Constipation!!!!! AAAAHHHHHHHHH

Updated on October 07, 2009
K.P. asks from Lakeview, OH
41 answers

I'm 16 weeks pregnant and have sever constipation. I have always had this problem so I take amitiza for it, but since I'm pregnant it's not safe for the baby. I have tried everything from stool softeners to prune juice and nothing helps. It has been almost 2 weeks since i last went and even then it wasn't anything that would relieve me. I am literally full of poo! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks..

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S.E.

answers from Cleveland on

Sounds like you need to try every thing every one suggests at one time. Anyway, flax. Lots and lots of flax. Flax caplets (near vitamins) as well as milled flax seed in everything you eat. Not only will it keep you loosened up but is great omega 3 for babies brain. I had terrible constipation with my first but not bad with the second and I credit flax caplets with that.

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L.M.

answers from Cleveland on

You can try Georges Always Active Aloe - it tastes just like water, I get mine from Vitacost.com but there are other places online that have it as well. Easy to take and seems to do the trick!

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K.P.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Hello K. my aunt told me many years ago to sit on the stool, relax and breath deep in and out for three times and you will go. It worked sometimes and not sometimes but it is worth a try.

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B.B.

answers from Indianapolis on

First, call your OB/GYN to see what they recommend.

Second, go get a huge bunch of grapes (grapes make you go) and maybe even some pears. Stay away from bananas and apples for a while.

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C.

answers from Cleveland on

I was told to take metamucil (powder form in a glass of orange juice or something). It worked for me.

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A.A.

answers from Lafayette on

If your doctor gives you the OK, try Milk of Magnesia - it's old school, but it works. It's also great for that first post-partum poo, too.

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K.

answers from Indianapolis on

I have a list of things from my OB that are safe to take such as Citrucel and Colace. Check with yours and hopefully you get relief soon! In the mean time have you tried pizza rolls? Those make me go all the time haha!

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M.C.

answers from Cleveland on

This my sound groooooooose but ask the doc if you can take an Fleets(sp)enema.
In the mean time Cook up some Onion and peppers Olive oil and Italian sausage. I serve it over Angel hair pasta. Cut the sausage into bite size pieces and it cooks faster. This always makes me go and I have constipation as well.
Good Luck and Best Wishes for the Baby!

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A.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

Sounds likeneed to call your OB and talk to either the nurse there or see if your dr will call you back. My daughter who was 4 at the time we put her on Miralax. It might be safe for you to take. But check with your dr. It works, it takes a couple of days but it works.

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D.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

How much water are you drinking? You HAVE to drink WATER! Might want to get a copy of the Egoscue book called PAIN FREE WOMEN. It takes you thru EVERY stage of pregnancy and the issues you have. I KNOW, thru personal experience - even though I don't have constipation issues, that when I do certain exercises, it makes me get up and go. Stop & think about it, when you move the hips, the bowels/intestines move with it. There are also HERBS that help w/ constipation that are safer than meds. Double check any precautions - alfalfa, aloe vera, ginger, lemon are all things that help stimulate the digestive system &/or bowels.

If you can handle lemon slices, try eating some of those, followed by plenty of water, of course since lemon eats at the enamel on your teeth. Lemon helps contract the bowels. I've used this NUMEROUS times w/ a small child and she loves lemon. It ALWAYS helps.

Make SURE you're getting PLENTY - at least 25-30G fiber daily. STAY away from refined sugar - slows down the digestive process and white flour.

You can do a "colon cleanse" by drinking a quart of distilled water w/ 2 teaspoons of sea salt. It's NOT really that salty, but trust me, you'll need to stay close to the bathroom for at least an hour to 90 minutes. Sea salt has great properties and REALLY helps clean out the bowels. This is actually part of the MASTER CLEANSE detox program. I do it 3-4 times a year, just to "clean that room of the house".

Realize that the biggest part of your immune system lies in your intestines. THEREFORE, if you can't get rid of the toxic waste, that's a HUGE problem. You're doing the right thing by trying to get some help. Just taking meds, stool softners, etc. is NOT the long term solution.

Get to know your body better and what things are required for your intestinal and digestive systems to function well.

Would be VERY surprised if utilizing even half these suggestions didn't make a huge difference.

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S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi K., I cannot imagine how you must feel but am totally sympathetic for your situation. Equally scary is what the toxins in your colon are doing to that tiny baby. I agree that your doctor is the best option immediately but then you will want to get your colon working properly since from what I read, the med you were taking can't be taken if you're planning to breastfeed. And besides, many things that people take for constipation actually weaken the colon so that it will become increasingly difficult to go naturally.
There are too many things to consider in a severe situation like yours to think that merely addition fiber or lots of water are likely to correct it. Your colon needs to heal and then be fed so it will function correctly. Please don't allow this to continue as such a huge part of our health starts in our intestines.

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D.S.

answers from Columbus on

Are you by any chance on Zofran for nausea? I know when I took that during my first and second trimesters it REALLY consitpated me. I still had issues after I stopped it, but not nearly as bad. I did the Milk of Magnesia (sp?) and it worked...not pleasant to drink, but at least it cleared me out.

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H.M.

answers from Youngstown on

There is a prenatal vitamin out there that includes a stool softener. Not sure what you are eating, but oatmeal always seems to help me. Also, I've been eating cherries throughout my pregnancy and they seem to help as well. Make sure you are drinking lots of fluids, too. Check with your doctor, too.

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A.S.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi Kristi. I feel your pain, literally. I have always struggled with being irregular and especially when I was pregnant. The prenatal vitamins are high in iron, which the baby needs, but maybe ask your dr if there is a different vitamin that you can take that is lower in iron because that is probably what is doing it. You can try a tea called smooth move, probably in the health food section. Good luck!

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A.N.

answers from Columbus on

I have a couple of co-workers that have chronic constipation issues, and they swear by eating an apple every morning. It couldn't hurt to try!

Good luck!

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A.V.

answers from Indianapolis on

HI K.,

Ugh, I tend to have those problems too! Have you tried taking acidophilis? Or get the fiber-one bars or other high fiber granola bars or cereal if you haven't tried that. Lots of water and try to exercise! The Probiotics really help me! Good luck!

A. V.

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T.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

So know what you are going through! I was miserable! There are mini-enema packs (Fleet) at the drug store that would give you immediate relief, but you can't use them everyday! Start with those, but also pick up everything yogurt...Activia, smoothies, frozen yogurt...and ask the pharmacy and your doctor about a good probiotic to take. And, I'm sure you have heard to drink lots of water. Just get a big water sipper and fill it twice a day with filtered water and make it your job to drink it. If you have added fiber to help things and you don't drink enough water, it just turns to concrete in your system. Hope everything "comes out okay"...tee-hee!

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D.T.

answers from Indianapolis on

Call your doctor NOW! This could be alot more serious than you realize. I'm pretty sure Miralax is OK to use when pregnant but double-check.

Eating lots of fiber right now won't help - you need lots of water and stool softeners to soften the hardened mass to get it moving. Once it's out, make sure you eat enough fiber to prevent it. Most Americans get nowhere near the 35-40 grams a day we should eat.

My son has dealt with constipation issues for years. Foods you want to avoid are bananas, milk, cheese, yogurt (pretty much all dairy - some people can't tolerate more than a serving a day without constipation issues), white rice, applesauce, apple juice and cooked carrots. Foods you want to eat - fresh apples (the skin is best, other variations of apples have opposite effect due to processing), high water-content foods like mellons and soups, high fiber foods like fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains, raisins, etc.

FiberOne has a line of excellent tasting products which are high in fiber but you still need 'real' insoluable fiber from fresh veggies/fruits so don't depend totally on the soluable fiber in processed foods.

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K.Z.

answers from Cleveland on

OMG, 2 weeks??!! Call your doc and tell him/her what's (not) happening.

Other than that, a friend of my Mom's said that a peanut butter sandwich (preferable crunchy PB) and strong black coffee helped her go (this was for occasional constipation, but it may be worth a try). I don't think any doc will freak out over a cup or 2 of caffeinated beverages in a case like this (if your are concerned about caffeine while pregnant). Some of us drank a cup a day.

Exercise is supposed to help also.

Good luck!

K. Z.

N.V.

answers from Columbus on

Oh no! That's terrible for you to go 2 weeks; not only because it's not comfortable, but because it's very unhealthy and can cause big problems.

You NEED to try what I took when I was pregnant. It's simple to take nutrition in powdered form that you mix with milk, juice, or water and drink. 100% safe and natural. I gained 50 lbs with both children and that doesn't leave much room when I only weighed 114 pre-pregancy.....yet, I never had an issue with constipation because of this product. If I started to feel 'plugged', I just took more and was doing great again!

Email me at ____@____.com and we can connect for me to get you more info and the product if you want to give it a try (100% money back guarantee.)

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

had the problem last year, but wasn't pregnant at the time, so it wasn't a motivating concern. if amitiza isn't working, chances are not much more will. have you added more fiber to your diet? the fiber 1 foods are really good, plus you can buy fiber supplements (fibersure, benefiber) that add great amounds of fiber helping you poop. or, you can just add boatloads of fruits and vegetables (which are the source of the fiber supplements anyhow). They'll tell you LOTS and LOTS of water - it didn't help me as mine was caused by chemo drugs that were going to do whatever they wanted.
Other people swear by Miralax - I would check with your OB to make sure it's safe during pregnancy.

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

Have you tried Traditional Medicinals "Smooth Move" tea? It always worked for me. Check with your doc just in case, but as far as I know, it's safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. I got mine at Whole Foods.
Exercise definitely helps, especially something that keeps you moving but isn't strenuous like yoga or tai chi.

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B.W.

answers from Dayton on

aloe vera juice. completely natural and safe. the downside, it tastes awful.

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K.J.

answers from Columbus on

My doctor recommended Miralax (you can get it at just about any drug or superstore, I got mine at WalMart). The best part about it to me, other than it working of course, is that it completely dissolves in whatever liquid you drink it with. Ialways took mine in water. He had me take the regular dose daily until I felt regular again and then told me to continue taking a half dose throughout the rest of my pregnancy. It really worked for me. After things were back to "normal", I ended up taking it every other day and then towards the end just once a week. Considering how constipated I was, it seemed like a miracle that anything worked. Hope that helps. The things we do for our babies!

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L.L.

answers from Columbus on

I took a tablespoon of olive oil every day and was very regular. You might want to try the activia yogurt too!!

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S.K.

answers from Columbus on

I am 38 weeks pregnant and am having off and on problems with that. On chance one day I just had a little decaf coffee and it got things moving to my surprise. Decaf still has some caffine so if you are worried do some research first.

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L.J.

answers from Cincinnati on

Dear K.,
I would go to a chiropractor and get an adjustment. Someone that you trust. Ask a friend if they know a reputable one. Hope this helps, L. J.

L.F.

answers from Columbus on

after I had my baby with a c section I had a terrible time and the nurse made me a drink that really helped and it tasted pretty good. She warmed up pinapple juice and cranberry juice, not hot just a little warm. They called it "the cocktail" It really did the trick for me. Another thing you might try is rather than drinking the prune juice try eating the prunes and drink a ton of water. Since you are so backed up already just to get yourself some relief have you considered an enima? (don't think I'm spelling that right but I think you know what I mean) Good luck to you. I'm sure you are already doing this but make sure you are avoiding things like popcorn, bananas and cheese. They just make is worse.

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R.H.

answers from Cleveland on

Try Karo Syrup It works for babies

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B.B.

answers from South Bend on

I have a friend who couldn't go. They finally found out she had a kink in her colon. She had surgery and is now ok.

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C.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

ask your doc if you can take magnesium suppliments. i take a lot of meds that cause constipation and between the yogurt and anywhere from ###-###-#### mg of magnesium help with the constipation. It takes a few days to a week, but it really keeps me regular. hope it helps. don't forget to check with your doc first.

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L.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

I was too when I was prego...I took fiber pills on top of my prenatals. and then EVERY MORNING I would have a bottle of water and then I would enjoy a cup of hot decaf coffee. I was in the bathroom like clockwork within an hour. Good luck!!

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C.N.

answers from Muncie on

Call the doctor. I had a friend that had the same situation and she ended up at the hospital. Call now!!

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M.B.

answers from Dayton on

You need to give the dr a call. 2 weeks without a bowel movement could cause an impaction and lead to much worse problems. You may just need an enema, but the dr can also help you with how to not get in this position again.

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D.G.

answers from Columbus on

Well, I can see how that would be a bit troubling. My question is how much water (just plain H20) are you consuming per day? You should be consuming 1/2 your body weight in ounces per day. Ex: Weight 120 = 60 oz. For every caffeinated beverage you drink, you must drink an additional 24 oz of water to compensate for dehydration. When you consume enough water it allows for your organs to work properly.

Hope this helps! Enjoy your pregnancy!

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C.F.

answers from South Bend on

Kristi i am feeling exaclty what ur saying cause that is what im going through, im 12 weeks but that is my biggest headache. Lately ive tried drinking alot of water and ive been taking Miralax n it seems to be helping

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R.G.

answers from Cincinnati on

I can relate. When pregnant with my son and taking that iron rich vitamin supplement that my physician recommended,I had a similar problem. My mother came to the rescue with a great natural solution. Her father was a country doctor and so she knows some easy home remedies.

She suggested I eat two fresh pears (not canned) and drink 8 oz of apple cider. Apple juice can be substituted if you can't find cider, but cider works better. Within a couple of hours my problem was solved without cramping or any discomfort. I kept to a weekly pear and cider day for the rest of my pregnancy, and had no further problems.

Hope it works for you!

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A.B.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Well you will think this is crazy but it will work... drink olive oil and lemon juice. This is good for heartburn too. It really works. I have done this for years and I have a daughter who struggles too. We both did like you and would go weeks and be in exruciating pain.

For now- because you are in such pain.... do 4 shots of olive oil and 4 shots of lemon juice. one Olive oil then one lemon juice. do it now and agian in 8 hours if nothing happens. and again in the morning. If that doesn't move your poo- NOTHING WILL!! the olive oil can be virgin or not... I use plain (not virgin) because it is cheaper. :)

Now this is totally safe for baby!!! If you want to cure this problem do one shot of each a day 4 days on and 3 days off for 2-3 weeks. you will start moving fairly normal from there. and it cures heartburn too! that may be good info for pregnancy! :) My daughter and myself have done this all. It is not pleasant I will not even try to lie. We do it in shot glasses because it is easier to "throw back" But now we rarely need to do it. And we finally poo!

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B.C.

answers from Columbus on

You need to go to the ER so that they can get that out of you before it affects the baby or your bowels erupe.

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M.F.

answers from Toledo on

If you can with out discomfort... lay on your back and do the bicycle like when you were a kid. They also say to bicycle your childs legs when they are constipated.

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