Tmi.. constipation in pregnancy

[Expectingfirstbaby23]

Sore, sad and embarrassed… I have been constipated throughout pregnancy but since turning 14 weeks it’s been getting worse . I get awful constipation cramps , then when I go I only get a tiny bit out and (tmi) the rest is stuck , have to suck it all back in and that hurts really bad that I can’t sit for a while or I’ll get bad pain in my pelvis as it makes it way back in , need some reassurance that this isn’t going to affect the baby in anyway by doing that (silly I know) but I’m a first time mum and don’t know what to do :(

Oh poor you lovely, this happened to me too. It won’t hurt the baby but can be really uncomfortable for you. I expect you have tried everything already, but have you focused on hydration, eating lots of fibre, things like prunes and dried fruit? I also find Chia seeds get me going. I’ve also noticed that pregnancy multivitamins bung me right up. Since you are over 12 weeks there is no recommendation to continue with the folic acid so you could try not taking them for a few days. Have you got a squatty potty? It really helps getting into the right position on the toilet.

It might be time to head to the pharmacist for some lactulose and fybogel to soften the stool…

I’m a few weeks passed you now and the constipation has all cleared up luckily so there is hope!

Also, sorry if this is a bit much, but I found sometimes if I put pressure on my perineum with clean toilet roll or put my fingers inside my vagina canal I could help start the process of getting the poo out and then my body would take over with the rest of it…

@Potatomashed oh I have never heard of doing that to get things going ! I’m at a loss , I’ve been keeping hydrated , eating plenty of fibre etc but just keep getting clogged up , it’s just worse when it’s half way out and stuck and won’t come out and having to suck it all back in which makes my tummy hurt so bad and I can’t even stand or sit till it’s fully back in again , wouldn’t wish it on enemy ! Is lactulose any good ? Does it need to be prescribed by a doctor ?

Oh I had this @Expectingfirstbaby23 and it was the worst, so you have my sympathy!
you can get lactose from a pharmacy with no prescription. I also recommend prunes and dried apricots, as well as trying to drink a lot of water.

Lactolose! Not lactose

Eat a whole melon. Honestly! It'll work.

@Omgwhatthehell perfect , gonna take a trip to the pharmacy!
@wibblewobbleball I don’t like watermelon, but it does sound nicer than prunes !

Senokot tablets work well.

@Expectingfirstbaby23 i asked my midwife the same thing, I’ve had it since my first positive test and I’m nearly 29 weeks now. I’ve had days where my stomach is in so much pain and cramping so I was really worried about the baby too! I take lactulose and try and eat lots of fruit and fibre but nothing seems to really work, think it’s just one of those things! Hopefully it gets better for you soon xx

Get to the chemist laculose will help !

Are you on iron tabs? I was vegetarian when pregnant and got put on them - one type gives you constipation and one doesn't - ferrous fumarate I think is the good one

As PP said, ludicrous amounts of water, copious fruit and veg, limit gloopy carbs like bread, cake, pasta etc. Have wholegrain versions of things so brown bread and rice, wholemeal pasta.

Have flax/linseed or chia seed soaked in water overnight then you drink it down - it goes slippy and helps. My breakfast is usually oats and chia soaked overnight in whatever milk you like, add yoghurt, nut and berries etc in the morning - totally botty blaster!

Lactulose and dried fruit too.

I know it's not always what you feel like when uncomfortable, but a good walk can help to move things along as the motion massages your guts. If you can't face that, get on your hands and knees and circle your hips around a bit.

It's nothing to be ashamed of, constipation in pregnancy is very common but not something people talk about much. It's sadly also common after birth so stock up on lactulose, dried fruit etc! I ended up with anal fissures due to constipation after birth once and I really, really do not recommend the experience.

You can also try massaging the reflexology points for digestion - under the arch of your foot - google it! Doesn't do any harm and feels nice anyway. If you can't reach, you could see a reflexologist or roll a ball (golf, tennis etc) under that part of your foot.

There was a video going viral ages ago about this. The lady said that she'd put a finger inside her V to help guide it out. Never tried, can't recommend myself but there were lots of doctors stitching the video saying as long as you aren't forcing it out, being rough and your hands are clean it's not dangerous to gently try.

@ChloeN that’s what I’m worried about surely sucking it all back in and it causing so much pain is good for baby but il take the reassurance lol ! It’s awful isn’t it :( thank you xx
@airmaxJ picking some up today fingers crossed !

thanks everyone ! No @AuntieJune no I’m not on iron tablets i take the spatone supplement 2 a day !

I found that eating a really ripe banana everyday massively helped with the constipation when I was in my first trimester or you could speak to the midwife/GP about laxatives

@Expectingfirstbaby23 I'm in the same boat, am currently 24 weeks and have been suffering from constipation since the first trimester. What has worked for me has been upping my water intake, taking Lactulose and, for the truly worst case scenarios (such as when I had to cancel an afternoon of work meetings as I couldn't leave the bathroom!), glycerin suppositories. The latter have been a life saver but I would say use sparingly and only when nothing else has worked.

I suffer from chronic constipation and can relate to this!

If you can't go, don't try too hard or sit there for too long - you don't want to end up with piles!

Hope you feel better soon.

I second a glycerol suppository on the worst days. They generally work in about 5 mins which I find amazing, but it's something you'll want to use at home!

Thank you everyone ! Thought I’d update
ended up having a bowl of weetabix with a glass of pure orange juice , and it helped me go ! The relief 🤣 thank u for all the tips !

Ah good news OP! Honestly melon is very helpful, any type, if you need it future!

I'm glad that's happened OP. I used to have a glass of prune juice a day for the rest of my second pregnancy due to constipation. It definitely helped and I even got used to the taste.

Glad you're feeling a bit better! Was just going to come on to say a daily bowl of weetabix seems to solve it for me. Also avoiding caffeine and multivitamins with iron unless you're anaemic as I find iron tablets can help to clog you up too!