If taking stool softeners/fibre supplements -- how much are you taking?

Answer 1

I am not pregnate but I do have irritable bowel sydrome and nothing helps like drinking serveral large glasses of WATER a day. Other drinks can cause the problem to get worse.

Answer 2

There are three basic types of Laxing agents,
1) Bulking agents (eg, psyllium, Ca polycarbophil, methylcellulose)
2) Osmotic agents, (eg. Magnesium, Phosphates, sulphates)
3) Emollient agents (eg, docusate, mineral oil, glycerine suppositories)
Docusate is a surfactant, (trade name Colace , and surfax,) which allows water to enter the fecal mass to soften and increase its bulk. Increased bulk may stimulate peristalsis, which moves the softened stool more easily. Mineral oil softens fecal matter but may decrease absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Emollients may be useful after MI or anorectal surgery and when prolonged bed rest is required.

Bulking agents act in a slow and gentle manner and are the safest option. As a long term course they are the only safe means of removal. You could try having 15- 20 grams of unrefined Millers bran with fruit or added to a bowl of cereal. Proper use involves gradually increasing the dose—ideally, taken with sufficient liquid (eg, 500 mL/day of extra fluid) to prevent impaction until a softer, bulkier stool results. Bulking agents produce natural effects and, unlike other laxatives, do not lead to colonic inertia.

Osmotic agents contain poorly absorbed polyvalent ions, eg, Magnesium, phosphates, and sulphates) These act by increasing intraluminal osmotic pressure thereby drawing water into the intestine. The increased volume stimulates peristalsis (Bowel movement)

The best solution for constipation would be to wait it out and let the body do what it has to do, unless it causes unbearable pain or other complications.
Treatment of constipation should be accompanied by behavioural changes. I.e try inducing the stool at the same time each day , usually half an hour after breakfast. Try relaxation techniques, doing some form of exercise

Answer 3

I would have a bowl of Oatmeal Almond Crisp on morning and then a can of Ensure w/Fiber the next. Also, Benefiber tablets are good too. I only took the minimum dosage and it helped me to just stay regular. Buy apples or apple juice for snacks. I found that if I tried prunes or too much fiber at once, I would have terrible terrible gas pains! Whatever you do, just make sure you ease it into your diet slowly and you should be fine! Good luck!

Answer 4

I know it sounds awful, but the best remedies for constipation are fiber and fluids. Make certain that you are drinking plenty of water each day. Juices like pure orange juice, apple juice and prune juice will help move things along. If you're eating white bread or white pasta, you might want to switch to whole grains or wheat. Make sure you're eating enough raw fruits and veggies, such as carrots, spinach, and kale. Whole prunes or raisins may also help. You could also try yogurt, like Activia, but check with your doctor to make certain that probiotics will be safe for you and baby. Also, iron supplements can cause constipation. If you're taking an iron supplement, or if your prenatal vitamin contains a lot of iron, you may want to discuss these with your doctor. He/she may temporarily take you off of the iron supplement, or switch to a prenatal vitamin that contains less iron.

Answer 5

I started taking Benefiber chewables but considered those a waste of money since you're supposed to chew 2-3 of them up to 3 times daily. 15 total and the bottle has less than 30??? I only take them when I need them because I've started drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, and munching on cereal containing fiber (like Special K) to help my system out.

Answer 6

There are intructions on the bottle. If you are constipated I find that fibre seems to make things worse if you don't want bulk. Guaranteed treatment, prune juice, about 1/2 cup will work
LOL

Answer 7

You should not be taking that at all. It is not natural for the body. Just because it is "recommended" by a doctor is no reason to take it. Modern doctors are trained to write presciptions, fix bones and sew stitches. they can not "cure" anyone unless they train in healing the body naturally. If you are troubled with bowel movements it is because of diet(pregnant or not). Try looking into natural approaches like herbal remedies found in health food stores. Research on line as well. I hate to see you poison your body. Peace.

Answer 8

1. Take the box/bottle and turn it over.

2. Read the directions.

3. If you get lost, go back to the first step.

Not abusing them now are we???? MOST people read what they are taking.

Answer 9

I take two citrucel tablets a day. This is according to my ob/gyn when I was pregnant. I still take them to stay regular.