Sure you can take metamucil etc but for me thats even too drastic. I am a IBS sufferer although its all but gone since being pregnant (thank God!). I avoid anything that make me move too quickly in that area. The stool softner worked well earlier on when I had constipation for about 3 weeks but I have been good ever since (thank God again!). I just drink lots of fluids cause that will generally soften things up.