Constipation and Iron

I think this is my first post on the pregnancy board! Sorry if this is TMI, but I am 6 weeks and 5 days along today. Before getting pregnant, I have had pretty much a life long problem with constipation. I saw a gastroenterologist about it in 2009 and was finally put on some medication (plus fiber supplements) that made things as close to "regular" as they've ever been. However, the drug was class c and I stopped taking it when I got pregnant. When I first stopped taking it, I was surprised because I was actually not having much trouble "going". Then last week it was like a nightmare and I just couldn't go at all. I did some research which said that the iron in prenatals can really make constipation worse. I bought a prenatal without iron and life has been much better since then. My question is whether anyone has heard from their doctor whether it is really OK to take a prenatal without iron? I will ask mine when I have my first appointment, but I haven't gone yet and I just want to do the right thing in the meantime!

Constipation and Iron

I was told that Iron is really important and to just take mirilax along with it to keep things moving better. I would definitely speak to your doctor and your GI doc about your specific concerns. You can call the nurse line to ask questions from your OB before you even have your appointment.

Re: Constipation and Iron

Iron is super important...especially if you lean towards the anemic side, because as you progress in pregnancy, you become more and more anemic.

That being said, I take Slow Fe - it's a slow release Iron supplement that doesn't affect me AT ALL when it comes to constipation. I definitely recommend it! My OB recommended it to me. I bought it in Walgreens.

Re: Constipation and Iron

I'd call your drs sooner than later. You don't have to wait for your appt to ask the nurse a question. I'd also call your gastro for his take on it.

Re: Constipation and Iron

I think most Obs recommend a Slow FE Iron pill. There are a few different kinds. The one I was taking was actually giving me diarrhea so I called my OB and he gave me a different kind to try that has worked better.

The Slow Fe release the iron slowly into your body so your reaction should be more subtle. Also, I was advised to take them as well as my folic acid supplement 12 hrs apart from my prenatal vitaminl.

Constipation and Iron

Iron is really important. I am anemic and have tried several iron supplements but all kill my stomach. My doctor eventually referred me to a hematologist and I get iron infusions called Venofer. It's safe for the baby and has no impact on my stomach whatsoever. I would talk to your doctor and see if that is an option for you!

Re: Constipation and Iron

Re: Constipation and Iron

Iron is really important because or anemia. find out about OTC supplements you can take to help with the constipation. i think i take the generic version of colace becaue i have to take extra iron and it leads to constipation.

Re: Constipation and Iron

I have been taking prescription iron for years and never had issues going until I was pregnant so I think its just hormones. I found the only thing that works is benefiber. I put it in juice or tea or whatever I'm drinking in the am and it's made a world of difference.

You need iron because it makes hemoglobin which carries oxygen to your baby. Many women are low on iron because the baby takes a lot of it. Mine is a little low even with prescription iron and whatever is in my pre-natals so I have to suppliment whereever I can with my diet.