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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

constipation straining and miscarriage link?

20 replies

EllieMae33 · 31/12/2023 18:00

I'm 12 weeks pregnant. I have really bad constipation. I really need to go but it just won't come out and when I can go it burns and hurts so much. The pain last all day. Today I really struggling pushing and eventually had no option to bite through the pain and use a glove to remove the stool. I'm sorry if this is disgusting but there was no other way it wasn't coming out with pushing. Sometimes it's too hard and today it was way too soft lime half poo half diarrhea.

I was googling and read this article it says this can cause a miscarriage now I'm freaking myself out https://www.vinmec.com/en/news/health-news/obstetrics-gynecology-and-assisted-reproductive-technologies-art/constipation-should-push-during-pregnancy/

Constipation should push during pregnancy?

Constipation is the phenomenon of having dry, hard stools, wanting to go but not being able to, gas pushes all the stool out and has to push hard when having a bowel movement. This is a common phenomenon in most pregnant women, but is not pathological....

https://www.vinmec.com/en/news/health-news/obstetrics-gynecology-and-assisted-reproductive-technologies-art/constipation-should-push-during-pregnancy

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Mxflamingnoravera · 31/12/2023 18:41

Use a mild laxative?

cosylife · 31/12/2023 18:47

I had the worst constipation with my first pregnancy and no issues at all. I don’t think that source is a medical or scientific paper?

Have some prune juice and lots of fruit 😊

RJ2023 · 31/12/2023 19:24

Buy a "Squatty Potty" to raise your feet when you are on the toilet, or improvise your own using a step / pack of toilet rolls etc.!

Speaking as somebody who suffers from horrific constipation that is a massive help for me :)

App13 · 31/12/2023 19:33

Don't use a laxative! Its dangerous !

Drink hot water and walk... drink loads of hot water and walk

Noorandapples · 31/12/2023 19:52

Go to your GP. They can prescribe a pregnancy safe laxative and painkillers, they can also help with whatever is causing it. Make sure you let your midwife know and if it persists on the run up to labour ask for laxatives before you go into labour because impacted stools can make it harder and more painful while pushing the baby out!

TinselTarTars · 31/12/2023 19:55

I had horrendous constipation with my first, to the point I couldn't even sit down. It continued after I had a c section, so I have total empathy. With my second, I took fybogel sachets from day 1 and never suffered.

StartedWithACrisp · 31/12/2023 20:21

drink loads more water, especially warm water and teas. Salad and hummus helps a lot, soft fruits like bananas, peaches, berries. Get it all down you!

SH998 · 31/12/2023 21:06

Ask your GP to prescribe fybogel, take 2 a day and after a few days it should become easier.

LizzeyBenett · 31/12/2023 21:12

Use a stool softener nothing in it harmful it's basically sugar or even just drink sugar water .

Utini · 31/12/2023 21:15

App13 · 31/12/2023 19:33

Don't use a laxative! Its dangerous !

Drink hot water and walk... drink loads of hot water and walk

Stimulant laxatives aren't recommended but there are some that are safe for use in pregnancy, such as lactulose and macrogol based ones (movicol / laxido / cosmocol).

Mumoftwo1312 · 31/12/2023 21:23

Constipation is really common in pregnancy and I've never heard it being linked to miscarriage before. You can take lactulose (I mean ask your midwife for peace of mind but I was encouraged to take it).

If you're on iron supplements or pregnancy multivitamins then it does cause constipation. Lactulose plus plenty of water should work after a while.

Thankyouthankyoujellybean · 31/12/2023 22:02

It's not linked to miscarriage and that source is horribly written i.e. not a reliable source at all. It's not backed up by studies or any sort of research. Ignore.

Straining to poo is linked to prolapse though, so do seek help.

PurplePansy05 · 31/12/2023 22:05

It's likely your constipation is due to progesterone, OP. It's not uncommon.

Lots of water, lots of walking, stretch out a bit and have some prunes/prune juice. Also lots of fibre. If this doesn't help, get a GP appointment in the new year.

driftingdownintomiami · 31/12/2023 22:09

Lactulose is fine, get some prescribed as not sure if you can buy online. It takes a few days to work though in my experience! I suffered terribly too.

driftingdownintomiami · 31/12/2023 22:09

I meant over the counter, not online 😂

AntiHop · 31/12/2023 22:14

Cosmocol is magic stuff. You can take it daily long term, but as you're pregnant, talk to your doctor.

Mumoftwo1312 · 31/12/2023 23:11

You can buy lactulose without a prescription! I got my FIL to pick some up for me, he said it was no bother they just handed it over.

Babybaby09 · 31/12/2023 23:48

Hate to say it but my constipation started the same time as yours and has only got worse so you will be better off trying to get on top of it now. My best remedies have been plenty of fruit, orange juice, a few prunes each morning and drink 3 litres of water. If that fails the gp can prescribe a safe laxative. I’ve never heard it can cause miscarriage though as constipation is super common in pregnancy. At worst the straining might make you bleed a bit.

Outliers · 01/01/2024 01:25

Take a break from the vitamins, they tend to cause constipation.

Mxflamingnoravera · 01/01/2024 01:56

Squatty potty is one of the most useful things I own. I need to make sure that it goes into my medical records that it's essential for me to have a poo, if I'm ever in a care setting.

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