Constipation!!?

Question

I have NEVER had a problem with constipation in all of my life. But, I'm now 1 week shy of 5 months pregnant and am having a terrible time with it. I haven't...err, em...done "it" in about 2 days, although I really want to!!! It's driving me nuts. Sorry if this is gross, but I really need help with it and I won't be going to the doctor's for another week. Did you have a problem with this and how did you deal with it?? Any suggestions PLEASE!

I have been eating a lot of extra fiber too, due to my diabetic diet....something else...

Answer 1

pRUNES AND PRUNE JUICES also increase your fiber intake and fruits and veggies. GL

Answer 2

This is a very common symptom of pregnancy. Make sure you are drinking enough water. You need to be drinking 8-10 8oz. glasses of water per day MINIMUM. Your baby is making incredible demands on your body and it's made easier by having enough water available. Water also helps ease many other pregnancy symptoms as well like swelling. The second thing to check is your fiber intake. Eat whole grains when possible and lots of fruit. The fiber will help keep you more regular. As a last resort, try taking a fiber supplement like Metemucil. Ask your doctor for one that's safe to take during pregnancy.

Answer 3

I may get hammered for this, but have you noticed the sugar free candy in the candy aisle? They contain an additive called Malitol that helps with the sugar alcohols, to make the candy sweet but not make an effect on your blood sugar. Malitol has a little bit of a laxative effect to it. When I am constipated, I buy a package of sugar free chocolate and eat a few pieces of it. By the next morning, I am ready to do the job. At least it's not taking a pill!

Answer 4

I agree with the sugar-free chocolate idea. I have used that in the past. The best are Russell Stover mint patties. All the...er...action without the BG's (bubbling guts). Another thing you can use is Blue Bunny low carb Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream. Go to town, eat three or four scoops. All the flavor, non of the guilt and results that will make you sigh in relief.

Answer 5

Prune juice is gross and you have to drink too much of it for it to work. What always worked for me was a nice brisk walk. Not the slow walking we do while window shopping at the mall. I'm talking about focusing on getting to Point B. Walk for about 20 minutes.

When you're done drink plenty of water and wait. Your body needs the activity to tell your digestive system to get moving.

Answer 6

I mix juice with sparkling mineral water. Sam's Club has the Perrier water in bulk for like $6 (I mean you get like 10 cases of six!). I've used cranberry juice instead of prune. Same effect I just couldn't take the prune=y taste. Also, for flavor add a bit of OJ to the cranberry juice.

I've also been told by my doc to try Colace which definately helps!!

Answer 7

I suffered with it the whole time I was pregnant. Eat lots of fiber. There is a very good cereal you can buy called "Kashi Go Lean" and it has alot of fiber and seems to help alot. Eat apples, melon, leafy greens and broccoli, and drink lots of water. I know how you feel.

Answer 8

this is a constant struggle for me, too, now that I am preg.
I suggest you change your diet to consume more high-fiber foods and also drink more water!

Focus on the following foods:

SNACKS:: popcorn or triscuits or bran muffins w/raisins

100 PERCENT WHOLE GRAIN foods: look for "100 percent whole grain" options in the following: pasta, bread, brown rice, english muffins, tortillas. Avoid white flour-foods like the plague.

Consume enriched or fortified soy milk instead of cow's milk on your cereal.

CEREAL: Choose Post whole-grain raisin bran or shredded wheat with bran or bran flakes for breakfast. or look for cereals that say "high fiber" on the box. Or eat oatmeal. Add bananas and raisins and sliced almonds or dried cranberries to your cereal.

FRUIT: Eat more fruit, and when possible, eat the skin too. Especially good are banananas, oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus, apples with the skin on them, berries (you can buy frozen and just thaw them out), and other whole fruits. Remember, juice has no fiber.

VEGETABLES: Eat more veggies, particularly corn, peas, brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, asparagus, cabbage, green beans, tomatoes, whole baked potatoes with the skin on it, etc.

LEGUMES: Eat more legumes (chick peas, refried beans, baked beans, black beans, split peas, kidney beans, etc.) Hummus is good and so is split pea soup.

Answer 9

Milk of Magnesia os a good way to make you go. Also glycerin Adult suppositories work also, but the milk of mag works quite fast, the next day you will weigh 10 pounds lighter.

Answer 10

You can drink prune juice or if you feel like you need a laxative you could use glycerin suppositories. Gross but works. Drink lots of water.

Answer 11

colace is safe to take when your pregnant. it's a stool softener but you may need to take it for a couple days for it to help. i had some difficulty with this during my pregnancy. coffee worked for me too but i know some ppl don't want the added caffeine. try plenty of high fiber foods, prune juice if you can stand it, drink plenty of water, and try going for a walk.