Minimatron - one thing to try for constipation is an acidophilus supplement like Inner Health Plus. This is fine during pregnancy, and can actually benefit the baby. Works wonders for constipation. The same brand does a product called IBS Support. That particular strain of Lactobacillus is specific for bowel health and constipation. I've used that product (not specifically during preg.) and its worked wonders for constipation where nothing else helps.

I can't use metameucil (psyllium husks), makes my bowel worse. And no amount of prune juice, dried fruit or All Bran will help me! Luckily for me, I haven't really had much problem so far... except, its interesting what you say about straining and bleeding. I've had bleeding pretty much every week since 8 weeks, and find it mainly happens after a no.2. Not necessarily straining, and not coming from the bowel. I'm paranoid about my pelvic floor muscles, and find that I leak a little after peeing, not when i cough or sneeze though. I found out today that I have a UTI, so hopefully the antibiotics will fix that, and maybe the leaking?!

Good luck for the rest of your pregnancy.

Dee