What Is Safe to Treat Constipation?

Updated on August 07, 2007
B.S. asks from Reno, NV
17 answers

I'm almost to my second trimester and have been sick so I have trouble eating and drinking things or exercise for that matter. What is a safe way to treat constipation? I've tried stool softners and childrens suppositories (that is all I had on hand) but neither worked. My stomache is killing me, and know the baby is fine otherwise (ultrasound) so I am sure it is the constipation.

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M.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

My doctor had me drink Pepto Bismal (French Vanilla is the best flavor) by the gallons along with apple juice. If that didn't work for me she said she would prescribe a stool softener for me but luckily it never came to that point. I had it really bad (brought me to tears) my first trimester with baby #1 but didn't have the problem with baby #2. But luckily it eased up when I hit my second trimester and I didn't have to take the Pepto anymore. Good luck to you.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.Z.

answers from San Francisco on

My husband introduced me to this method. It's very safe and effective. Before going to bed, quickly drink a glass of warm water. As soon as you wake up, drink another glass of warm water. It should be as warm as you can drink comfortably all at once. Then walk around for a few minutes. If it doesn't work the first morning, it usually works on the second morning. L. Z

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L.Z.

answers from Las Vegas on

There is a place in LV called "Healing Waters" where you can get a professional and gentle colonic. I'd call them to see if they recommend it for pregnant mothers. It should be very safe.

Good luck to you! - L.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

This might help.. My sister-in-law's daughter had constipation problems and the doctor told her to have fresh orange juice every morning. Hopefully that doesn't affect your stomach and morning sickness.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.D.

answers from Las Vegas on

Apple juice or sugar free chocolate. Something in the sugar free chocolate causes, well, lots of poop. If you read the package, it has a warning about that. It's lots more fun than prune juice.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi B. S, I would recommend you fruits as papaya, grapes and oranges, also you could try creals as the oatmeal,if it does not work try the "nopal" that is like a cactus that we use in Mexico, you have to buy it natural, cut it in small squares and boiled with water, onion and salt for about 20 minutes end then you can cooked with eggs or eat it as salad with tomatoes,

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F.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Another idea with an "ugh" factor is prune juice. It works wonders!
Also, look at your diet and at what might be causing constipation. I was surprised to find that apples and bananas can constipate!
Good luck,
F.
www.discoverytoyslink.com/fatimac

1 mom found this helpful
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C.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi B. - First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! Adequate fiber in the form fruits and vegetables will rid yourself of constipation, make you regular and prevent/reduce hemroids. If you can't eat 9 - 13 fresh raw servings every single day, I highly recommend Juice Plus. It's 17 of the most nutrient rich fruits, vegetables and grains in capsule form. In addition to helping your "movements", Juice Plus supports pregnancy and lowers the risk of complications. If you don't know about Juice Plus, please browse my website and look at the research. Dr. William Sears, world renowned pediatrician (located in San Clemente) recommends it for everyone, and especially for pregnant mothers for optimal nutrition for support and growth of the healthy baby.

Here's a reference from Doctor Doug Odom, M.D.

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S.M.

answers from Salinas on

In the hospital after I had my son, they wouldn't release me until I went to the bathroom. I was just about to lie when they gave me prune juice that had been warmed up. It was nasty but an hour or so later it worked. Not the most exciting remedy but it might work for you.

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi B.,
I have to give my little one 8 oz of prune and apple juice a day. She started out needing 50/50, now I have reduced the prune juice to about 20% and the rest apple and she does just fine.

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C.E.

answers from San Francisco on

Try KARO syrup. I believe it would be in the baking aisle at the grocery store, just 1-2 teaspoons. It doesnt taste that bad either its kinda sweet, but thick. Or sometimes regular pancake syrup too. My grandma had 7 boys though and she swears by the KARO syrup. I tried it on my 2 year old and it worked and its totally safe to take.
Good luck
C.

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R.T.

answers from Bakersfield on

Hello B.,

It has been a while since I was pregnant but this is what I used and would use now. Prune juice, raisins, bran muffins, milk of magnesia, oatmeal cookies or just oatmeal, spinach and other greens, and mineral oil.

All of these are mild on your system and will not harm your baby. Plus please drink plenty of water. It is so easy to get kidney infections when you are pregnant and it also helps with bowel movement. Good luck. Hope these suggestions will help. R.

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S.M.

answers from Chico on

One word...Fiber...okay, and water; lots of water.

If you can't exercise, which also helps, try a fiber tablet (benefiber works for me), and make sure to stay hydrated...water is the best thing for you anyway!

If you don't take care of the constipation; along comes it's friend, hemmroids...that makes constipation seem like a walk in the park!! ouch.

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E.B.

answers from San Francisco on

For me, what worked was good, old-fashioned fruit. I ate prunes when it was really bad, and then tried to make sure that I ate fruit regularly to keep it from getting bad again. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

I've been taking acidopholis - it's really helped. I'm due in two weeks, but for the first few months constipation was definitely an issue. The acidopholis really helps. I asked my Dr if it was safe to take, he said, Yes, and it's like eating a lot of yogurt.

They carry it at Trader Joes or Whole Foods or anywhere that has vitamins/suppliments.

I hope this helps - good luck

Adding fiber to you diet and eating foods that are easy to digest helps too - but the acidopholis is great!

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R.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi B.,
All of these moms have already given excellent advice.
I am almost a month from my own due date and the first couple of months of pregnancy was hard. When I was having trouble eating, I found that I only wanted fresh fruits and veggies. Try different salads, and as far as fruit goes, cherries are in season now, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, nectarines, oranges are always good. If water is a problem then try watermelon.

I also use this product called Natural Calm for my leg cramps. It is a magnesium supplement that promotes calcium absorption. Since I started using it, I have been going more frequently even though I never really had a constipation problem before. I just know that this works REALLY fast. You can find it at WHOLE FOODS.

Hope it all works out for you!

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T.C.

answers from Honolulu on

had the same problem...drink lots of water, or really watered down juice (used to love water with a slice of lemon)...eat crackers that have no salt on them...and have dried fruit as a snack or put raisins in certain stews (makes stew sweet, but actually helps)...dunno, helped me anyway...

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