tmi- constipation & pregnancy

[AngelMum1]

Sorry for a tmi post--

good morning, this is very embarrassing to post for me however no one else to ask.

I'm now 12+6 weeks pregnant, I don't open bowels regularly(sorry), usually once a week, however this is normal for me, but for the last 24 hours I've been struggling to pass this stool only a very small amount has passed, I'm on cyclogest Pessarie twice daily however I couldn't (vaginaly) insert one last night as I could feel the movement, I'm aware there two separate areas but that is how low down it is. Does any one have any ideas on how to help pass the stool? As I feel it is stuck and everytime I go bathroom it wants to release however is very painful and I'm nearly in tears and won't release. I've upped my water intake and tried pure orange juice I also don't eat fruit or veg. Im also on 150mg asprin and clexane injections. Could any of these medications be why im struggling to pass movement it hasn't been this bad for a long time. Thanks for any advice or tips on how to help

[Habibi87]

Hi AngelMum, I think constipation is quite common in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes, particularly progesterone. I found that dried prunes and prune juice really helped. You can also buy a squatting toilet stool, which better positions your colon and reduces straining. It’s really good towards the end of pregnancy and post giving birth. You can also call your midwife who can suggest a stool softener suitable in pregnancy. Xx

[AngelMum1 in reply to Habibi87]

Thank you, I called 111 early hours due to the pain and my gp has prescribed something so hopefully this helps as I don't like prune so thought I'd try all I knew but will keep all this in mind thank you

[PenguinBlue]

hello, obviously fruit and veg will help (especially fibrous ones) and prunes / dried apricots also help. If you don’t like these then I’d suggest a stool softener, lactulose or fybogel. All of these will help also (and have been recommended by my midwife). Bran flakes are also really good to help move things along.

I will just mention that it will possibly get worse as baby gets bigger and squashes your intestines further making it take a long time for food to get through your system, particularly in your 3rd trimester. A healthy diet will help keep things moving throughout your pregnancy and mean you won’t face a similar issue as you get bigger (in my first pregnancy I had this issue even with a fairly good diet and would not wish this on anyone) All the best x

[AngelMum1 in reply to PenguinBlue]

Thanks you, yes I've now got laxative that was prescribed by gp as I'm very high risk anyway I only normally suffer this after birth or did in my previous ones anyway so it's new to me as I'm trying my hardest not to stress and thinks to help this pregnancy stay (multiple loss) I will try the flakes though to see if they help keep things moving naturally thanks you

[Bozo_the_pumpkin]

Hi, I had very bad constipation during my pregnancy and took fybogel which you can get at the pharmacy

[Crazycatladyjones]

Glycerine suppositories my midwife told me were safe and good and they worked a wonder👍you can get them in chemists or I was able to get them in superdrugLactulose did nothing to help me and I eat very well diet but nthing would help it its all to do with the hormone levels x hope you get some relief as nothing worse.

[StarsAllAround]

Drinking lots of water more than what you would usually drink, eating extra fibre and prunes can all help. Your GP can also prescribe a pregnancy safe stool softer.

[Stargirl26]

Hi - I found taking Lactulose (liquid stool softener) really helped me. Hope you feel much better soon

[Emdog87]

I hope you’re feeling better. I really struggled with constipation in my 2nd pregnancy which resulted in really painful piles. The good news is constipation is only common in early pregnancy so should ease off later on.

I used the Fybogel sachets, they really helped me and you can buy them from the supermarket. Also eating 2/3 kiwis a day also helped. Blended up in a smoothie.

X

[Seb9]

Have you tried the sugar free gummy bears from Amazon? Even if you don't buy them. I'd highly recommend reading some of the comments if just for a giggle 😉