June momma here - vitamin question

[Kylahroo]

So, vitamins really give me problems. With iron, BM's are small and hard (not quite constipated). Without iron, it's better, but still not what I'd call "regular". What is it in the vitamin that's causing this? I thought it was the iron, but now I'm not so sure. Any ideas?

[ChristyM26]

There's no iron in the viatamin at all? If not, I can't even guess - it must be something else that's causing it but no idea what that could be. You do need to be careful to make sure you don't get anemic though if you stop taking the vitamin's with iron.

[BirthFree]

Well I don't know what is causing the trouble but if you need any help with moving your bowels, if you take organic alfalfa tablets, it helps tremendously. Also incredible vitamins in that as well and a natural help. So even if you keep taking the vitamins, maybe add alfalfa? For me, calcium can sometimes affect me (in vitamin form)... ?? I don't know.

[Kylahroo]

I've always had very, very high iron levels with all of my pregnancies and when not pregnant which is why I thought I'd try the non-iron vitamin. My bottle is now empty so I think I'll try adding a natural relaxant, such as alfalfa or senna, in addition. That might help! Thanks!

[i*wish]

I didn't read all the replies but pregnancy itself is 'constipating' in that progesterone slows smooth muscle action. It starts for me almost immediately. Last time I didn't have too many problems during the pregnancy but *afterwards*...OMG the hemmorhoids. OUCH. That was absolutely the worst part of my recovery...couldn't sit down for forever. SO, I do have a point: My daughter was experiencing constipation/withholding after starting solids....I did not want to put her on any meds but it was getting kind of bad. I found this product online called Fruit-Eze. Worked like magic for her.... I gave it to my pregnant friend and worked very well for her too. I will be starting it soon. It's just dates, prunes, prune juice and some other fruit/fiber. I think you take like 2T a day. It was developed for patients in long-term care facilities and is supposed to have the right blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. Who knows! I'm just determined not to have these 'issues' again!!!!!!!

[Kylahroo]

I spoke with my MW yesterday and she suggested Floradix Iron & Herbs - it's a non constipating iron formula plus a few other ingredients. Liquid, twice/day. Kind of expensive, but cheaper online than in the store! Apparently, liquid iron is much more absorbent than solid iron - with solid iron, you have to digest too much which causes the constipation. We'll see!

[amberskyfire]

Eating a small handful of raisins a day can help with that. It cures constipation and raisins are also high in iron.