Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Pregnancy Constipation

Question:
Has anyone suffered from really bad constipation? It seems to be getting worse now as days are going by. I am almost 32 weeks along. Twice this week I suffered from it and it was VERY painful. It seems like its just right there but not coming out if you know what I mean. I can feel it rock hard and sometimes seems like its the size of a fist! I sometimes sit in the toilet and I strain myself out so much that sometimes drops of fluid get released each time I push. I keep thinking that I am letting out the amniotic fluid by doing that. Could this be it?

Answer:
What type of fiber are you eating? Raw fruit does the trick for me. Oranges, grapes, etc. Especially oranges, and I avoid white bread like the plague. If I don't, I'm in trouble! Brand flakes and oatmeal are also staples for me while pregnant. Lots and lots of water is important. Have you tried prunes? I've found them helpful, when I remember to eat a couple as an evening snack. I actually like them, but have always avoided them, because I've never been constipated before being pregnant--I've always tended toward the other direction. I suffered very early on from constipation. The eating more fibre and drinking lots of water helped but I found Fybogel was the best solution. Once it got working it really got working almost to the other extreme. Even now I can still feel a bit blocked but after a couple of days of taking Fybogel I am back to normal again. Are you taking an iron supplement? If it's in your prenatal vitamin, you might talk with your ob about switching to one that has less iron. Iron and iron-rich foods can be very constipating. As far as fiber goes, benefiber brand can be added to any liquid and doesn't change the consistency (i.e., doesn't make it gummy or gritty like metamucil or citrucel).