Embarrassing question...doing it for a friend!

[dreamer38]

Hi there,
I have sort of an embarrassing question for all you girls. My best friend who is just over 8 weeks pregnant has a minor problem as so she calls it! Her problem is that she has been constipated for the last few days, causing her stools to be hard whenever she goes (sorry...SO much TMI) This is causing her "sensitive tissues" down there to tear a bit and even bleed a very small amount after she goes. Making it really tender down there! She thinks this is only happening to her, I mentioned this message board and told her how much help I have had and she is going to join. My question is did any of you experience this, and how did you get relief? I reccomended a stool softener, as long as she calls her dr. before using it to be sure it's ok.
Thankyou SOOO much on your help. Sorry this is SOOOO personnal, but I guess that's what pregnancy is!!!
Take care you all!

[Cocoa]

Hi:

Stool softeners such as peri-colace are perfectly alright to use due pregnancy. Your friend also needs to add fresh fruits and vegetables to her diet. If that is not possible due to nausea then the colace is her best bet. Constipation can be so painful and the straining is not good while pregnant regardless.

Good luck...

xxxCocoa

[kathi]

Please reassure your friend that what she is experiencing is not that uncommon and has happened to many of us here.

My RE had recommended that I use Mira-LAX and Fiber-Sure which I found to be helpful when I was going through that stage.

[noodle]

I found that 1/2 cup of regular coffee daily has kept me regular and DR said perfectly safe. I was already eating a ton of fruit and fiber, tried peri coli and it worked but I hated taking it every day and didn't always do the trick.

[keddie]

I have the same problem as she does and good fiber REALLY helps. Wheat Chex with blueberries/ apples, carrots.. Fiber One bars are good too.

[Kelley77]

I too HAD that problem....with adding extra natural fibers (fruits & veggies) and a GODSEND new Pre-Natal Vitamin, called Citracal. I am now moving 'smoothly'!

Guess what ladies...did you know that Citracal has a STOOL SOFTENER in it?????????? and it is perfectly healthy for you to take your entire pregnancy! It also comes with a daily dose of DHA - so you take two pills a day. It is somewhat costly though..here in the US it is $50 bucks per month, but most insurances seem to cover it..thankfully!!