Am 23 weeks pregnant, bad constipation - what over-the-counter stuff can I get to help?

[ceebee74]

I am going shopping at lunchtime and really really need something to help my constipation.

I had it quite bad when I was pg with DS but got really confused messages about what was ok to take and what wasn't - so looking for the definitive answer from the wise MNer's

x

chemist gave me Lactulose solution when I went in and asked for a recommendation. Works well but takes a couple of days.

Lactulose.
But get some prune juice to drink too, and have a little each day to stop it happening again.

Thanks for the info.

Watsthestory - where would I get linseeds from? Would it be from a health food shop or do Boots sell them?

Dried apricots and dried figs are also really good. Don't go mad with them, or they will cause you to go the other way. 3 or 4 a day should be enough. I've been prescribed iron tablets which cause horrible consitpation and they seem to be doing the trick. Plus they've got the added bonus of being very high in iron.

Oh, definitely get prunes. personally, I found that actual medical stuff - laxatives - gave me the most horrific pain, far worse than childbirth I think (not that I've had my baby yet, ha, who knows?) But I have 3 prunes a day and they keep me lovely and regular!

Dried apricots, figs and liquiorice.

Yes, golden linseeds are fab (pre-cracked preferably), plus they have the added benefit of being packed with omega-3 fatty acids. I don't particularly like the taste of them, but they're ok whizzed up in a smoothie, or sprinkled on muesli.

Prunes! In hospitals in Ireland prune juice is given to people post surgery who are constipated. Realy works... sometimes too well!

Senocot Max Strength. Take a day or two to get going, but works a treat.

I know it's a cliche, but have you tried prunes? Worked wonders for me.