Here I sit, during my 5th "full term" pregnancy and I have a question. It is embarrassing to admit, but I don't know for sure. I looked up information about it, but maybe it all doesn't really apply. I mean, typically, I don't have a bowel movement every day.
But this has been over a week. I'll explain:
Over Mother's Day weekend, we traveled to visit family. Upon arriving back home, I ended up with a stomach bug. I am assuming it is the same one my husband got while we were traveling. It ravaged through my body both up and down. My ribs were sore from heaving, but I felt cleansed afterward. That last rush was early last Tuesday. I resumed my normal diet on Wednesday (when I first felt like truly eating).
Being pregnant, I try to keep my fluid intake (especially water) high, but I don't necessarilly increase fiber intake. Severe lower back and abdominal pain on Thursday and Friday kept me lying down for close to 48 hours. I called my OB/GYN who wanted me to run to the hospital for a urinalysis of possible bladder infection. That was ruled out and the pain subsided by Saturday. Monday afternoon it returned. By this time, I figured it might be constipation, as I had not had a BM since the previous Tuesday. I took some stool softener. It didn't affect me a bit, although the pain once again subsided. So, finally last night, I picked up some magnesium citrate (oral enema) to see what would happen. I don't like taking laxatives and have only taken them maybe 3 times in my adult life. And an enema is the VERY LAST thing I want to do.
Well, this morning, I finally removed waste from my body, but it was minimal. I feel relieved some but here's what I don't understand:
During this week + of "no activity" I have only felt the urge while my back was hurting. I don't feel bloated, nor constipated. And my stool was not hard and dry, rather it was soft yet formed. (Sorry, not trying to gross anyone out here.) So, is it truly constipation? I feared compacted bowels and so took the enema, but it doesn't seem to have helped that much.
I think I am going to munch on some strawberries while I wait for some replies. (Please don't laugh at me, it ain't funny!)
Thanks!
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Comments: 11
Back pain can be a sign of labor. Check with your doctor if you don't feel right.
Now, I also had back pain that was the beginning of labor. My doctor told me that it was braxton hick and not to worry, but it was the real deal and I had Robert James 3 weeks early. They certainly didn't feel like what they had described.
Good Luck!
If it wasn't really 'tough' when you did go then it probably isn't constipation though.
I know my normal is about every other day, but I've gone maybe once this past week and it wasn't much either. So I guess it's pretty normal at 7-8 mths.
I've had several of what turned out to be B-H contractions also. If only the bottom of your tummy is getting hard, they always tell me it's the baby laying in that spot--and 'true' labor contractions are ALL over. The start of real labor with my son (he was 3 weeks early), I had the runs for a couple of days before and when labor started about 6pm it felt like a little cramp on the right side only--then another after 20 min. --then another after 15 mins. My stomach didn't really get tight All over until after about 10pm.
But it was real labor--he was born the next day at 12:10pm.
My OB and the nurses in L&D have always told me to drink 2-3 glasses of water and lie down for a couple of hours---then if it still persist to call my doctor.
I've not had back labor before either (this is my 3rd), so I'm not sure if it could be that or not. I would call my OB and tell them everything just to be safe. They're not going to laugh at you or think it's a dumb question.
I remember drinking one the day before I was induced with my first child 5 years ago. Talk about the runs! But, the doctor didn't have to worry about too much excitement during the birth, so I guess we both benefited (me with a cleansing). And it only cost $1.06 at my local Wal-Mart, which is cheaper than any laxative or suppository. It just tastes awful - warm or cold. "Lemony" is what they label it, and I don't like much lemon/lime, like Sprite or 7-up. Ugh!
Maybe this is the end of it and I will try to increase my fiber so I don't face it again before I deliver.
My favorites are Brown Sugar mixed with 'something' spice?? If you look at the variety pack I think it may be pumpkin spice? My brain hurts so my memory's not that great right now. Sorry.
Also mixing Strawberry n Cream and Peaches n Cream--YUM!