thread: Safe to have an enema?

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Mar 2005
    Adelaide SA
    877

    Safe to have an enema?

    Yesterday afternoon I went to the movies with a friend, I was feeling fine one minute then as soon as I sat down I got the worst constipation pains ever, my friend thought I was in labour lol. Anyway it has settled down a little but I am still VERY uncomfortable to the point where I can hardly walk at times. DH suggested he go and get an enema from the chemist for me - is this safe? (I'm about 38 weeks). I've got an appointment with my Ob tomorrow but I really don't think I can wait that long, I am that uncomfortable...

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    SE suburbs, Vic
    1,377

    short answer yes, but you will need to go to the chemist & let them know how far along you are & they will give you some that are ok or pregnancy. I had to have them with DD because I was constipated the whole PG & even had to use one during labour before I went to the hospital. I cant remember what brand they gave me but the also gave me a liquid in a massive bottle to keep taking for the next few days afterwards to keep it moving

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    Brisbane
    157

    Just wondering how you got on? Did the enema work? Does anyone know how often it is safe to use them, and if you can after a c-section?

    I'm having major constipation issues and starting to freak out about how painful it's going to be trying to poo after a c-section. Sorry if TMI! I've been on a high-fibre diet for months, swimming heaps, drinking loads of water and more recently taking Lactulose daily and still no relief! I've tried every remedy known to man and I'm getting desperate.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Mar 2005
    Adelaide SA
    877

    It worked great for me - I've since started having physillium husk on my cereal and mixed in with a couple of glasses of water or juice a day and that seems to have helped to get things moving.
    I had a c/section last time, they gave me metamucal to drink in the hospital after delivery - that wasn't doing much though so they were talking about giving me a depositary (sp?) - I think just talking about one scared my bowels into working because I didn't have any trouble after that!

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Jan 2009
    A Pirate Ship
    3,627

    Hi Boo, so glad you decided to do the enema, Some people say they are not safe but I intend to do one if need be, just one of two squirts is generally enough to get things moving without having to keep going back for a full enema iykwim

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Sep 2007
    Cairns
    1,787

    Using a standard water based enema is not going to help much and if anything can cause significantly more discomfort - you are better off using something like a Microlax enema which also contains a softener.

    Because abdominal surgery does slow the bowel, Lactulose is usually given as a prophylaxis post surgery. However, sometimes an enema becomes necessary if oral softeners are not working because an enema is preferable to straining.