Pregnancy is a miraculous journey that brings about many changes both inside and outside a woman’s body. Expectant mothers may face a variety of discomforts and challenges along with joy and anticipation during this period of change. One of the common troubles that pregnant women experience is constipation, mainly due to hormonal fluctuations.
Constipation during pregnancy is generally not harmful, but it can cause significant discomfort. Fortunately, some ways to reduce and manage constipation during pregnancy include adjusting your diet and, if necessary, using certain laxatives that are considered safe for pregnant women. Masu.
The following article will tell you about the causes of constipation during pregnancy, how to prevent and treat it, and the safety of various laxatives during this critical period.
What are laxatives used for?
A laxative is a drug or substance used to help defecate when you have trouble defecating. It helps relieve constipation and makes it easier to go to the bathroom. However, it is important to use laxatives as directed by your health care professional, as laxatives can cause health problems if used incorrectly or too often.
Constipation during pregnancy: causes and concerns
Constipation is the difficulty or frequency of bowel movements, usually accompanied by complex, dry stools. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are a major cause of constipation. Specifically, the hormone progesterone causes smooth muscle relaxation, which can affect the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, food and waste move through the intestines more slowly, leading to constipation.
It’s worth noting that constipation is a common problem during pregnancy and usually poses no direct risk to mother or baby. Nevertheless, it can cause discomfort and potential complications such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, which can have a serious or significant impact on a pregnant woman’s quality of life.
Are laxatives safe during pregnancy?
The use of laxatives during pregnancy should be done with caution and only under the guidance of a medical professional. Although some laxatives are generally considered safe for pregnant women, others are not recommended. It is important to discuss your bowel problems and constipation with your health care provider to determine the safest and most appropriate laxative or treatment for your particular situation. They can guide and ensure the health of you and your baby. It is not recommended to self-medicate with laxatives during pregnancy unless advised by a professional.
Prevention and management of constipation during pregnancy
Pregnant women can take steps to prevent and manage constipation and promote their health and the health of their baby.
If a pregnant woman is suffering from constipation, there are several things she can do to relieve it.
eat a high fiber diet
One of the most effective ways is to teach a high-fiber diet that includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. This softens the stool, promotes regular bowel movements, and makes it easier to digest.
drinking water
Another important factor to keep in mind is hydration. Drinking enough water is very important to keep your intestines functioning properly, especially during pregnancy. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will prevent your stool from becoming too complex and difficult to pass.
Exercise
Finally, regular strength training and exercise can help stimulate bowel movements. Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, and prenatal yoga are great for promoting healthy digestion. By taking these steps, you can manage constipation during pregnancy and feel more comfortable overall.
positioning
Paying attention to your posture when defecating can have a big impact on your health. Elevating your feet with a small stool or footrest when sitting on the toilet can help create a more natural defecation position.
avoid tension
To prevent complications such as constipation and hemorrhoids, it is important to avoid straining during defecation. Patience is important when defecating.
When natural remedies are not enough: Safe laxatives during pregnancy:-
Lifestyle changes can improve constipation during pregnancy, but you may need additional support. Although certain laxatives may be safe, it is important to consult a health care professional before starting treatment. Here is an overview of laxatives that are considered safe for pregnant women.
If you suffer from constipation, bulk-forming laxatives such as wheat bran, flaxseed, ispagra, methylcellulose, and sterculia can be effective. These laxatives work by increasing the size of stool, making it easier to pass through the intestines. It is safe to use these laxatives during pregnancy, as there is no evidence to suggest any adverse effects on the fetus.
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Lactulose: Lactulose is a non-digestible sugar that draws water into the intestines, softening the stool and facilitating its passage. It is commonly used during pregnancy, and the manufacturer states that it can be used as needed without fear of harm to the baby.
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Macro goals: Macrogols increase the water content of stool, aiding its passage through the intestines. They are frequently used during pregnancy, but there have been no reported concerns of harm to the baby.
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Glycerin suppositories: Glycerin suppositories lubricate and stimulate the intestines and are usually used in cases of more severe constipation. It is often used during pregnancy and no side effects have been found.
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Bisacodyl: Bisacodyl, or Dulcolax, is a drug that stimulates bowel movements and increases the water content in the stool. Although there are no specific studies investigating its use during pregnancy, no problems related to its use in pregnant women have been reported.
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Senna: Senna stimulates the intestinal muscles and aids in stool movement. One study showed that using senna during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy was not associated with birth defects.
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Document Sodium: Docusate sodium stimulates the muscles of the intestines and promotes the passage of stool. Three studies have shown no increased risk of birth defects when used during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
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Sodium picosulfate: Sodium picosulfate stimulates the intestines to help move stool faster. Although there have been no specific studies regarding use during pregnancy, no problems have been reported after use by pregnant mothers.
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Linaclotide: Linaclotide helps pass stool by stimulating and lubricating the intestines. There are no published studies on its use during pregnancy, and because of its infrequent use, its effects during pregnancy remain largely unknown.
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Lubiprostone: Lubiprostone lubricates the intestines and facilitates stool movement. Similar to linaclotide, there are no published studies on its use during pregnancy, and its efficacy is largely unknown due to its limited use in pregnant women.
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Prucalopride: Prucalopride stimulates the intestines to help pass stool. As with linaclotide and lubiprostone, there are no published studies on its use during pregnancy, and its effectiveness during this critical period remains unknown.
Conclusion-
Constipation is a common and unpleasant problem during pregnancy, mainly caused by hormonal changes that affect intestinal function. Although usually harmless to mother and baby, it can seriously affect a pregnant woman’s quality of life. Thankfully, there are several strategies to prevent and manage constipation during pregnancy, including adjusting your diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and proper posture during bowel movements.
Certain laxatives are considered safe during pregnancy when natural remedies are inadequate. These include bulk-forming laxatives, lactulose, macrogol, glycerin suppositories, bisacodyl, senna, docusate sodium, sodium picosulfate, linaclotide, lubiprostone, and prucalopride. However, to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the chosen treatment, pregnant women should consult their health care provider before using laxatives. An expectant mother can prevent and manage her constipation to make the pregnancy more comfortable and improve the health of herself and her baby.
