I had an obstruction at 17 weeks. Have you noticed that you are really starting to show? As the uterus gets bigger, generally starts in second trimester, if you have adhesions they can compress the intestine. My obstruction was quite close to my stoma so we used a foley catheter to hold it open until the adhesion snapped and the obstruction cleared.

I would think it more likely a partial obstruction due to the slowed bowels than the size of the baby (especially since you said upper abdominal). At this point, the baby is still pretty teeny (maybe weighing an ounce or so) even though I imagine your uterus could be pushing against your pouch already if it's positioned in such a way. My bowels slowed a ton early on in my pregnancy and I felt full a lot of the time. You probably won't start feeling a lot of pressure from the baby for a few weeks yet...most in the 3rd trimester. I felt the best my second trimester so here's hoping for a good one for you too :-)

and yes, i had a mild obstruction on my vacation around 20 weeks. my bowels always slow when i travel and i could actually feel the lump (i thought it was the baby's foot at first). i drank a lot of liquids, grape juice, and some caffeine to jump start, and i was ok by the end of the day.

I have been having issues with feeling full (now I am 33 weeks). Sometimes I cant eat. I had to reduce fibre even more and drink lots of juices (helps with the electrolytes too). Make sure you dont get dehydrated (bad for baby and you) and eat smaller more frequent meals. This pregnancy has been tough on my pouch but with adjustments I have managed so far. Good luck!

Hi! I am 41 and trying to get pregnant after a total colectomy with j pouch in 2010. Has anyone had trouble maintaining their j pouch bc of pregnancy? Our bodies have been through so much already and I'm worried about making a good thing bad. So far my j pouch has been heaven-sent.
Thanks all - and you are all heroes in my book!

Jeni, it's comforting seeing another 41 yr old who is ttc.

JeniBeck- I am 37 weeks pregnant and I haven't noticed any problems. It's a little complicated trying to figure out my delivery plan and after my surgeries I suffered from 2 blood clots so I take a lovenox injection everyday for the pregnancy but I have felt great and it has been a blessing being able to get pregnant after our bodies have gone through so much. Good luck getting pregnant! I was nervous about it and it ended up taking almost a year but it happened!

My husband and I have been going back and forth trying to figure out whether we adopt or chance a pregnancy after all the surgeries. I'm sure you can relate when I say I was sick for 10 years and now 3 years after my jpouch surgery I feel great - and I don't want to go back! But I also feel so good and like I can carry a pregnancy. How much did you involve your GI Doc during pregnancy?
You Wonderful Strong Women have given me hope! Thank you!

Comber, Such good news about your pregnancy! And wow - 37 weeks with no jpouch issues is impressive. I always thought a c-section was the way to go to reduce straining in the anus/rectum. I'd love to hear what you decided to do. Best of luck to you!!

Gturnertwo, This awful sickness that brought us to this blog sure makes time fly, doesn't it? Cannot believe I am already 41! We may have to use a donor egg but the jury is still out on that. Good luck to you! I'll keep you in my thoughts and am sending best wishes your way!