Questions on Conception...(I've had many)

[kitkatz35]

(I'm not sure what 'topic' this falls under) but my question is about conception and health issues; what is allowed and what isn't when trying to concieve a healthy baby - and once conceived:
As some of you already know, my husband and I are trying to conceive (we had a little scare on that issue a few weeks back) but anyway.....back to my questions (Several of them, sorry!)
I have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and for many years I've had to take laxatives (as the years go on, more than the directed use) and this is just to be 'normal/regular'  without them I simply do not/can not go at all; I know that laxatives are not good if you are pregnant - so my questions for this subject:
(Question 1)If I take the laxatives (generic Dulcolax / stimulant laxative) until I 'become pregnant' is that Ok? Assuming it is ok, what happens if I'm taking them before I know that I'm pregnant (before any test can verify that)?
Next question on this subject:
When I become pregnant I know that pregnancy alone causes constipation so along with my IBS, I know that it'll be doubled in misery with that; so
(Question 2) What alternative is there for me to use?
(Keep in mind that I've been trying Prune juice, super dieters tea (an IBS Specialist told me about super dieter's tea and said it helped alot of patients become regular; which  of course did not work for me), fiber tablets, I already eat healthy and lots of fiber, Plum Juice, Danactive Yogurt (the list continues) but the point is I've tried everything that I know of and I simply can not go without some help and I do not want to risk anything if I become pregnant.

[kaelin8]

any way that i can send you a letter; in school we are doing a GT research project!?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I wondered if you have tried Miralax and or Lactulose.  Those work for most people and would be safe during pregnancy.  Stimulant laxatives are addicting, and can damage the nerves of the colon.  Sounds like you already have nerve damage.  Laxatives can be used during pregnancy, but you want to try to stick with the ones that pass straight through and don't enter the blood stream.  Suppositories and enemas can be used as a last resort.  Milk of Magnesia mixed with prune juice is something that can be taken every day.  Papaya, spinach and prunes are your friends.  I also recommend drinking 2-3 liters (that's what I said!) of water daily.

Good luck!
Dr B