Severe Constipation

[BProctor]

This is my first pregnancy and I know that constipation is a normal sign of being pregnant. I have talked to numerous doctors and nurses and all tell me to eat more fiber, drink more water, you have all probablty heard it. Well it is getting to the point where the only way that I can go is that I have to take a laxative once a week and it still is almost impossible. I am literally in the bathroom for two hours with no results. Does anyone have any secrets that they want to share? I love being pregnant but this is one thing that is killing me.

[lou]

Ask your doctor about changing your prenatal vitamin to one that includes a stool softner. I did this and the vitamin they put me on was called something like ultranatal care I think. anyway I've been on this for about a week and I've already noticed a change for the better.

[MommaC]

Yikes--I've been there, and I feel for you. I took 2 Colace every day (NOT Peri-colace...that made me pass out on the bathroom floor!). And, of course, the fiber and water. BUT the BEST THING: Grape Nuts cereal! It's awful. It's like eating gravel. But if you mix it in with a granola cereal (I did about half and half), you don't really even notice it and it still does the job. And it's a good idea to keep active...at least walking a little bit every day. I've known a few women who've gone to the chiropractor specifically for their constipation during pregnancy--they say it works wonders.

I wish you the best!

[kfiedler]

I did the collace thing, I took 2 in the day and 2 at night, it's not a laxative but a stool softner. Ask your dr first though, make sure you drink enough water too. It is a bit pricey, like $17.00 for a little bottle of 60 but it did the trick. I got so constipated that my hemrroides were killing me, couldn't sit or sleep, they hurt and itch! Hopefully you can find something before it gets to that point. I always keep some in the house and I am not even prego! Good luck!

[MommaC]

Yeah, the Colace brand is pricey, but my doctor said the store brand is the same. So I tried the Equate (Target)--WAY cheaper. I think it works about the same. It's worth a try because you can always go try the more expensive one if it doesn't work.

[myboysmom]

The Grape Nuts aren't so bad if you douse them with some sugar! But I am always afraid they will break my teeth.

Raisin Bran is something that worked for me as well.

[MommytoAydin]

Prunes, a lot of fruits and vegetables helped me.

[sissypinka]

If you don't like the taste or texture of grape nuts, put some milk and sugar on top and heat for about 2 minutes in the microwave. They turn soft almost like oatmeal. It's very good especially on a cold morning!

[ra11en]

Man, I had the worst constipation when pregnant. So painful!! Like the others have replied, I had my doctor switch me to a prenatal vitamin that had a stool softner in it, and I took dulcolax stool softner every single day and it made all the difference. Don't take a laxative! My doctor told me NO NO NO on laxatives no matter how constipated I got - only stool softners. I also made sure to eat lots and lots of fibre and fresh veggies, which I'm sure helped.

[Wendy Hoag]

Here here, what a fun side effect this one is. Don't forget the bodies ability to "move" what's inside when the outside is moving. If you aren't already try to get in a good walk, swim or some kind of movement during your day...might help and certainly can't hurt.

[k1ss_m3]

Wow! I'm glad you posted this. I needed answers last night. I had the worst bowel movement ever. I have the feeling this is not going to be the only one to. Last night do you know how bad that was. I tryed not to strain to much cause i heard you can get hemmoriods. But I had to. Really glad you ladies are helping us. Because I dont want to go through that again. Also I want to prevent it. Thanks

[mcg]

Like others have said, just a generic over the counter stool softener works great. Take with meals and some water. This is much better than a laxative which can sit on top of the build-up and also take away good nutrients for the baby.
If you are in a bind, i also have taken suppositories. Keep on hand at home and in your purse! If you are really balled up in pain, (this if the fun part) insert in rectum and in about 10 minutes, you'll be on the throne.
wishing you better encounters with the bathroom!