Bowels & Early Pregnancy

**{sarah}** · September 3rd, 2007, 09:07 AM

Ok not the best topic for a Monday, but I have to ask!! Normally there is talk about constipation in pregnancy because everything slows down inside right? Ok well I'm have the exact opposite problem. It's definitely not gastro or something like that as I'm only going once a day like normal. I do tend to go like this around AF time & have always had IBS type issues.

So I wondered if this is all ok? I'm keeping the water intake up so I don't get dehydrated, but wanted to double check....

**MantaRay** · September 3rd, 2007, 09:15 AM

Sarah, I think it's totally normal. I was the same with my 2nd pg. For my first everything slowed right down and my body didn't know what had hit it. But it was quite different second time around for some reason. Maybe it's something to do with your body being more used to what's happening? I'm not sure, but don't worry, if you're abnormal so am I LOL!

**Trish** · September 3rd, 2007, 09:26 AM

Sarah, early pregnancy is the only time I actually do go regularly. I think it's pretty normal hun. AS you said, watch your fluid intake and be sensible. You will know if something is just not right hun.

**chickbabe61** · September 3rd, 2007, 09:50 AM

Sarah i have been wanting to ask this question. A friend of mine told me that i should expect to get constipation but i have the oppistite. It's not like i am running to the toilet but i am definetly not clogged up. I'm not sure what it is I will have to ask my doctor when i go on thursday, i will let you know what he says. I'm drinking lots of water aswell i guess that is all you can do right now. I'm sure everything is ok though hun.

**Yael** · September 3rd, 2007, 10:15 AM

It's normal to have either - the hormones affect the bowel's differently.

I normally switch between the 2 throughout pregnancy - my body can't work out its mind!

**Liz** · September 3rd, 2007, 10:32 AM

I think it's pretty normal too Sarah. Mine only ever really slowed down with pg#1 when I was taking iron.

Yael - same here! Let's just say mine has sped up in the last couple of days again! LOL. Altho, I'm not sure mine's such a good thing.. feel a bit sick before going each time

**Astrid** · September 3rd, 2007, 12:15 PM

Having similar problems here, I just assumed it was normal. I don't have the best bowels at the best of times.

**Junglemum** · September 3rd, 2007, 12:24 PM

I have had the same throughout, not running to the loo, but certainly much looser than usual. When i was taking iron, WOOOHOOO did that get explosive?! And for most people it causes constipation. ( Out of interest, my mum reacts to iron in the same way as me.)
Like people have said, the hormones can act in different ways for different people. The bonus is that you are less likely to suffer from 'roids' or fissures with loose stools!

***becstar*** · September 3rd, 2007, 12:49 PM

Nup Sarah, I'm the same, and have been right since very early on. Especially in the morning (sorry TMI!) I'm busting to let loose!

**Deltadawn** · September 3rd, 2007, 01:24 PM

I'm a big water drinker too and regular exerciser and have not had any problems during this pregancy.

**shellbell** · September 3rd, 2007, 05:39 PM

Sarah I am with you, just figured that it was my body doing it's thing. Makes sense that if it can constipate it can do the opposite as well!

**Carmen2** · September 7th, 2007, 08:14 AM

During my first trimester, I also had the same problems... my digestion was faster than ever though constpation seem to be my problem right now! You should also remember to keep your electrolytes levels steady by drinking Gatorade/Powerade so you are not losing too much Potassium/Sodium.

**Astrid** · September 16th, 2007, 10:06 PM

Ok, my bowels now giving me grief. Just don't know whether I am constipated or have diareah. I am so bloated, in pain and have to have the airfreshener on hand. Don't remember this from last time, it is just plain awful.

***LovemyKids*** · September 17th, 2007, 05:48 PM

Hi, yes i have had the exact same thing i have had 2 pregnancies before this one and i have never had this problem. Glad i am not the only one.

Thanks Nikki

**Sharon19270** · September 17th, 2007, 10:57 PM

my body seems to vary between the 2, one day i'm constipated the next i'm very loose and i just assumed it was the fluctuations in hormones. looks like there are quite a few of us with the same 'symptoms'

**Astrid** · September 18th, 2007, 02:53 PM

Found the culprit. Sultana Bran! Have stopped it and now I am much better, just minor bloating.

**ladybird11** · September 19th, 2007, 05:54 PM

I've been thinking it odd that I'm more regular (once a day, in the morning, sorry TMI)...The only thing that has changed is that I've been taking Elevit (pg supplement). I'm sure they have iron in them..maybe it's about the iron?