Constipation

aeskins740

Ok ladies, I know I'm not the only one suffering. I am 12 weeks 1 day and have been suffering from constipation since week 5. I eat lots of fruits and veggies, drink only water and I've been taking a fiber/calcium prenatal each day. The constipation seems to be getting worse. My doctor recommended a stool softeners and that caused extreme cramping. My stomach constantly feels like I'm about to have diarrhea but nothing happens. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

My obgyn recommended an enema but I'm too scared to try that (I heard a lot of people say to not do that when pregnant.) I am beginning to feel helpless and not enjoying my pregnancy one bit. Can anyone recommended something that’s worked for them. And please don’t tell me to drink more water or eat more fresh fruits, I’ve been doing that since the beginning.  

 

Par13

It seems like you've tried it all, so I'm really sure what to suggest.

Have you tried prunes? Does your prenatal contain iron? That could be increasing your constipation. Also, have you tried walking or exercising to try and get things moving?

I hope that you're feeling better soon! FWIW, I felt terrible in my 1st tri, but once I hit 2nd tri, things got a lot better.

annmarie714

If your dr suggests it, I think they know more than random people or friends/family.  They DID go to school for a long time to be properly trained in how to adequately care for an expecting mother.

Another remedy: Warm up prune juice, add butter (it will melt), and milk of magnesia.  Don't go too far from the toilet after you drink it.

Par13

I thought of another thing - have you tried probiotics at all? Maybe that could help get your gut flora back to normal. I bought some from Giant Eagle pharmacy (it was refrigerated) and it seemed to help.

aeskins740

@Par 13, before I got pregnant I was very active. I ran at least four times a week and exercised for at least a half hour each day. Once I hit week 6 of pregnancy I was so sick I stopped working out altogether. After reading your response I went to the gym and within minutes of finishing my workout I had to use the restroom! So thank you for that advice. I also switched my prenatal brand (which I believe was contributing greatly due to the high amount of iron.)

Also in response to the probiotic I have been taking a refrigerated version since through-out my pregnancy. It does seem to help. :-)

@ AnnMarie- That is an interesting remedy, I will have to try it if things get worse in the next two trimesters.

Thanks again ladies!

jbatch

I second the milk of magnesia.. I didn't go to the bathroom for a week after having my baby and took that and cleared me right up!