Constipation issues?

Has anyone had some constipation issues late in pregnancy? Is there anything you can do besides take a stool softener?

I am so frustrated! The stool softener sometimes makes it too easy to go and I can hardly make it to the bathroom in time. I had to drink Miralax (before pregnancy) before. Does anyone know if that is safe during pregnancy?

Thanks everyone and sorry of this topic is gross or TMI!!!

 

I'm sorry to hear this, but I have constipation since early pregnancy, till now. I take half strength prune juice, cos the full strength one gives me the run and it ain't funny, so don't feel sorry about ur post, darling! I try not to take meds, thus I'm depending more on natural stuff like prune juice, more fruits and water. Hope this help!

 

You have to talk to your OB, I had it so bad that they had me taking EXLax while pregnant and taking 6 colace a day 2 of them 3 x's a day. We tried, suppositories, prune juice, you name it we did it all. I was in bed from 5 weeks on, so I got NO activity!

Good luck,and no this post isn't TMI

 

I'll tell you what has worked for me--I know I'm more just past the middle of my pregnancy, but on top of constipation from pregnancy, I get severe constipation from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). My OB put me on Miralax, and it worked at first, but it would be like you say, all at once, and I would get cramping and bloating with it.

The BEST thing that works for me--my sister recommended this to me and she has had 3 babies so she knows how bad constip. can get--is taking a heaping spoonful of ground flax (aka milled flax), and sprinkle it on top of a bowl of cereal or over yogurt, or even ice cream!! I promise you will start going like clockwork. And not diarrhea either. I mean (sorry TMI) solid poops! No cramping, no gas--just poop! You can get a box of this ground (milled) flax at Wal-Mart. It's pretty inexpensive, and it WORKS. Since I've been taking it, I've been VERY regular!

Sorry for the TMI!

 

Thank you everyone for your replies-at least I know I am not alone with these problems.

I had an appt. 2 days ago and I asked my doctor if I could take Miralax and he said yes, so I am going to start with that. It worked before this whole pregnancy thing, so I hope it will work again! This is only my second day taking it, so we'll see!

If this doesn't work, I will try the flax that was suggested. Boy it would be nice to be regular again!

Thanks everyone and keep the suggestions coming!

 

I can support Smitch's recommendation about flaxseed. The good thing with flax it that it is also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.

I grind it up in a coffee grinder dedicated to this purpose and mix it up with a tsp of honey. I spread that on whole wheat toast and call it breakfast.

I will also eat it with yogurt or add it to a protein shake.

 

Does the flax stuff have a taste?

 

I used hemp seed when my constipation was bad. It has a slightly nutty flavour and tasted excellent on my yogurt or ground up in my shakes.

 

I was constipated the entire pregnancy. I took Miralax throughout and the doctor said it was safe to take it every couple of days. I only did it every once in a while when it was really bad.
I also tried to eat a lot of fiber. Raisin Bran worked wonders.

 

The only thing that worked for me was Milk of Mag tablets and I would take like 3 a night and drink a big glass of water. I would usually be able to go the next morning. I had HUGE issues with Constipation!!

 

Hi there,
I just found this site! How cool! I'm 26 weeks expecting boy/girl twins! I had to reply to this subject because it is one that is close to my heart!
When I was experiencing horrible constipation a friend of mine (who is a doctor) recommended that I use a natural product called Mama Calm. It
is a mix of magnesium with Folic Acid and it is a powder that you make into a tea at bedtime. It is the most wonderful thing I have ever used! I
was soooo frustrated with doctors telling me to just deal with constipation...or telling me to up my fiber! I'm a vegetarian who eats nothing BUT
fiber! Trust me, this will work for you! Before I knew about this product, I was having to use suppositories and those were only working every other time I used them! I use 2 1/2 teaspoons of Mama Calm with hot water and drink it at bedtime and have been using it since week 8...it has never failed me!
Another plus is that it also helps me sleep!
Linda