Having amniocentesis and terribly constipated, please help

[paris1]

Hi girls

I am 16 weeks pregnant and having amniocentesis done next week and I am terribly constipated. Before I got pregnant 6 prunes in the morning used to do the job, Yesterday I took 28 and I so far nothing is happening. Please help.

My doctor has recommended Coloxyl with senna, however the pharmacist says that senna could stimulate the uterus and I have been given Glycerin suppositories instead.

I was wandering if any of you have been in the same situation and also what do you take to correct constipation safely.

thanks,
Paris

[SweetPea]

Maybe increasing you water intake may help too. Several things that I was told to be good for relieving constipation are kiwi fruit with the skin on, pears with the skin on, dates, prunes, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, psyllium husks, oats, yogurt. Also gentle exercise like walking can help move things along. Hope you get some relief soon!! All the best for your amnio next week.

[melsa31]

I recommend psyllium and lots of water. Are you taking multivitamins? They can make you constipated (I think it's the iron?). Hope everything goes well for you.

[KimB]

Hasn't someone on here recommended using parachoc. Gentle laxative that even young children can use

[WannabeMum]

Everything SweetPea said is great for maintenance! So go for it - the ingredients make a great breakfast - eat that for brekky, go for a walk and drink heaps of water. A high fibre diet only works for constipation if your water intake is adequate. Also, taking your multi or iron supplement after food can help minimise their effects on constipation.

The glycerin supps will get rid of this bout of constipation though - if you feel anything like me, the last thing you want to do is strain. They will work quickly, in around half an hour and you'll have relief. I'd suggest using one, then having the high fibre brekky as ongoing treatment. Parachoc is a gentle laxative but hopefully the dietary changes will help keep you regular!

Good luck!

Oh, for reference, I'm a nurse who has worked a long time in hospitals (emergency and orthopaedics) and aged care - so with the aged care, you wind up being a bit of a constipation specialist!

[Sagres]

I had a pretty bad constipation issue recently and what the other posters have said is good for keeping things going well, but if you are a bit backed up those foods and products may not necessarily help move that along. The glycerin suppository helps to get rid of what is not moving, and relatively quickly. My GP and Ob recommended either the glycerin or microlax suppositories which had it sorted in about 30 minutes.