constipation driving me nutty

[puppies]

I am normally suffer the opposite from constipation so i am finding it hard to deal with. But since being pregnant every day its getting harder and harder to simply have a decent poo (sorry TMI). I am trying to drink as much water as possible but because I work in city and drive on a usually very heavy in traffic freeway home, I usually have to stop drinking my 3pm and try and catch up when I get home. I cant eat fruit cause I am fructose intolerant and prunes, apricots and nuts make me sick as well. I am thinking of trying metamucil is that ok for pregnancy? What have your experiences been with this product?

Thanks, I am keen to hear from anyone about this!

[visitor1]

Never worked for me...the only thing that did was Coloyxl with Senna and its safe for pregnancy. I lived on it when pregnant with #2!

[Sammiejane]

have you tried lactulose or agarol? available at the chemist.

we use to pour 15mls of lactulose into a medicine cup followed by 15mls of agarol on top - (it resembles a c*ck sucking cowboy) and then serve it to our patients for a laugh! it works gently too

[puppies]

Thanks I might try that cause I suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) I really need to try the most gentle approach. How long does it take to work. I usually like to get my number 2 over and done with in the morning so was thinking if i had something that I could take at dinner or before bed it would help for the morning? Last thing I need is something to start kicking in while I am sitting in the traffic. My worst nightmare!

[2CheekyMonkeys]

metamucil is safe as is benefibre.

[Skyeblue]

Try a bowl of all bran in the mornings...works wonders for me!

[Alan]

Constipation during pregnancy is very common. It is caused by some pregnancy hormones. These hormones act on your large intestine by reducing the peristaltic action. (gentle contracting and relaxing of your intestine and bowel to push the stool along). When this peristaltic action is slowed down more water is absorbed from your stools causing them to become hard and thus causing constipation. Extra fluid and fibre may help relieve constipation however I would personally recommend coloxyl and senna tablets. These tablets not only contain a stool softener which helps prevent your stools become hard but they also increase the peristaltic action of your bowel, lessening the time that the stools sit in your intestine and thus reducing the reabsorbing of fluid from your stools.

[puppies]

Tanks guys,
I went to the chemist after I read your suggestions and I have now got coloxyl and I tried 1 tablet last night. I went this morning and it was not difficult at all although it was only a small amount at least I wasn't needing to nearly burst a blood vessel to push it out. Will see how I go with this for the rest of the week. I may have to increase it to two tablets. But I feel better already. My tummy doesn't feel tight and uncomfortable so I think it's done the trick. I am so glad I found this site, and so grateful for your advice.
Thank you again!

[visitor1]

Yay.....they work wonders!!

[Heaven]

Oh ikwym and today I have seriously painful gas problems. Horrible!!
Hope it gets better for you

[puppies]

Thanks Sara,
I feel pretty good today best I have felt in a couple of weeks. So must have worked. I have also just drank 1.5 litres by lunch time which is a huge thing for me. Funny thing I am not usually thirsty but now that I have drank all that fluid I am feeling thirsty. Go figure. But I am hoping that will help with things tomorrow morning!
P.S. I stay clear of all the diet suggestions like apricots, prunes, juice etc cause they all give me the most uncomfortable cramps and very smelly gas. So water and these fabulous tablets will be all I will be trying to solve this little problem.

[HOPRAH]

I use Normacol Plus. Both my Dr and my Naturopath suggested it. It doesn't send you racing to the toilet or anything. It's nice a gentle. I use it about twice a week. This constipation really sucks!