Bowel Movements During Pregnancy

[Atia_Julii]

Okay, a gross question, but I have to ask.

I've heard during pregnancy constipation is very normal.  Well, I've had the opposite of that. In fact, I haven't had a solid bowel movement in over 2 months!  Is this also normal during pregnancy?

I've tried to switch up my diet, add fiber, take away fiber, etc, but nothing changes.  I'm starting to wonder if it's my prenatal vitamin?

I see my midwife next week, so I'll ask her, but have any of you experienced this?

[jenkaye21]

FYI- I'm pretty sure many/most women do have a bowel movement while pushing during labor.  As embarrassing as THAT sounds, it is completely normal and the nurses aren't even fazed.  =)  

[rebekah385]

this is my 4th pregnancy and i have had diahrea instead of constipation with all of them the whole time! It is sometimes a pain, but i actually perfer it, when comparing to my pregnant friends who have the hardest time going to the bathroom for most of their pregnancy. it is considered normal as well although less common. also just as am FYI with the having an accident during labor thing, most women even those who have been constipated get diahrea when going into labor, i think it has to do with the pressure from the baby or something, but it is very common to have diahrea when going ingot labor even if you hav'nt had it before! good luck and yes it's normal!

[JadedSweetheart]

I read in What to Expect When You're Expecting that both constipation and diarhea are normal during pregnancy.  They both suck but some how are normal.  I would recommend eating cheese. It tends to firm you up.  Cheese and bread together along with fiber would be good.  Just not oily cheese, as oil will make loose stools looser.

[leslieannmsu]

I'd say it is totally normal and I actually did read on my prenatal vitamins that they do contain a stool softener! YAY! I'm more constipated than not but I also have days where it is the total opposite! Limonada I have had those pains too, actually yesterday on my way home from work my sides and back was hurting so bad that I was getting panicked but after I got home and used the bathroom I felt fine.

[Atia_Julii]

when I look up loose stools during pregnancy on the internet, they say it's usually just some sort of viral infection.  If that was true, it would have only lasted a bit.  Like I said, mine has lasted 2 months. . . probably longer!

And not to be even grosser, but I'd like to have solid bowel movements well before I go into labor or I'll surely be having an accident during delivery.  Not what I want. :(

[Limonada]

I'd say it's normal....but I had bad constipation during my last pregnancy - the gas pains hurt so bad that I thought I was in premature labour one day!  

[30something13]

no the opposit but I would rather be on the other end. I have never heard of prenatals doing that but hey things happen. hope it gets better for you