Warning this may be TMI. please need some help!

Lahunha · October 2014

Ladies,

I have been having constipation issues since this pregnancy began. I have been taking Metamucil once a day and that seemed to be helping but lately it has been getting worse. The thing is this is my second child and i know every pregnancy is different but my goodness this sucks. With my first I didn't eat very healthy until I was told I had gestational diabetes. With this one I have been eating healthy all the time, I eat fruits, veggies, healthy protein and lots of fiber. I drink nothing but water, juice, and milk only. sigh I just don't know what to do any more, it's gotten to a point that I have gotten sick and have not appetite. I know stool softeners help but I had them when I first started the prenatal vitamins but it didn't seem to help now I am not on prenatals just folic acid. I really am at my wits end currently and don't know where to head from here.

Helenahhandbasket · October 2014

Call your doc.

They may reccomend a suppository if you are super constipated.

emmaandabean1 · October 2014

I had terrible problems with this as well. No amount of fiber helped. My midwife recommended fleet enemas as needed and I've had a lot of luck with Kombucha drinks (not all grocery stores have them but I know whole foods does).

Stephmichellep · October 2014

I'm not a medical professional and I would consider talking to your Dr like PP said. But could you maybe be taking in too much fiber? I've had that happen to me before and had the worst cramps bc I was so constipated from just taking in too much fiber in one day. (This was pre pregnancy though) So if you're eating a high fiber diet and taking Metamucil daily, maybe it's just too much? Just an idea though, I hope it gets better for you!

Everyusernameistaken · October 2014

Prune juice helped me! Agree you should talk to your doc though. Feel better, it sucks!

Unknown · October 2014

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Alygohome · October 2014

Prunes. Every day. Eat one or two in the morning and one or two before bed.

thejucheidea · October 2014

My coworkers swear by warm Dr Pepper. But also call your doctor.

foxslaw · October 2014

Unfortunately for me, due to my history of bulimia, chronic constipation is something I dealt with pre-pregnancy. Fortunately for you, that means I have some awesome tips!

1) peppermint tea is a lifesaver. Just double check with your obgyn (mine is fine with it)

2) oatmeal, oatmeal, oatmeal (also Greek yogurt, try eating at least one yogurt full of probiotics per day. People swear by activia, but really any Greek yogurt will do too. I prefer chobani). Try smoothies with protein & fiber powder and bananas if you don't have an appetite.

3) water, water, water. At least 64 oz per day

4) gently! massage your intestines (I can usually feel where the blockage is) to kind of "break up" some of the mass. It helps stimulate your bowels.

5) decaf coffee (or regular if you're doing caffeine).

6) if you're not exercising, walking around can really help get things moving.

PrimRoseMama · October 2014

Strong, Turkish coffee. No joke. Drink the sludge & prepare to evacuate your bowels. However, before you do this you should take some colace & 3 table spoons of virgin olive oil.

The colace & olive oil will provide soft, slippery (sorry) passage. The Turkish coffee should gently prompt your bowels to take care of things.

While we are TMI: get some Vaseline & lubricate your anus. If it's been a while & the stool is large it can make it so uncomfortable. Lubricating the orafice can prevent fissures & hemmroids.

Finally, get a stool. The foot kind. When you sit on the loo to poo you can put your feet up. This creates an easier position to eliminate waste causing less straining.

Good luck!

jess412love · October 2014

Miralax, stool softeners, and water are my go to's. Being constipated sucks!

jennypolkadots · October 2014

Just wanted to add that I would make sure you are drinking a full 100 oz of fluids a day, preferably all water. If you only drink when you're thirsty or with meals then you aren't drinking enough. Also getting exercise can help a lot. Walk at least 30 minutes a day and see if that helps.

jennypolkadots · October 2014

Oh and I forget that others don't do this (I have since childhood) but exactly what primrose said - read into squatting to potty and get a stool that raises your knees higher when you are on the toilet. That is the correct position to be in when going. Sitting upright on a regular toilet puts a kink in your bowels. You won't believe the difference this can make.

LynnBrown4 · October 2014

To second what some have already said - water helps. Lots and lots and lots of it. The first time I went to see the nutritionist I was eating really well too, but she told me all the whole grains and legumes in the world won't help if you're not drinking bucketloads of water to flush it out with. In fact, she said, if you're eating lots of roughage (whole grains) but not drinking enough water, it can make the constipation even worse. The advice did help quite a bit. Good luck!

ST3WD · October 2014

As PPs mentioned, water! I've also found squatting like a LO with my butt almost touching the floor for a few minutes really seems to send out the memo. The longest I've ever had to hold to position was 10 minutes. It's how you're body's designed to get rid of waste, push out baby, etc. Use gravity!

Good luck on finding relief.

rooboo111 · October 2014

Dried apricots, they taste awful but do the trick

ur_mom222 · October 2014

TheOrneryMama said:
I'm probably coming from way left field here but my one daily cup of coffee most definitely helps keep me on track.

I swear this is the reason I've been regular since being constipated for a couple weeks my first trimester. We moved in with my parents so we can save to buy a house before Baby is born and my mom is notorious for making coffee that instantly makes you poop. It's incredible. OP come over I will give you some

ChanStew · October 2014

my doc recently recommended Benefiber and it has really helped. Slowly add a little bit more daily...I do NOT recommend following the 3x a day dosage listed on the container. I've taken in too much fiber before, and while it does clear you out, it becomes hard to STOP it from coming out. ugh.