Constipation in pregnancy

[inlovewithhubby]

I am extremely constipated. I'm 21 weeks pregnant. The pain is horrible when I go to the restroom. What does everyone else do for constipation in pregnancy? I drink grapefruit juice and right now I'm eating a bowl of grapes. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[inlovewithhubby]

Thank you everyone for your help. I was only going once in 3 days now I'm going everyday. I'm taking flax seeds on my cereal and drinking fresh apple pear juice from my juicer.  I really appreciate your help.

[Squa8794]

Please take this very seriousl. There are safe meds or supplements you can take to help. I know a friend who almost died from being backed up. She only went once a week and very little, one month later she couldn't keep food down, two weeks later she was in hospital with sepsis. Please for you and your baby get to a doctor they can't do xray but i think sono can help see your intestines. Good Luck & Take Care :-)

[cudby]

Water water water!  Try drinking 2 warm pints every morning as soon as possible after waking (I blend a lemon and a chunk of fresh ginger into mine) and then take in regular fluid throughout the day (totalling around 3-4 litres) Diluted juice and fruit teas are good ways to top up. This has been a morning habit of mine for years although at19 weeks pregnant i am finding that i still need way more fluid in the day than normal...but i haven't had a day of constipation...Good luck! (forever living aloe pulp and walking are 2 other good things to add in to your routine)

[MommaHaha]

It sounds like you need a stool softener, completely okay to take while pregnant. No reason to have it be painful.  You may want to try acidopholus tablets (refrigerated best) and some docusate sodium (stool softener). They will help your bowels along with above advice for increased fiber. Lots of water too if you are going to add fiber. I use ground flax seed on my cereal, great fiber!

[Helen72]

Try to increase fiber in your diet.  Morning cereals with extra fiber work well.  My nurse also told me that I can take stool softener if necessary.  I never tried taking those though...

[rosey117]

Colace, Phillips milk of magnesia, prune juice, and fiber bars

[nola0805]

For me what worked best were dried apricots (snacked on them all day) and fresh papaya (I would make a papaya smoothie in the morning, with yogurt and some other fruit).

[New24888]

I went a week with out going and had to go to the er. Use a suppository to get stuff moving and then take fiber pills everyday.

[BittyCostello]

If u go too long without going the bathroom, go to the ER or see ur doc immediately. This is serious. I am 36 weeks pregnant and have taken that very seriously. Before pregnancy, I went 20-something days without going and almost died. Make sure u take metamucil with ur prenatal meds and contact ur doc if u go a week without going.

[CTMom37]

The cause is likely to be your prenatal vitamins (or rather the source of the iron in them).  I assume you are taking them?  Whether you are or are not, I have found that a more "natural" form of prenatals is easier on the bowels.  The brand I use is Jamieson and they are wonderful for keeping things moving, while still providing a healthy source of nutrients.  I'm sure there are other brands you doctor could suggest, but barring that a trip to your local health co-op may prove just as fruitful.  Good luck!  

[jusshadababy3112]

Prune juice is great!!!!!... Especially when I eat a lot of green leafy vegetables

[momy21]

Pineapple juice is great. Also pears and drink lotss of water.. avoid white bread and rice.. eat whole grain bread

[Flickan]

Cherry juice works better for a natural cure.