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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Constipation

6 replies

millie1 · 05/03/2008 09:58

That dreaded subject! Does anyone know whether Califig syrup is safe to take during pregnancy please? It contains Senna.

TIA

OP posts:
threestars · 05/03/2008 10:34

I don't know, but I DO know that Sennakot is ok for pregnancy, it says it on the box.
I sympathise with you - constipation has blighted my pregnancy!!

mistlethrush · 05/03/2008 10:36

I always had a packet of nice dried figs and / or dried prunes in the cupboard which I would snack on whenever it was appropriate (or on and off when I felt like it more like ). Never needed anything else.

Original poster
millie1 · 05/03/2008 11:09

Oh thanks .... I'm in agony with stomach pains and will go have a hefty dose of the stuff now (ugh!). And will stock up on dried fruit.

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PrettyCandles · 05/03/2008 11:16

Are you taking iron supplements? The standard NHS-prescribed stuff, iron sulphate aka ferrous sulphate, is notorious for causing constipation (it also turns your poo black). If so, switch to gentle iron/iron bisglycinate/ferrous bisglycinate, which you can get at a healthfood shop.

Putting uncooked olive oil on your food is very helpful - say a teaspoonful at every meal. Also munching prunes, dried apricots, fresh or dried figs. Lactulose is also gentle and can be taken regularly. Drink lots of water. Some people need to avoid apples, bananas, and carrots.

Products containing Senna can be quite rough on the system, but once you've got yourself going, so-to-speak, then take some of the stuff I've mentioned to keep yourself regular.

mistlethrush · 05/03/2008 12:32

You can also try carob rather than iron supplements - also available in wholefood shops - I use the powder and add a teaspoon to breakfast, or a yoghurt or something. (can get bars, but powder doesn't have all the other things added as well)

Original poster
millie1 · 05/03/2008 15:55

Thanks PrettyCandles & Mistlethrush. Have recently started on iron but am taking Spatone which doesn't cause constipation. I'm prone to it at the best of times but this is lethal at the moment. Can hardly walk with the pain in my side and am now beginning to wonder whether I might have pulled something to be causing so much pain.

Am going to give the dried fruit a go regardless just need to stock up.

Thanks again.

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