Constipation 26 weeks

[Miepp]

Not the nicest topic, but has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Since having my first baby, I’ve struggled with what’s been diagnosed as IBS. I’ve had to stick to a low FODMAP diet or I end up with bouts of diarrhoea and awful stomach cramps.

This time round though (I’m 26 weeks pregnant with my second), it’s the complete opposite with lots of constipation. I’m still able to go most days, but only a bit (if that makes sense!).

Over the last month, I’ve had two episodes of really bad tummy pain that feel like period cramps/contractions. The first time it happened I went to triage, and both times I’ve ended up going to the toilet loads during these episodes. It’s honestly so painful!

I’m just not sure if it’s my body reacting to being constipated… like it’s going into overdrive with spasming, or if it could be something pregnancy related. It doesn’t feel quite like my usual IBS symptoms, but I’ve never really had the constipation side of it before. Triage didn’t have much insight when I went in! & getting hold of my community midwife is so difficult.

I reckon the GP could give much more useful guidance about this than the community midwife, could you try to make an appointment with the GP? Sounds really unpleasant for you and not something you want to be dealing with alongside the other tricky aspects of pregnancy, hope you get it sorted soon <3

Do you use a squatty potty? Anything that raises your feet up whilst sitting on the loo will help. The only time I had horrendous constipation was when I was pregnant. I don't have IBS though. Yes, diet, fruit/fibre, walking etc helps, but the position you sit on the loo has much more of an affect IMO.