Painful bowel movements?

When I was pregnant my Dr told me to drink a lot of water eat foods high in fiber, if needed it was ok to take stool softener pills.

You could be a bit constipated, or it could be hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are pretty common with pregnancy because of the increased pressure in that area. Hemorrhoids can sometimes bleed a little bit, but it's usually just a little streak or spot when you wipe. If it is more than that or doesn't gradually stop hurting as you heal up over the next few days to a week, then ask your doc to make sure that you don't have something like a fissure, which is basically a tear in the tissue that is like a scratch or cut. That usually hurts and bleeds a bit more than just a hemorrhoid.

Also, hemorrhoids can get worse as you go through the rest of the pregnancy, so you will probably want to get some Tucks cream or Preparation H cream or Anusol suppositories (may need prescription for that, not sure) to help relieve the pain (and possibly itching sometimes) and reduce any swelling. If they get really bad or still hurt, the doc may be able to do a quick procedure to help. I'm not sure what they do, but I think it's called banding?

Eh, you sound like me! I've been so constipated when I go it hurts so bad. I have bad hemorhhoids from it. :( BUT: how much water do you drink? It's extremely vital. Drink, drink, drink! If you don't get relief soon. Please see/call your OB. Good luck!