Best thing for constipation?

MothyrGrimm · May 2011

I know everyone recommends Colace, but it's so dang expensive I really don't want to get them. Is there anything else I can take that won't hurt the baby? I've tried tons of water and tons of greenage... I have gallstones so it's pretty much all I eat now, and it's still not working. TIA mamas!

Ivana_Stolichnaya · May 2011

Prune juice? I know you're pregnant but a cup of coffee always gets things moving for me.

kellie7 · May 2011

cracklin oat bran - also known as craplin oat bran in my house. it isn't bad. or try a fiber one bar. they're REALLY good, but you can't eat them on a normal day. you'll regret it. they make me too gassy though.

Peanut0811 · May 2011

Generic colace (walmart brand or target brand docusate) is pretty cheap and worked wonders for me. My doctor has me take it every day. I think it's well worth the relief.

Ella&C · May 2011

Being pregnant with DD, I craved Grape Nuts. I ate 2-3 bowls a day my entire pregnancy, and I never had any bowel issues.... I still love it, too, I just drizzle a bit of cane syrup over it now for some sweetness.

shockleyh · May 2011

I'm a big fan of benefiber chewable tablets.. I buy the mixed fruit ones personally. I'm not going to tell you they're delicious but they are similar to tums, less chalky, more chewy. I eat two a day when I'm having constipation, and they usually have a pretty good turn around time for me without giving me diarrhea. TMI I'm sure but I hope this helps!

lmknight7 · May 2011

I don't have any different advice than PP, but I know how you feel! Good luck!

eli_and_jeff · May 2011

Probiotic yogurt. Stonefield has a yummy organic version that's sweetened with fruit instead of corn syrup and/or aspartame.

MommyRN1 · May 2011

Prunes or prune juice.

diddlenation · May 2011

Had the same problem until just recently and found eating ltos of fruits with pits (mangos, pineapple, apples, even oranges) made my life a whole lot easier. I also drink a cup of decaf coffee in the am and am generally ready to rock and roll right after I finish drinking it.

kellie7 · May 2011

now i want grape nuts. i forgot about that cereal. guess what'll be on the shopping list this week - sale or not!

i take a probiotic daily (align). i have not had any constipation issues yet. i'm probably gonna regret saying that.

babes12 · May 2011

Fiber one cereal. I forget which one i get i think it's something w/ clusters? but it has 13g of fiber. Usually gets things moving pretty quickly for me.

wilsontl19191 · May 2011

Edamame! I had a serving with dinner the other night and it cleaned me out! I lost 2 pounds too! Good luck :-)

unm00red · May 2011

Miralax.

danienicole99 · May 2011

I've made an effort to include ground flaxseed in as many foods as possible. I use it almost everytime I bake muffins and sometimes certain cookies and I always mix it in my hot oatmeal in the morning! It's pretty much flavorless and its relatively cheap!! I eat as much fruit as I possibly can and I drink as much water as I can comfortably tolerate! I'm 27 weeks today and I haven't had any bowel issues! (knock on wood)

JenWhite123 · May 2011

I have a bowl of Fiber One cereal every day for breakfast - it hs 51% of my daily fiber needs. I also eat apples and carrots every day, which seem to help. Drink tons of water and exercise!

BTW, have you tried the generic Colace? I bought the Walmart brand and I think I only paid $4 for 100 capsules.....

mreinard · May 2011

Fiber Fiber Fiber... it is much healthier for you than taking colon-blow or any other medication. Medication tends to rip out everything from your system, including all the good bacteria, which can lead to more back up, which needs more medication and the cycle goes on and on!

Fiber One Bars are pretty tasty - I agree with pp eat them later in the day because they make you gassy... High fiber cereals are a good way to sneak some in too. They used to have a high fiber Special K that was pretty good. If you eat sandwiches replace your bread with a high fiber variety. I like Nature's Own Double Fiber Wheat (plus it is only 50 calories per slice!).

Greenage, as you mention, helps but can get boring. Don't forget there is lots of fiber in fresh fruit like apples, pears, and oranges. Also, beans contain lots of fiber. And as a pp mentioned, yogurt is very good for digestion too.

With any increase in fiber though take it slow, or it will make you very uncomfortable! A high fiber diet is really good for your heart as well as for your general health.

Liz4444 · May 2011

Yogurt or a bowl of cereal usually does it for me.

annak23 · May 2011

a big gulp of milk of magnesia!

novilise · May 2011

Depending on how regular your constipation is (i know that sounds like an oxymoron!)-

Prunes or prune juice

or

Generic miralax(still kind of expensive, but usually a good bit less than the brand Miralax ...and it's the same exact thing!...only one ingredient....polyethylene glycol.) Also, it is osmotic so it doesn't give you cramps like a laxative...it makes your bowel movements soft by adding water to them, so make sure to drink enough fluids.

sassy1 · May 2011

When I was having the same "troubles" during the first trimester, I tried everything diet-wise & nothing helped. And then I bought Metamucil (fiber), which did nothing for me. Ultimately, what worked was combining colace (I bought generic so it wasn't as much $) & Milk of Magnesia (which was okayed by my OB). Colace alone will not make you go...it just makes it easier on you when you finally are able to go. The milk of magnesia is what does it: if you take it at night, you'll go in the am. It was a huge relief.