One of the most common and annoying problems during pregnancy is constipation. Even if you complain to your gynecologist, they might ask you to make some dietary and lifestyle changes but wouldn’t recommend a medication.
It is only when such changes are ineffective in resolving constipation does a doctor considering an alternative. Can that alternative be a laxative? Are laxatives safe during pregnancy?
Laxatives are drugs that help in relieving constipation by inducing a bowel movement or loosening the stools. They contain chemicals that help stool motility, frequency and bulk.
The laxatives are available in the form of pills, capsules, foods, gums, and liquids for oral consumption or through rectum in the form of enemas and suppositories.
If none of the natural treatments work, your doctor might prescribe a mild laxative that is safe during pregnancy. One such safe and mild laxative is milk of magnesia. Another bulk-forming laxative, Metamucil, is also safe to take during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest stronger laxatives if the milder ones do not work.
You should not take laxatives for longer periods as they can result in dehydration and create an imbalance of mineral and salt levels in your body.
- Bulk-forming laxatives
Also called fiber supplements, they work similar to fiber in your diet. They add bulk to the stools by helping them retain liquid for an easy bowel movement. They take around 12 to 24 hours to work and are unlikely to cause any harm to your pregnancy since they do not get into the blood.
Psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), isphagula, carboxymethyl-cellulose, and sterculia are some of the bulk-forming laxatives.
- Stool softener laxatives
They cause water and fats to penetrate the stools, thus encouraging it to move quickly through the gastrointestinal tract. They take 12 to 72 hours to work. Multiple studies have not associated any harmful effects and thus these laxatives are considered safe during pregnancy.
Docusate sodium (Colace) and Dicoto are such medications.
- Stimulant laxatives
They stimulate the intestinal wall lining to speed up the bowel movements. They give quick relief within 6 to 12 hours. There is no risk to the baby as the absorption is minimal. However, long-term use can have some side effects such as electrolyte imbalances on the mother.
Senna (Senokot) and Bisacodyl (Correctol) are considered safe in small doses.
- Osmotic laxatives
They soften the stools by drawing fluid into the gastrointestinal tract from the surrounding tissues. They take around 30 minutes to six hours for causing an effect. Their use is not associated with any adverse effects on the baby. Long-term use might affect the mother in the same way as the stimulant laxatives do.
Sodium bisphosphate (OsmoPrep), magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), sugars including polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and lactulose are some effective osmotics.
In spite of their effectiveness, laxatives are prescribed only as a second option because of some side effects.
Like any other medications, laxatives also have some side effects. They usually depend on the type of laxative you are taking.
The common side effects include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Flatulence
- Bloating
- Dehydration
- Lightheadedness
- Dark urine
- Excessive or prolonged intake of laxatives could result in the following side effects.
Reduced absorption of nutrition and other medicines into the blood as laxatives increase the rate of food passage through the intestinal tract.
Lower levels of magnesium salt in the blood. One study has found that mothers who had docusate sodium when pregnant had babies with low magnesium levels and suffered temporary jitteriness .
Therefore, talk to your doctor before using laxatives during pregnancy.
Remember that laxatives are only a second option, the first being dietary changes and mild exercises to ease constipation. Do not try to self-medicate; instead, talk to your doctor about using medicines for constipation or any other health issue during pregnancy.
Original article: https://www.momjunction.com/articles/laxatives-while-pregnant_00383134/
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