What is the best thing to relieve and prevent constipation?

Question

I am 13 weeks and I am terribly constipated. I eat grains and drink water but I still go days without using the bathroom and it makes my stomach hurt horribly. Would a stool softener help or if not, what would? I go back to my doctor next week and I plan to ask her then but for now, does anyone who has been through this have any ideas? I never had this problem with my first pregnancy! Thanks!

Answer 1

My dr told me to take collace. It is a gentle stool softener so it will not harm the baby. Do not take laxatives they are too harsh. Even drinking water and getting fiber is not enough....collace works for me. Actually I get the equate brand at walmart. It is the exact same ingredients.

Answer 2

It would help, but I would try dark leafy greens and fiber first. Add fiber gradually as this can cause upset as well. If you get diarrhea, eat bananas. They contain potassium so can help ease diarrhea. If dark leafy greens and fiber do not work, I would ask your doctor with stool softener is best. Do not use a laxative. I am 16 weeks and 5 days pregnant and battle with it too. :) I guess it's one of the joys of pregnancy. Just kidding of course, but it is very common that many of us get. Also, drink alot of water. This can help you as well. Prune juice is good too, but I can't drink it since I've been pregnant.

Answer 3

Drink prune juice on an empty stomach. Don't eat or drink anything else for 20 minutes and then have lots of fresh fruit. Bran Buds with psyllium and fibre 1 are the two cereals that are the highest fibre content. Eat at least a cup and a half daily.

Answer 4

I take fiber capsules, 2-3 every night. I had to because I had the same problem as you. Don't strain @ the toliet too much, you'll end up with hemerriods, which is even worse then the constipation! My doctor advised me the taking the capsules every night was perfectly healthy. It is totally normal to be horribly constipated during pregnancy. Hope you get some relief soon.

Answer 5

I'm not pregnant but I have this problem..I take colace and it helps alot, but ask your doctor if it's okay for you to take it. Also I eat flax seed, Fiber Sure tablets, Fiber One granola bars, Kashi, and Plum Start Juice. Also drink a lot of water, you might be dehydrated which would cause constipation. I hope you feel better soon!

Answer 6

Prune juice works best for me. A glass in the morning, empty stomach, usually does the trick when I was pregnant. At least prune juice has vitamin C, no preservatives, all natural. Don't like medication, especially during pregnancy.

Answer 7

Stool softener, prune juice, lots of water, lots of fiber. These are things that worked for me during my 3 pregnancies.

Answer 8

Bananas are considered binding, and useful for people who have loose bowels. BUT, bananas are also very very good for you, they contain fiber, have great nutritional value. Cut down how many you eat, eat 1/2 of one in your cereal. That won't hurt you and can only be good for you. As for your constipation problems, have you tried increasing your fiber. That would be so helpful for you. Try to decrease, not eliminate, your carbs.

Answer 9

Go right over to the Walgreens or supermarket. Buy a big bottle of prune juice. Plan to stay home. Shake the bottle, pour yourself one big glass. You can regulate how much you need. Store the bottle of prune juice in your refrigerator for next time.

This works. Hope you feel better soon.

Answer 10

Exercising can help. Take brisk walks and warm showers and see how that goes. You seem to be doing everything else right so keep it up. Don't eat too much at night - drink enough water though so your system can remain hydrated throughout the night.