thread: WAY TMI - constipation!

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    87

    WAY TMI - constipation!

    I am majorly constipated and have tried just about everything I can think of to move it, was even given supositories in hospital last week and some more gentle ones from the pharmacy which moved a little, but no voluntary movement for nearly 2 weeks now!! Something has got to move soon, I'm starting to get really worried about it, but prune juice, oil based laxatives and metamucil (as advised by my ob, but I'm not sure!) have done nothing!!

    I'm nearly 10 weeks so still in the danger period for mc so don't want to take anything that might bring on major cramps like senna!

    Suggestions anyone!!

    Thanks..

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Feb 2007
    In the jungle.
    4,809

    Are you drinking loads of water? eating lots of fruit?
    Are you taking any supplements like iron that can cause constipation? Maybe stop them if you are. If you are on a mutli with lots of iron, i'd just switch to straight folate for a while. Might help.

    Other than that, i'd ask the pharmacist or dr.... I'm not sure what you can take when you are preg. Coloxyl works a treat but again, i don't know the recommendation when preg.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    582

    Feueriosa - I used to get really constipated because of my fibroids ( 3 small ones and one golf ball size)

    Once it was so bad that I had a blockage and could barely walk. The best advice I can give you is to use parachoc- its for kids, but it softens the stool inside and helps move things. My GP said it actually gets in and around the "problem" and softens it rather than causing tummy contractions like most laxatives. Its mainly paraffin with a bit of choc flavouring. The only think I know is that it may take a few days to work. But keep trying.

    I should really take my own advice - I am getting consitpated now due to being nearly 14 weeks preggers

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    3,305

    i take fiber gel hubbie only has to drink 2 liters of apple juice in a day and he goes, eat prunes pears and apricots and saltana's aplle juice and loads of water thats my natural suggestion.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    SA
    1,078

    Like Falguni suggested, if you're taking iron supplements (iron is generally in most of the pregnancy multi-vitamin supplements) it could be the culprit. It certainly was for me.

    You may need to switch to an iron that is more easily absorbed, the liquids are good.

    Hope it get bettter!

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jun 2007
    Forster NSW
    1,444

    I have been told to take Benefibre twice a day every day by many different people, and to take it even though I really don't get constipated. It may take a day or two to kick in when you're badly constipated, but after that you'll feel a lot better and taking benefibre will ensure you don't have a hard to pass stool. As I say I have been told to take it even when not constipated as it keeps the stool moist and healthy all the time!

    A rectal surgeon told me everyone should take it as a western diet does not have nearly as much fibre as our bodies require to maintain healthy bowels throughout life so taking something such as Benefibre ensures you are getting enough... A some what useless fact, but I thought I should explain the above a little better!

    I hope you're feeling 'cleaned out' really soon

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    3,305

    yep i take it everyday and fiver gel or benifiber what ever is on sale. beneifiber goes in the first coffee of the day usually late in pregnancy i have about 6 teaspoons to 8 a day in total.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Feb 2009
    Central Coast NSW
    592

    Ow . . probably because you can't keep much down it wouldn't be helping your bowell get the fluid and fibre it needs. Ask your pharmacist again if there's anything else you can take safely - pharmacists often know more than Dr's about this kind of thing usually - does anyone know if they can do a gentle enema if things are really bad at this stage in preg?? I would ring and ask your Dr - 2 weeks is far too long.