# pregnancy **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 1, 2013, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162 "2013-05-01T00:40:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/241 "2013-06-04T02:30:36Z")
So they want me to do a fleets enema before my induction on Wednesday. Anybody have any experience with this? It sounds gross. I had to give enemas when I was in nursing assistant in the hospital to people and let me tell you it was not pretty ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/242 "2013-06-04T03:10:11Z")
:dubious: An ENEMA? Did your hospital fall into a time warp and land in 1974? Why on earth do they want you to do an enema? Please for the love of god, tell me they’re not going to shave you next. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/243 "2013-06-04T03:11:44Z")
> [@](#): > > Enemas during labour Updated > Reveiz L, Gaitán HG, Cuervo LG > Published Online: > May 31, 2013 > > Scientific research evidence does not support the routine use of enemas during the first stage of labour. [http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD000330/enemas-during-labour](http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD000330/enemas-during-labour) I’d tell 'em they could go stick it where…well…you know… ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/244 "2013-06-04T03:17:04Z")
IANAD, but as far as I know an enema was used in earlier times so that the doctors would not be inconvenienced by a few spots of poo during delivery. I certainly did not have one administered back in the '70s when I had my children. We were, however, advised not to eat anything substantial once real contractions began. The Lamaze book I had simply pointed out that doing so might give you horrid indigestion. Also in case something goes wrong and anesthesia is needed it’s safer to have an empty stomach. I’d ask whoever’s in charge for the reason they want you to do this. ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/245 "2013-06-04T03:29:31Z")
My husband the student pharmacist has suggested miralax and a liquid diet. I trust him more. And it will be more pleasant than an enema. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/246 "2013-06-04T12:06:12Z")
Any news on the insurance and FMLA snafu? I asked about enemas in the _Call the Midwife_ thread in Cafe Society and no one answered. I’m glad it’s not still done. StG ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/247 "2013-06-04T12:13:44Z")
According to HR since my benefits are through blue cross/blue shield it isn’t affected by the FMLA decision through ADP. however, I still dispute the FMLA decision since they grossly undercalculated my total hours worked since I was hired. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/248 "2013-06-04T13:26:33Z")
I’m impatient for this baby and all I do is pop into this thread every few days. ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/249 "2013-06-04T13:28:00Z")
LOL, tomorrow at the latest as long as everything goes well! ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/250 "2013-06-04T13:29:00Z")
Hey, I told you what to do pages ago- woulda taken care of the induction and the enema in one fell swoop. But no, you ignored me. So carry on. Ha, get it? “Carry”? ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/251 "2013-06-04T13:39:20Z")
> [@Alice\_The\_Goon](#): > > Hey, I told you what to do pages ago- woulda taken care of the induction and the enema in one fell swoop. But no, you ignored me. So carry on. Ha, get it? “Carry”? Was that the castor oil? :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Alice\_The\_Goon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Alice\_The\_Goon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alice_The_Goon)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/252 "2013-06-04T13:44:12Z")
> [@April\_R](#): > > Was that the castor oil? :eek: Well, yes. ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/253 "2013-06-04T13:47:04Z")
I considered it ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/254 "2013-06-04T14:13:34Z")
I’m going to offer a guess: The same medicine which causes contractions in the uterus could also cause them in the intestines, resulting in a rather messy start to the procedings. thats’ only a guess though. Sending lots of “quick and easy” thoughts your way April, good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/255 "2013-06-04T14:40:18Z")
> [@April\_R](#): > > I considered it I tried it (castor oil) when I was at the end of my pregnancy. It didn’t work and tasted awful. On the subject of Fleet. The Fleet enema may do it for you anyway, God that stuff was horrible and caused awful cramps and other fun to start (I had to drink the stuff for a different procedure). YMMV, my mom had no side effects. Mix it with seven-up or something. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/256 "2013-06-04T17:28:18Z")
> [@Poysyn](#): > > I tried it (castor oil) when I was at the end of my pregnancy. It didn’t work and tasted awful. > > On the subject of Fleet. The Fleet enema may do it for you anyway, God that stuff was horrible and caused awful cramps and other fun to start (I had to drink the stuff for a different procedure). YMMV, my mom had no side effects. Mix it with seven-up or something. Ummmm. If you drank the enema, I’m pretty sure I see your problem. . . ROFL! April, if you do go with one, I recommend the oil over the other stuff. The oil ones are less likely to cause hemorrhoids, and just basically more comfortable. In all honesty, an enema is over much sooner and more predictably than an oral medicine. In your position, I’d probably just get it over with right before going to the hospital. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/257 "2013-06-04T17:39:14Z")
LOL yes - I meant the awful oral stuff. [Fleet oral](http://www.wekenshop.com/images/8566.jpg) It’s harsh, in any case and will make you seriously feel MUCH worse. Not worth it, I know it may not feel that way right now… ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/258 "2013-06-04T17:50:50Z")
> [@Poysyn](#): > > LOL yes - I meant the awful oral stuff. > > [Fleet oral](http://www.wekenshop.com/images/8566.jpg) > > It’s harsh, in any case and will make you seriously feel MUCH worse. Not worth it, I know it may not feel that way right now… Oooooh! Oh! Ouch! The evil phospho-soda. Oh, don’t remind me!!! ::shudder:: :eek::eek::eek: ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2013, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/259 "2013-06-04T19:32:45Z")
the miralax is pretty gentle. it isn’t bothering me at all, luckily I have my husband who knows all about meds, and he knew it would be ok since it is an osmotic laxative and not a stimulant one. You do have to drink a ton of clear liquids with it though. Water and ginger ale for me! ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2013, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162/260 "2013-06-05T02:35:19Z")
OMG, TOMORROW IS THE DAY. I think I am going to puke I am so nervous…ugh 😛 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pregnancy/657162.md?page=14)