by Brandi Riley posted in Pregnancy

We all know pregnancy and childbirth comes with an interesting array of body challenges. Itchy skin, an aversion to smells, and swollen feet are just a few of the ailments women brave through to bring a child into the world. Even though I complained about these issues the entire time I was pregnant, I knew it was all totally worth it.
Well, almost all worth it.
Pregnancy constipation is high on the list of reasons that I'm "two and through" when it comes to birthing babies!
If you've had constipation before, you might know it to be an inconvenience. It's uncomfortable and a nuisance, but you eventually get through it. Pregnancy constipation, however, is a whole other beast. I'm talking it's-painful-to-walk, need-to-buy-rubber-gloves type of beast. Yes, rubber gloves.
I'll get to that.

Early in my pregnancy I experienced hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme morning sickness) and had to go on medication to control it. I was also anemic so taking extra iron. Although the pharmacy instructions for both warned that a side effect was constipation, and my doctor prescribed a stool softener at the same time, I didn't expect what was waiting for me after a week of taking the meds and supplement.
I didn't realize I was constipated until it was too late. I was just happy to not be vomiting uncontrollably anymore. It wasn't until the pressure in my colon made taking steps difficult that I started to try to remember the last time I had a bowel ...