Will Metamucil be my new best friend?
The toilet gods are angry.
In retribution for our lack of bonding time in the first tri (no m/s, remember?) they have come out in full force in the third trimester w/ and oldie and a goodie — constipation.
Yes, I never thought I would be discussing my personal habits with others (only recently have I even been able to talk to S), but after a week of this experience, and pregnancy modesty deficit, here I am. I can only count the tiles on the floor so many times, and I’m not ready to count the threads on my socks.
Although I am happy to take meds, I prefer to take them as a last resort. I’ve tried fruits, I’ve tried liquids, I’ve even tried utilizing my labor-class techniques in the bathroom. Nothing! I guess visualization, relaxation, breathing and all the natural stuff isn’t quite bringing me to success. Or at least not quickly anyway 🙁
I’ve never taken Metamucil before, but all my other methods don’t seem to be working. This stuff is gritty and thickens over time. Seriously — it feels like drinking Jell-o. I’m not thrilled about it, but if it works I’ll be singing its praises.
So within 12-72 hours (per the label instructions) we’ll see how well things pan out for me.
Meanwhile, if you have any other more natural alternatives available to pregnant ladies, please share!
Metamucil is natural — it’s just psyillium husk. No meds involved, yo.
Prune juice or prunes work but taste gross. Also a salad with every dinner, spinich seems to work best. Over all though I really like metamucil. I take half a dose at a time and chug it so it doesn’t get thick. Also if you want to stay regular once you ‘go’ then a half dose once a day is best.
Check into Mirilax. I don’t know about being pg safe, but from what I understand, it is also not really a med. I think it’s teeny tiny plastic pellets that just help break up your food as it digests. I have had stomach issues for years, and I have taken this med daily since Feb 07. I’m not pg, that’s why I say check into it. I mix it with a little juice at breakfast and I’m good to go for the rest of the day. It will mix into just about anything (I stir and let it sit a second for it to blend in well) except dairy. I just sits on top of the milk! I hope that helps!
Ugh, not fun. I had bad constipation after my ER due to the anesthesia. Awful. The best tip I got was to give yourself 15 min to just sit on the toilet (not strain, just sit), even if it doesn’t feel like you have to go. When I am my “regular” self, I usually go just after breakfast, so I would eat a banana and then go sit– I was surprised it actually worked! GL– i hope you get some relief soon!
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. 🙁
I agree with Alison- Metamucil is natural. But if you want a closer-to-the-earth source, I’ve seen various brands of organic psyllium husks at Elephant Pharm in Los Altos.
I hope it works for you!
Prunes work pretty well, stewed prunes are actually pretty good, you just simmer them with some water to cover, I like them with a sliced up orange (peel and all) simmered with them and you can add some cinnamon.. cook 40 mins or so.. you have to eat several a day though.
This pregnancy I found good luck with Ezekiel brand sprouted cereal (health food store should have it). One serving every day kept me regular until I got sick of it.. I figure it ‘s good to have different options so you don’t have to consume the same thing all the time.
good luck, I know how much that sucks
oh good ol’ constipation… how do I remember thee!
Lots of fluids, prune juice and metamucil …