Constipation

[reneeisorym]

I'm really constipated and it hurts. I'm 4 1/2 weeks prego.
I don't remember ever being constipated in my life. I'm going to start taking probiotic acidophilus again. I took my first of many tonight. (I am supposed to take it every day for yeast infection prevention, but I quit when I quit having them so often. Those always made me regular.)
I'm drinking prune juice now. I'm going to eat raison bran for breakfast in the morning.

Any other suggestions on how to get things moving?

[olien]

OMG! I had this also with this preg #2. It is terrible, I know your pain. Drink lots of water, eat prunes, increase fiber, etc... It does go away. Mine stopped around 7wks.
Good luck.

[COgirl19]

I have the same problem. More fiber, lots of water and some light exercise should help get things moving, but it will take a few days to see a difference.

[staceychev]

Ditto to all of the above. You could also get some powdered greens and drink them... lots of fiber.

Also, elevate your feet when you're sitting on the potty. A little footstool should do the trick.

[jillmamma]

How about rice and beans or chili with beans? That has always worked well for me. Plus staying hydrated and getting out for a walk can get things moving. Hope you feel better soon!

[xixstar]

I've started green smoothies and they really help. I'll admit green smoothies sounded gross to me, but I'm amazed at how much I really like them.

I do (measurements approximate):
1 cup yogurt
1/2 cup juice
3-7 cups packed spinach (this blends down a lot)
1 cup frozen berries

I started with the lower amount of spinach and found that I keep increasing it as I drink more of them. Dh liked mine in the beginning with less spinach, but now he things there is a bit too much spinach taste (he's not been drinking them several times a week with me) -- so adjust for your tastes. Banana also is a good addition as well, I just don't like them myself.

[foodmachine]

Beets. I make borscht and drink it for a snack. And everything all the PPs said. GL!

[bananabee]

Activia yogurt twice a day. It seriously works miracles. I was on Senokot and Colace, and now don't need them at all.

[NataliaD]

I have had bad constipation at the beginning of my pregnancy and fresh squeezed apple juice every morning before breakfast got me started. Also, doing a little exercise every morning is great too. Probiotic and prunes did not do the trick for me. I am now 18 weeks and no more problems.

[artemis33]

Get thee a Magnesium supplement My favorite is Natural Calm. Vitacost has a good price on it. The container is large and lasts a while (and note that it is VERY tart! The raspberry lemon a little less so than the plain lemon - those are the only flavors I've tried).

Anyway, take it in the evening. It helps to relax you and therefore will help you sleep. It will help with the constipation. Later in pregnancy, it will also help prevent the common problem of leg cramps/restless legs. I can hardly sleep without it now because my legs will keep me up if I forget to take it.

Another option is a liquid Cal/Mag supplement (easier to digest than tablets) which will do similar things, but I like the Natural Calm because I get quite a bit of calcium in my diet, so sometimes I really only need the Mg. - and I like to be able to control the dosage.

[reneeisorym]

This has become an awesome thread! Thanks for all the tips. I did get one BM out of the prunes but I'm not regular yet. I'm going to try some of these things until I get my magic solution.

[IdentityCrisisMama]

You may also try switching prenatals if you're taking them. I switched from Rainbow Lite to New Chapter and things are way better. I did not take prenatals last pregnancy and did not have constipation issues until like 7 months. Also, maybe hold off taking any prenatals until after a "bm". Coffee also helps.

[reneeisorym]

Originally Posted by IdentityCrisisMama

You may also try switching prenatals if you're taking them. I switched from Rainbow Lite to New Chapter and things are way better. I did not take prenatals last pregnancy and did not have constipation issues until like 7 months. Also, maybe hold off taking any prenatals until after a "bm". Coffee also helps.

I'm thinking the prenatals are causing it too. I'm taking one a day because the size doesn't make me gag and they have omega-3 capsules that I need because I don't have high enough good cholesterol.

[COgirl19]

more evidence that a little exercise can help a lot! I was running regularly before pregnancy but stopped due to a long bout with bronchitis. Today I went running again (taking it very easy with some breaks) and let's just say I barely made it home in time! I don't think you have to run, any exercise seems to be helping me a lot, hope this helps some of you too!

[mion]

Ditto on the New Chapter prenatals (and the exercise). I've always taken alfalfa religiously ever since dealing with constipation in pregnancies 1 and 2. Alfalfa also helped my swelling.

[Cricket Girl]

I am with my first pregnancy and I only have had slight constipation for about 5-7 days total during this whole pregnancy. I'm 4.5 months. My diet is vegan, with tons of organic raw foods. Lots of green smoothies, fresh fruit, veggies, green juices, etc. Other than those few days of slight constipation, I have no problem going. Easy.

I suggest more fiber and water rich foods... lots. Plus, fiber rich AND WATER RICH foods are healthy.

[neonalee]

I recently switched to New Chapter too, much better. This might be an unpopular idea, but I've decided I will have 1 cup of coffee every weekend. Caffeine has always gotten things moving for me. At this point even the small amount in decaf coffee works for me!