TMI- Help! Severe Constipation

vppittman · July 2015

okay-this maybe TMI so sorry if I gross anyone out. Ever since the second trimester started I have been having debilitating fits of constipation. So bad that it feels like contractions every 10 minutes when it happens. I don't relieve myself for three days and then BOOM, this pain!! It has even been so bad I have been nauseous. I've called the doctor, googled, and tried everything I found. So my question is-has anyone else had this and found and relief that might help me?

hummingbird35 · July 2015

Have you tried Colace? I take 2 daily after an anal fissure.

adecembermom2015 · July 2015

From WebMD . During pregnancy, the muscle contractions that normally move food through your intestines slow down because of higher levels of the hormone progesterone. Add to that the extra iron you're getting from your prenatal vitamin, and the result is uncomfortable constipation and gas that can keep you feeling bloated throughout your pregnancy. Increase your fiber intake and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly. Physical activity can also help.

If your constipation is really bothering you, talk to your doctor about what mild laxative or stool softeners are safe to use during pregnancy.

misamima · July 2015

VegDumpling said:

Have you tried Colace? I take 2 daily after an anal fissure.

Yes, Colace works wonders for me.

It will also be your best friend post partum.

rain0831boww · July 2015

Run to the store and get a stool softener. Like PP stated, it'll be your best friend post partum.

Stephanieshort2 · July 2015

I take fiber gummies every other day. Not only do they work, but they are delicious!

vppittman · July 2015

magburt said:
From WebMD . During pregnancy, the muscle contractions that normally move food through your intestines slow down because of higher levels of the hormone progesterone. Add to that the extra iron you're getting from your prenatal vitamin, and the result is uncomfortable constipation and gas that can keep you feeling bloated throughout your pregnancy. Increase your fiber intake and drink extra fluids to keep things moving more smoothly. Physical activity can also help.

If your constipation is really bothering you, talk to your doctor about what mild laxative or stool softeners are safe to use during pregnancy.

Thanks! I read that during my googling. I've been trying those suggestions, but not working. I guess it's time to break down and try a stool softener, I just was trying to avoid medicine if possible.

littlezarcone · July 2015

I'm right there with you. I caved and took 2 colace last night and the had a glass of Prune juice helped me a little today. I bought the knudsens natural brand.
I'm still not right though. Eating dried plums and fiber cereal and praying to the poop gods.
This unbearable pain paired with Roy d ligament pain!! Oooof!

kidcapri100 · July 2015

I take phsyllium fiber supplements every day and I can usually go every to every-other day.
Try the search function - quite a few people posted some natural suggestions.

VesperLove · July 2015

Are you off coffee? If so, a cup of black coffee can really help (at least it does for me!). I'm not sure what it is but it's my wonder drug for constipation.

vppittman · July 2015

kidcapri100 said:
I take phsyllium fiber supplements every day and I can usually go every to every-other day.
Try the search function - quite a few people posted some natural suggestions.

Fiber supplements are a good idea. I'll try that.

I tried to use the search function before posting, but it didn't really work on my phone. I'll try again on my computer.

vppittman · July 2015

Thanks for your responses ladies! A lot of good suggestions and I will try them all until something works. It's miserable!

kdoak2015 · July 2015

Prune juice and mix in a small amount of powder fiber(this worked wonders for me) and it's all natural. Stool softeners freaked me out in first tri.

CMDD · July 2015

Here's what helps me:
Apple juice
Prunes
Dried apricots
Movement/exercise
Warm drinks in the am
Going into the bathroom even if I don't have to go in the morning and just reminding my body by sitting there
Lots of water

chelseymmcghee · July 2015

I haven't found much relief. Prunes and juice, stay hydrated. Have you heard of a Squatty Potty? Seems funny but actually helps.

313Meg · July 2015

I swear by colace and Mirulax!!!! It was the only thing that helped me. Since then, I'm off the Mirulax and just do colace.

fmraglio · July 2015

Stephanieshort2 said:
I take fiber gummies every other day. Not only do they work, but they are delicious!

2 fiber gummies at night before bed followed by drinking some water and I always go as soon as I wake up, I was super constipated before I started doing this.

If I forget to take the gummies, I drink some strong black coffee and that gets things moving.

Colace, miralax, prune juice and the hot lemon water (all recommended by my midwide) never worked for me, even if I tried all of them together. I would take multiple doses of miralax a day and would still go forever without being able to go. It was so uncomfortable!!!! Haven't had issues in weeks now. Plus the gummies are delicious just like she said!!

beccabeeee · July 2015

I was constipated for almost 2 weeks! It hurt so bad.... And then I must have ate something that didn't agree with my stomach (I have the patch so I don't throw up anymore) it decided to go out the other way lol well, long story short, constipation and diarrhea DO NOT GO TOGETHER! The cramps with diarrhea are the worst, and since I was so stopped up I literally couldn't get it out. I must have been on the toilet for 30 min in tears, not a pleasant feeling. You can also try milk of magnesia for constipation as well (you can get it at cvs or pretty much anywhere)

scrowe27 · July 2015

I tried everything. Stool softeners, enemas, fiber supplements. The only thing that worked for me were probiotics

grovestm · July 2015

Dried apricots have helped me a ton, even with release of built up gas. And the Squatty Potty!! It seems ridiculous, but it truly makes a difference! My body has completely adjusted to it, and no need now for stool softeners. I do try to eat a pretty fiber rice diet too, lots of fruits, veggies, water.... But I also can't resist Cheetos and ice cream cones currently!

hummingbird35 · July 2015

At my last appointment I told the nurse about the colace and she was kind of judgmental... she said I should take metamucil instead so I don't develop dependency. Happily, the doc raised an eyebrow and said it was perfectly safe, and since I already had an anal fissure (you DO NOT WANT) I should just keep taking two a day throughout pregnancy. Sometimes I still have a difficult BM but no more pooping shards of glass/ bleeding. Well worth it.

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