Your top tips re: constipation and digestive problems

[babyblonde]

Hello ladies!

Am trying to collect together as many top tips as to remedies for all those lovely bowel and tummy problems we seem to get in pregnancy - then the mods are going to make it a sticky thread so that us and future generations can easily access the info we need, rather than needing to post a new thread asking the same questions every week!!!

So, please post here any useful info you have and I will collate it all.

Thanks muchly!!!!

 

[EllieBelle]

I have tried pretty much everything.......

Throughout my pregnancy I have exercised daily (2-3 miles with dog until I hit 30 weeks, than had to reduce to a mile a day). Drank a litre of fruit juice every day, have eaten lots of fruit etc etc.

NOTHING seemed to help my constipation. In the end I saw my doctor who prescribed lactulose, which is a natural sugar solution - it takes at least 48 hours to work, but I could then play around with the doseage and have some weeks taking it and other weeks I could do without it (I didnt want to become dependant on it). Its a very natural product, so doesnt cause any horrid stomach cramps.

When I started having regular reflexology sessions I did not need the lactulose at all..........recently stopped having reflexology as baby due soon (have to travel over 45 mins to get there), and constipation has set in again.

So for me - Lactulose and Reflexology both worked well for me!

I have also suffered from bouts of severe heartburn........rennies have worked well throughout my pregnancy - until the last few days, where I have had to revert back to taking Gaviscon Advance which I got from the doctor, its been so bad recently I cannot sleep at night, and the burning is horrific!

Hope that helps

 

[babyblonde]

Thanks Ellie - some really helpful advice there!

 

[M&Ms]

My main tips for constipation are lots of fruit juice and failing that, make sure you are drinking plenty of water to help prevent dehydration

 

[babyblonde]

Thanks lovely!

 

[louears]

prune juice worked for me for a little while

 

[babyblonde]

Thanks Louears!

Does it not taste rank?v I tried to eat prunes once - did not find them pleasant.

 

[louears]

Thanks Louears!

Does it not taste rank?v I tried to eat prunes once - did not find them pleasant.

at first it does taste a bit yukky but after a few days i actually quite liked it i should also say the recommended amount is half a pint a day

 

[maldives]

I can't recommend any as I am a big sufferer my self, but I will list the things my Dr suggested maybe it will work for others, any way few of them just started on them since yesterday so they might work..
I am not from the Uk so not sure if they are all available there.

1-Lactulose.
2-Normacol.
3-Fybogel.
4-Glycerin suppo.
5-Eucarbon.

she also suggested eating prunes first thing in the morning. and even better soaking them in water all night then eat it in the morning and drink the water.

Last recommendation is eating fiber rich food and drinking at least 2.5 Lt of water a day!

Oh forgot to mention..best thing that works for me (not during pregnancy) is All-Bran!

 

[babyblonde]

Thanks hun

 

[ella]

My midwife recommended linseed for constipation - it is natural and amazingly effective, I highly recommend it, one tablespoon in a yogurt every other day works for me but you can take it every day if necessary.

It can be got in tesco or health food shops.

 

[babyblonde]

Thanks Ella - I didn't realise you could take Linseed in pregnancy!

 

[toxshock]

I have been suffering from constipation, lasting up to 12 days at a time, painful! I saw my doctor last night and she prescribed a liquid lactose. I had my first dose and had a comfortable poo.

 

[babyblonde]

Thanks for all the answers so far girlies!

Bumping this incase anyone else wants to add anything!

 

[babyblonde]

Bump!

 

[charlotte_]

it doesn't get any better i'm afraid girls! a month post partum & i'm still constipated

 

[Sunflower]

I just posted a question on this and am in sooo much pain so am going to try a few of these so thxs girls have at least something to try!! wooo ooo feel better already knowing there is something i can try!!

sx

 

[maldives]

come on ladies....share ur cures I am still curious about solutions as I haven't yet found a proper one The Eucarbon I am taking is a herbal remedy (tablets) and it was prescribed by a Dr that I didn't like very much..it's got a strong laxative effect even though it says its mild..(maybe I've taken too much)! any way I can't take it on a daily bases as it causes cramps but I am soo desperate to take something safe and regulate my system on a daily basis!! can't wait till I am over 35 weeks I remember going twice a day

 

[Lou]

I was constipated when I was pg with Isaac and I ate dried apricots and lentil soup (not together ) to get things moving. You can buy dried apricots down the supermarket aisle that sells home baking and cake stuff I also found I couldn't digest red meat, I will definately avoid it if theres a next time I believe digestion slows down when you are pregnant

 

[bizzygirl101]

Hi

I have found eating 10-15 dried apricots everyday really helpfull!