sudden relief from constipation

[crsta33]

I've battled it throughout the pg, but the last day or so has been better, even though I hadn't remembered to take a stool softener since last Friday.

So, do you think it's the hot water and lemon trick that the midwife suggested I try, or is it a possible gearing up for labor? I know the prostaglandins produced prior/during labor can make you go, but then maybe it's just wishful thinking. I'm ready to be done.

Christa

[flapjack]

Could be labour... you never know. I've never been not-constipated in early labour though, it's always been more like diarrhoea. (The big reason Alex was a castor oil induction was because diarrhoea seemed preferable to the other alternative at that point.)
ooh, babies, babies...

[flyingspaghettimama]

I've had horrible problems with constipation throughout pregnancy up until about 2 weeks ago and now everything is just great. My toilet and I are on speaking terms again. I have no idea why. Maybe that often-heard "baby dropping?" Less pressure on the intestines? Those magnesium tablets I started popping a few weeks ago like they were ecstasy (How can 4000 mg of magnesium be bad)? Hormones for pre-birth? UFOs? Why am I speaking to my toilet?

And that is your not-very-scientific medical minute, brought to you by flyingspaghettimama. So I'm not sure it's pre-labor relief that you are experiencing, although thank goodness it's happened, huh?

[Queen of Cups]

Last pregnancy I suddenly had relief the last two weeks before labor - one reason I'm afraid I've got weeks and weeks left, since I've gotten no relief from constipation yet.

[flyingspaghettimama]

oooh, QoC - if my body worked like yours...I'd be having my baby right about...now!

I wish...

[*Amy*]

Hormones for pre-birth? UFOs? Why am I speaking to my toilet?

FSM, you are cracking me up tonight!! I just got finished laughing at your post over in the baby affirmations thread. hee hee!

[MrsMoe]

If it comes back - try flax seeds

[cjbeach]

Sweet relief here but now I spend all my time in the bathroom. This baby is soooooooooo low but I think the loose bowels may be related to early,early labor. Started with my DD I think 2 weeks or so pre-delivery.

[BensMom]

My bowel trick is a daily bowl of oatmeal, with a cup of frozen berry mix and flax oil. That has kept me ticking like clockwork, thankfully. I dont know what I would do if it stopped working, since constipation is utter misery!

[babykaoss]

i had a rotten time w/ the constipation this whole pregnancy too, until i started on these omega supplements. they're a combination of flax seed and fish oil so maybe that's why......i'm almost not sure which one i prefer.......being in the bathroom so many times a day, or only having to go a few times a week........

[spughy]

I've been kind of surprised with how few problems I've had with the constipation since normally I'm a bit prone. I had one or two nasty bouts but extra dietary fibre and daily prune juice and omega 3-6-9 oil supplements have kept me pretty regular. Prune juice really is one of those amazing wonder-foods, I find. It's a good thing I kind of like it, although I have to water it down a bit cause it's too sweet.

I am NOT looking forward to the early-labour diarrhea though. Does it happen for everyone? Any way to avoid it?