Pregnant after 35
nixie321
member
Constipation & enemas
nixie321
member
Hello ladies!
I understand that constipation is normal during pregnancy and maybe even expected if you are taking Zofran for nausea/vomiting. Well, last week I was so constipated and sat on the toilet for a long time straining and so forth. I could tell the crap was there but just not coming out.. like it was too big or too hard or something disgusting like that. After sweating and crying I called the OB and asked what I could do.. I was extremely desperate! I tried looking up some info online and just figured to call her office because I had too many questions.
She told me the usual stuff about fiber and stool softeners or even de-compacting it with my fingers if I was up for the challenge which I nearly was. Then she told me it was okay to use an enema! She said that once or twice was ok but to not do this regularly. Oh, btw, the one she recommended was Fleet and although it stung (due to straining so much I believe) it worked! The thing is, I have now used them 3 separate times - over the number she said but it's just that it gets so bad and I am so miserable.. anyway, does anyone have any suggestions of things that have worked for them when they are SUPER constipated? Has anyone had to use enemas? I am not going to use enemas any more and I have upped my fiber intake and am trying to drink a ton of water. Also, I do not need Zofran much anymore- not like before. I just don't know what to do when the crap is literally right there, ready to come out and yet doesn't!
Sorry- TMI for sure but any help would be appreciated.
I understand that constipation is normal during pregnancy and maybe even expected if you are taking Zofran for nausea/vomiting. Well, last week I was so constipated and sat on the toilet for a long time straining and so forth. I could tell the crap was there but just not coming out.. like it was too big or too hard or something disgusting like that. After sweating and crying I called the OB and asked what I could do.. I was extremely desperate! I tried looking up some info online and just figured to call her office because I had too many questions.
She told me the usual stuff about fiber and stool softeners or even de-compacting it with my fingers if I was up for the challenge which I nearly was. Then she told me it was okay to use an enema! She said that once or twice was ok but to not do this regularly. Oh, btw, the one she recommended was Fleet and although it stung (due to straining so much I believe) it worked! The thing is, I have now used them 3 separate times - over the number she said but it's just that it gets so bad and I am so miserable.. anyway, does anyone have any suggestions of things that have worked for them when they are SUPER constipated? Has anyone had to use enemas? I am not going to use enemas any more and I have upped my fiber intake and am trying to drink a ton of water. Also, I do not need Zofran much anymore- not like before. I just don't know what to do when the crap is literally right there, ready to come out and yet doesn't!
Sorry- TMI for sure but any help would be appreciated.
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Re: Constipation & enemas
I wish I had a magic answer for you. Mine got better in second tri and eventually things got moving again. I think all you can do is diligently follow the tips...drink lots of water, get some exercise, get plenty of fiber, take colace on a regular schedule...I don't know if anyone recommended miralax to you but it really helps some people. Also try eating a banana every day and get plenty of other fruits like plums and grapes.
So sorry you're going through this. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I feel like I already gave birth several times. Just know that it will get better. If it gets so bad nothing works you may just have to get brave and resort to manual labor...it's gross but you'll feel so much better when it's over you won't even care. Hugs!
Gosh, it's just the worst thing in the world isn't it? If I need to do the manual stuff then I guess I will. Seriously, when in that situation I think I'd try pretty much anything! Thanks again for the tips. I have my little shopping list now. I'm so glad to know that it will get better and I just have to be super mindful right now. Glad you aren't dealing with this kind of stuff anymore!
One more word of advice, try not to stay sedentary all day. I was also on Zofran with horrendous nausea and the days I didn't manage to get moving around at all were the days it got the worst. When I started feeling better and was able to walk around it really helped.
I just spent time at the OB Triage today for this VERY ISSUE. I feel for you. Everything Guennie said is right on.
One more thing I've tried with miralax : Warm a glass of apple juice and add the miralax to the warm apple juice. That eases things a bit.
I haven't found anything that keeps me regular right now. My OB told me today to cut back on the Zofran and try Zantac with tums to calm some of the nausea....
Best of luck to you!!!!
Me = 39 DH = 50 TTC (since 01/2009 after a short break, I stopped counting *cycles* in 2010)
DX 2010 : Unknown Infertility , AMA
HSG 2005 = Normal / HSG 2010 = Normal
SA 2005 = Normal / SA 2010 /2012 = Slightly low count : motility, morphology GREAT!
Chromosomal analysis, MTHFR, ANA's, Lupus, Protein C, Protein S, APCR = Normal 2011
M/C : 2005 (7wk), 2010 (6wk), 2011 (7wk)
8 IUI's 2010-2011 all BFN
IVF/ICSI antagonist 01/2012 #1 = BFN
IVF/ICSI antagonist long 06/2012 #2 = BFN
IVF/ICSI/CGH MDLF New Clinic/New RE 11/2012 #3 = One beautiful boy blasty frozen PGS normal
IVF/ICSI/CGH MDLF 02/2013 #4 = One more beautiful boy blasty frozen PGS normal
FET 6/20 : One 5AA PGS normal transferred Beta 1 6/28 = 53.9 / Beta 2 7/1 = 220 / Beta 3 7/3 = 550!
1 U/S 6w3d - Heartbeat 119 / 2 U/S - 7w5d- Heartbeat 169 / 3 U/S (OB) 8w5d - Heartbeat still great!
Baby G welcomed into the world 3/7/2014
SAIF / PAIF always welcome ****
ok, I'm an RN and I've been in your shoes with this pregnancy. Its horrible and painful and you're literally desperate. Now on to your questions:
1. does anyone have any suggestions of things that have worked for them when they are SUPER constipated? Try eating more fruit to use their natural laxative effect. I have found watermelon works perfect for me.
now we go through a bunch of water melon here weekly, lol
You can take Colace stool softener over the counter twice a day, its safe for you and the baby.
Has anyone had to use enemas? No but I have resorted to the disempacting. Its not something anyone ever wants to do to themselves and I've been there.
I'm so fearful that I will need to resort to doing this myself (manual) but I see it can be done and I will survive. Hopefully I will regulate at some point in the near future. I walked around a lot this evening and am trying to keep more active. Somethings gotta give, haha.
man I never thought I would be discussing this on a forum board, lmbo
winecheese&grapes: I am now taking Colace as well as Miralax but have only just started so we shall see in a few days I suppose.
I guess this is something that will just take a lot of extra effort and diligence. Ugh! Thanks for the tips/advice ladies! I would never wish this on anyone that is for sure.