic 😳) if I’d ‘gone’ to the toilet yet and I think it was day 3 or something after the section. I remember I hadn’t and she was a bit worried about that but it must of happened around then. I drank orange juice too as someone had told me that helps and was downing bottles of water like there’s no tomorrow as I get bad urine infections at the best of times so really didn’t want one when I’d just had a section too. I’m having another one this time and it honestly doesn’t stand out as being traumatic so I’d say just eat all easy to digest stuff for the first few days!

@inky1991

I take Senna tablets before bed and Laxido to soften. Has helped me.
My doctor prescribed after constipation got worse due to iron tablets. I take 2 Laxido everyday now and Senna if I've not gone for 2-3 days and I go when I wake up. Laxido ensures it's soft and not painful, which you will definitely need to make sure after a c-section.

Good luck.

Thanks for all your replies. Will try some of your ideas