Senna

[Overtiredmum]

Can you take natural senna tablets for constipation? Am 32 weeks now, am currently trying fibogel and prunes (yuck!) but am getting desperate and may have to resort to a rocket!!!!!!!!

I don't think so, sorry. Keep with the prunes!

Its so frustrating!! Had constipation early on in pregnancy and managed to sort it, have been great since then, reach third trimester and not only does constipation return, but also so has the morning sickness!! Arrrrrggghhhhhhh never had any of this last time when pg with DS. Bran flakes is usually really good for me, but am worried about adding to the "congestion". Plus, probably sounds really daft, so worried about pushing too hard in case baby plops out instead!!

Try sprinkling some linseed (you can get it in the supermarket, usually with the health food stuff, or with the nuts and sunflower seeds and things like that) on your cereal/yogurt or add it to baking. It worked like a dream for me in both pgs and it's also very good for you - lots of omega 3s, so your baby will probably be EVER so clever.

Have you tried ground/milled flax seed? Sprinkle a couple of table spoons on your cereal. Tastes not bad and provides good omega 3&6 too. Working for me so far this pg!

Haven't tried Senna though, sorry.

!! x post midnight! See, it must be good!

x-posts princessB (flax isthe same as linseed, I think)

I'll defo try and get some then, I am so regular that I just hate it even when its only 2 days I haven't been, am such a worrier!

Am 33 weeks and had first bout of constipation a few days ago. I have in the past taken a couple of senna tablets for constipation in pregnancy so did so again. The box has the usual guff about not being recommended in pregnancy but without anything specific. It did the trick but the resulting griping is not entirely pleasant I must admit. I think from now on I will try and focus on a more fibrous diet, reduce the carbs a bit and plenty of fluids!

PS Found this useful advice from the NHS library:

"Dietary measures, including an adequate fluid intake, should be advised first-line to prevent or treat constipation in pregnancy.
Regular light or moderate exercise can also be helpful. [my constipation coincided with me stopping running]
Laxatives should be considered only if dietary measures fail:
A bulk-forming laxative is a reasonable first choice.
If stools remain hard, add or switch to lactulose or a macrogol.
If stools are soft but the woman still finds them difficult to pass or complains of inadequate emptying, consider a short course of bisacodyl or senna.
Occasional use of glycerol or bisacodyl suppositories are also an option...

Senna is partially absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but does not appear to be teratogenic. Concerns have been raised that senna should be avoided in the third trimester because a stimulating effect on uterine contractions has been reported with other anthraquinone derivatives. However, this has not been reported with senna."

It's rank, but prune juice is better than senna, IMHO. I mix it with water and take a glass down in one. Magically works within five mins for me!