Poopin' problems anyone?? (TMI! Sorry!)

pixelatedjane · December 2014

Hey ladies! So, I'm 29 weeks today and have been having what I usually refer to as "unhappy poops" (aka intermittent diarrhea) for about a week or so. Had to start taking iron supplements last week for mild anemia and was told I'd be constipated but so far the opposite is what's going on with me. I'm trying to stay hydrated and baby girl is still kickin' & partying in there so I know she's probably fine... It is just wearing me out! Anyone else having poo troubles? Funny topic, I know, but hey... Most pregnancy stuff is tmi anyway, right?

umbcpt · December 2014

I'm opposite. I can't poop no matter what I try. I now do Miralax every 4 days. Otherwise I bleed with every poop.

Alygohome · December 2014

I have had this problem since my like..week 4. My doctor told me as long as I am not dehydrated I should be ok. Its probably the pills.

flyster · December 2014

I have poop celebrations (and totally anounce them to DH) every time I actually go so I'm total opposite.

A bunch of ladies have posted your issue though so seems pretty common. In general I recommend banannas. Then you can also stave off leg cramps.

pixelatedjane · December 2014

Oh bummer @umbcpt‌ !

seriously though last Thursday was so bad I was just wishing for a little constipation! Either way sucks I guess. I told my fella I just can't wait to have normal bathroom habits again!

Smyers2girls · December 2014

umbcpt said:
I'm opposite. I can't poop no matter what I try. I now do Miralax every 4 days. Otherwise I bleed with every poop.

I too take Miralax. I've went almost a week without pooping, and I tell you what, I never thought I'd miss being able to poo!!

reneamac313 · December 2014

Get yourself some fiber capsules! It helps either way.

*Psyllium fiber to be exact*

pixelatedjane · December 2014

Well it's good to know I'm not alone. I am just so used to being so regular... In a good way... Not an uncomfortable way.

racheltherose · December 2014

My best friend and I are both pregnant, both perma-constipated. We text eachother to celebrate every poop.

cloe111479 · December 2014

This week I have had a little bit of both problems. Two days with constipation.. then two days of diarrhea..

ain't pregnancy great?

crispywheats · December 2014

Yogurt and pumpkin are often both good for clearing up digestive funkiness. Pumpkin is especially effective because it's digestively mild and full of fiber.
If you feel like your diet might contain a high amount of fat, cutting back on that might help. (No judgement, I want some McDonald's French fries in my mouth... like right. now.)

I hope you feel better!

misshart00 · December 2014

Also have a problem with constipation. DD and I have mirilax parties, but (super TMI) I'm still having to find the plunger all the time.

pixelatedjane · December 2014

@cloe111479‌ it truly is. :P

pixelatedjane · December 2014

Thanks @crispywheats‌ ! I love all things pumpkin and yogurt so that shouldn't be too much of a challenge. I've been trying to get more fiber in my diet but haven't been getting enough to chill this problem out (obviously). And dangit, now that you mention it some mcd's fries sound amazeballs.

lailou · December 2014

Yes, me! I'm constipated with loose stools, didn't know that was possible! Been like this since around 30 weeks. I'd do anything to go properly! Sorry for the tmi.

mrsclark731 · December 2014

I'm sorry some of you lovely ladies are having pooping problems

The only advice I can offer is for those that are constipated. DH and I LOVE the squatty potty. It seems so trivial and silly, but it really helps! I've gotten each 'household' in my family one for Christmas.

magsame · December 2014

Yeah, it's been almost a week with nothing. I eat fiber one bars etc and that usually did it when I wasn't pregnant. I thought today was going to be the day! I had to go really bad...and then only had the tiniest thing in the toilet...fail... lol

umbcpt · December 2014

@mrsclark731‌ Actually I have considered the squatty potty, but I wonder how it would work with a big belly? Any personal experience if it's comfortable with the big belly?

DronkeyGal · December 2014

I've been drinking peppermint tea when constipated. Works like a charm. Also, my poop got very weird when I started iron supplements too, OP.

mamabisme · December 2014

You may consider talking to your healthcare provider about adding a probiotic to your diet. A good one will do wonders for clearing up most digestive issues.

mrsclark731 · December 2014

umbcpt said:
@mrsclark731‌ Actually I have considered the squatty potty, but I wonder how it would work with a big belly? Any personal experience if it's comfortable with the big belly?

So far so good!! The way you put you feet up on it is actually kind of accommodating for a belly. I highly recommend it... I haven't 'gone' without it in over a year. It's so simple but it works like a charm!

mrsclark731 · December 2014

mrsclark731 said:

umbcpt said:
@mrsclark731‌ Actually I have considered the squatty potty, but I wonder how it would work with a big belly? Any personal experience if it's comfortable with the big belly?
So far so good!! The way you put you feet up on it is actually kind of accommodating for a belly. I highly recommend it... I haven't 'gone' without it in over a year. It's so simple but it works like a charm!

Also... For $25 bucks it's worth a try!

nhamic · December 2014

Chia seeds in my water seems to really help keep everything normal. I had a few bouts of constipation early in the first tri and then every once in a while but the chia seems to really help. That and a really strong probiotic! I know none of us really want to be exercising at this point, but I do notice that my "go" is better the day after a good workout, yoga class, or long walk.

pixelatedjane · December 2014

Well I am just so appreciative of all of these suggestions, ladies! Thank you all, I'm going to try quite a few of them I'm sure. I hate to get all TMI again but I've don't know who else to celebrate with... I just experienced my first solid poop in weeks and it was glorious! So at least I know all the fiber I've been adding is doing something. Yay for pleasant poops! Lol.

jennypolkadots · December 2014

If the iron supplement does cause some constipation or gastic issues, try a natural supplement. I take Floradix + Herbs. I had low iron levels at 28 weeks and the OB prescribed a synthetic rubbish supplement for me to take. My midwife recommended floradix and it's great. It's naturally sourced and liquid so your body actually can absorb it much easier, and there are not the same issues with overdosing or it building up in your system like synthetics. It will not cause constipation and includes a vitamin C and B vitamins to fight anemia and aid in absorption. I take 20 ml twice a day 30 minutes before eating with a glass of OJ (vitamin c aids absorption).

https://www.amazon.com/Salus-Floradix-Herbs-8-5-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B00014DN7C/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1418412021&sr=1-1&keywords=floradix

My midwife also recommends probiotics, mostly to reduce the chance of Group B strep. I didn't have too bad of digestive issues before taking them but have been on them for a few weeks now. OMG the difference. My digestion is seriously better than when I wasn't pregnant. DH has been taking them too and has seen a huge difference, as he has a finicky stomach and is intolerant of a lot of foods. We take 2 bio-kult capsules right when we wake up and wait 30 minutes-1 hour to eat (the probiotics need to get into your digestive system). Seriously, I think everyone should be on these things and we plan to keep taking them after the baby comes.

https://www.amazon.com/Bio-Kult-F7057-B-Probiotic-120-caps/dp/B004XKUD78

chickyclg · December 2014

jennypolkadots said:

If the iron supplement does cause some constipation or gastic issues, try a natural supplement. I take Floradix + Herbs. I had low iron levels at 28 weeks and the OB prescribed a synthetic rubbish supplement for me to take. My midwife recommended floradix and it's great. It's naturally sourced and liquid so your body actually can absorb it much easier, and there are not the same issues with overdosing or it building up in your system like synthetics. It will not cause constipation and includes a vitamin C and B vitamins to fight anemia and aid in absorption. I take 20 ml twice a day 30 minutes before eating with a glass of OJ (vitamin c aids absorption).

https://www.amazon.com/Salus-Floradix-Herbs-8-5-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B00014DN7C/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1418412021&sr=1-1&keywords=floradix

My midwife also recommends probiotics, mostly to reduce the chance of Group B strep. I didn't have too bad of digestive issues before taking them but have been on them for a few weeks now. OMG the difference. My digestion is seriously better than when I wasn't pregnant. DH has been taking them too and has seen a huge difference, as he has a finicky stomach and is intolerant of a lot of foods. We take 2 bio-kult capsules right when we wake up and wait 30 minutes-1 hour to eat (the probiotics need to get into your digestive system). Seriously, I think everyone should be on these things and we plan to keep taking them after the baby comes.

https://www.amazon.com/Bio-Kult-F7057-B-Probiotic-120-caps/dp/B004XKUD78

OP, Do NOT take any kind of "natural" supplement or "herb" without talking to your Dr. first!

jennypolkadots · December 2014

Yes, sorry... of course talk to your doctor and do your own research before taking anything. I think that goes without saying.

You really should read up on everything your doctor recommends, too.

pixelatedjane · December 2014

@jennypolkadots‌ thanks for the suggestion. I do plan to talk to my dr at my next appointment about all of these suggestions as well before I start trying them out (aside from the fiber thing, which she had already suggested when telling me to start iron supplement).

katiebranz · December 2014

I LOVE probiotics. But my doc said not while Preggo.

I've been lucky that pregnancy has seemed to speed up my usually terrible system, but now dealing with another problem in area.

jeanzcarol · December 2014

@pixelatedjane girl, I celebrate every poop with a snapchat of me dancing in the bathroom to my husband. Celebrate all you want!

flyster · December 2014

eanzcarol i've never really understood the use of snap chat before...totally makes sense now though! (I'm too old for this/get off my lawn

)

karisheep544 · December 2014

It seems like I've had only one extreme or the other the past 2 weeks after starting the iron supplements. I had a very normal, and dare I say enjoyable experience this morning and I am over the moon happy. I woke DH up this morning at 6 to "honey, I pooped!!" And he jumped up like we had to change the sheets. Now he's grumpy, but I don't care, I pooped today!

yesiknowwhatcausesthat · December 2014

oh my goodness I want that squatty potty!!!

I have the same problem as OP--my iron supplements have loosened things up for me to an uncomfortable point. I might break down and buy a liquid supplement, but the good ones are expensive and not covered by my insurance.

twinklymama · December 2014

mrsclark731 said:
I'm sorry some of you lovely ladies are having pooping problems

The only advice I can offer is for those that are constipated. DH and I LOVE the squatty potty. It seems so trivial and silly, but it really helps! I've gotten each 'household' in my family one for Christmas.

This! This is what I told DH I wanted!! We saw this on an episode of Shark Tank and I want this!!

jennypolkadots · December 2014

@katiebranz - that's really surprising to me. Did your doctor explain why? There are certain strains of probiotics that may not be safe, but the Bio Kult I recommended above is not only very powerful (14 strains, 2 billion organisms per capsule) but also says on the box that it may be used during pregnancy. One of my midwives is pregnant with her 4th and this is what she takes daily.

Maybe showing your doctor the actual probiotic you are thinking of taking instead of just asking about probiotics in general. That way he/she can do some research and get back to you. Most doctors will just say "no" if they really mean "I have no idea".

bhjones1980 · December 2014

jennypolkadots said:
Maybe showing your doctor the actual probiotic you are thinking of taking instead of just asking about probiotics in general. That way he/she can do some research and get back to you. Most doctors will just say "no" if they really mean "I have no idea".

Sorry, my doctor gives me advice based on their medical training and experience, not just because they are too lazy to research it.

That is a very broad (and insulting) generalization.

SaraMGood · January 2015

Little late to the party here, but man... I've been taking fiber chews every few days with little to no results. So recently I added colace capsules. The dose is 1-3 capsules and I've been taking 2 everyday with no results... Actually it seems things might be worse. I actually felt a lot of pressure in my uterus tonight when I tried to go so I gave up. I have my next appointment on Friday and will be 37 +5. I really want to get this under control before labor because I'm terrified of my first postpartum poo. Hopefully my midwife can offer a better suggestion.

katiebranz · January 2015

Sorry I missed the tag! It was awhile ago but doc said something about lack of research on products.

katiebranz · January 2015

FWIW: I've been making sure to get some healthy oils in, and lots of fruit and yogurt smoothies. It's been helping a lot!

tlglass91 · January 2015

I'm struggling with the same thing. I'm pretty positive the iron pills are what is causing the diarrhea. I read online not to take them on an empty stomach. And there's also a version of less "harsh" iron I forget what it is called but I'm gonna ask the doc about it next appointment. I feel your pain! I've even tried skipping taking them but then I feel light headed so it's crappy either way! I'm gonna try some of the suggestions from this thread!