Generally speaking, it is the best advice to avoid laxatives during pregnancy as many of them work by artificially stimulating your stomach muscles. Senna (Senokot) and Bisacodyl (Correctol) are considered safe in small doses. Stimulant laxatives are … Although many laxatives are available over the counter, … Is It Safe To Take Laxatives During Pregnancy? See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Known to aid in cleaning the bowels, this tonic is usually taken in a dosage of 10 ml … Taking senna while you are pregnant increases your risk of premature labor. This can cause diarrhea, leading to fluid loss, and make you more likely to reach for them in the future. Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration. In this post, MomJunction tells you whether it is safe to take laxatives during pregnancy, the possible side effects and the types of laxative that are considered safe. Among the various mild laxatives, bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil (psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid) are not absorbed and are not known to increase the risk of malformations in the fetus. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. One study has found that mothers who had docusate sodium when pregnant had babies with low magnesium levels and suffered temporary jitteriness. (2004). Excessive or prolonged intake of laxatives could result in the following side effects. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, we welcome you to write to us. Metamucil is a bulk forming laxative and is also considered safe in pregnancy. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This means exposure to the pregnancy is small. Lubricant laxatives is also … ), Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (434-66). Do not use any medication without talking to your doctor. Lastly, your doctor may suggest a stool softener, which contains docusate, to reduce constipation. Pregnancy constipation, defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a … If other natural options have failed, doctors will sometimes prescribe stool softeners like Colace on a short-term basis to help pregnant women with constipation. According to the APA, a normal pregnancy should last about 40 weeks. Momjunction believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Stimulant laxatives such as Senna (Senokot®) and Bisacodyl (Correctol®) can enter the blood in small amounts so there may be some exposure to the pregnancy. But, how safe is it to take laxatives during pregnancy? Next, we answer a few commonly raised queries. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy: Up to half of pregnant women get constipated at some point. Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria naturally found in fermented foods, including kefir, … Bulk-forming laxatives. Multiple studies have not associated any harmful effects and thus these laxatives are considered safe during pregnancy. Constipation is a common complaint during pregnancy, which means questions about using laxatives during pregnancy are frequent, as well. … Cod liver oil. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Can the use of laxatives during pregnancy cause birth defects? Constipation in pregnancy: Causes and remedies, Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy, An examination of the effect of castor oil packs on constipation in the elderly. They stimulate the intestinal wall lining to speed up the bowel movements. Draksharishta. Talk to your doctor about … They take 12 to 72 hours to work. Stimulant laxatives may cause uterine … Also called fiber supplements, they work similar to fiber in your diet. Since these ingredients generally do not get into the … Natural Ways to Deal with Constipation During Pregnancy. Fiber Foods To Keep Constipation At Bay In Pregnancy, Top 25 Short Panchatantra Stories For Kids, 1 to 3 Months Baby Sleep - Everything You Need To Know, Postpartum Hair Loss (Alopecia): Causes, Managing Tips And Remedies, 100 Modern And Stylish Baby Boy Names With Meanings. If none of these products work, a stronger medicine might be considered. Therefore, these are considered safer than the others (2). The laxatives are available in the form of pills, capsules, foods, gums, and liquids for oral consumption or through the rectum in the form of enemas and suppositories (1). Just like fiber-rich food, certain medications can induce bulk formation in the gut. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It’s possible for the laxative to interact with … Talk to your practitioner before taking any constipation medication or remedy. If there is any lack of sufficient evidence, we make sure we mention it. Psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), isphagula, carboxymethyl-cellulose, and sterculia are some of the bulk-forming laxatives. the use of dantron laxatives should be avoided during pregnancy and in breast-feeding mothers; Reference: MeReC Bulletin (2004); 16(9):21-4. There are not enough studies to show that laxatives cause a miscarriage. If this is the case, you may be considering using laxatives during your pregnancy to ease your discomfort. Such a laxative is milk of magnesia, and is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Is Magnesium Citrate Safe During Pregnancy? This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation. Emollient laxatives like mineral oil and stimulant laxatives like castor oil must be avoided during pregnancy due to their potential for maternal and fetal morbidity (4). Sometimes, these mild laxatives do not work, and hence … Get the Fetal Life App for Apple and Android endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association. 2. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Links: constipation in pregnancy; laxatives… You should always consult your doctor before taking any stronger medication. As they could also stimulate the muscles … It must be noted that these laxatives only help temporarily relieve constipation; your doctor will advise you to change your diet and lifestyle to retain your natural bowel movements. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They take around 30 minutes to six hours for causing an effect. However, long-term use can have some side effects such as electrolyte imbalances on the mother. One mild laxative, considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, is Milk of Magnesia. A common problem during pregnancy, constipation is quite uncomfortable. Your doctor may also recommend taking a bulk-producing agent like Metamucil. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Milk of magnesia is one such laxative which is very safe and mild. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional health services. Types of Recommended Laxatives During pregnancy 1) Bulk-forming laxatives Prune juice comes with many natural sugars, such as sorbitol … The... 2) Osmotic laxatives However, several medicines have … This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. (Ed. Sugar laxatives or electrolyte laxative … Before you do, make sure to consult your doctor and become informed about the safest course to follow when using laxatives while pregnant. They cause water and fats to penetrate the stools, thus encouraging it to move quickly through the gastrointestinal tract. Please read our Disclaimer. Prune juice This is said to be a safe laxative when you are pregnant and it is recommended by numerous doctors to their patients. Unfortunately, constipation occurs in nearly half of pregnant women and can continue in the months following a baby’s arrival. Share on Pinterest. If you are constipated even after taking such measures, your doctor might prescribe a laxative. 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. Laxatives are not known to increase the probability of birth defects or other major pregnancy issues. Their use is not associated with any adverse effects on the baby. The issues with pregnancy. Remember that laxatives are only a second option, the first being dietary changes and mild exercises to ease constipation. Is it safe to take laxatives in pregnancy? If none of these natural remedies seem to help, your doctor may suggest taking a mild laxative. As is the case for many medicines, there are too few scientific studies to prove that medicines for constipation (laxatives) are safe. Now you know that some safe and unsafe laxatives during pregnancy; you'd better try these home remedies first to avoid possible side effects of laxatives… Colace … New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc. One mild laxative, considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, is Milk of Magnesia. Using stool softeners as laxatives in pregnancy typically is considered safe, because all a stool softener is really doing is moistening the stool, making it more comfortable for a person to have a bowel movement. However, castor oil which is a natural laxative (7) could cause fetal morbidity (4). They soften the stools by drawing fluid into the gastrointestinal tract from the surrounding tissues. They give quick relief within 6 to 12 hours. Therefore, talk to your doctor before using laxatives during pregnancy. They … Laxatives to Avoid During Pregnant Stimulant laxatives is not recommended to be consumed while pregnant because it might stimulate uterine contraction. There is no risk to the baby as the absorption is minimal. Every article goes through multiple reviews to ensure this. Do not try to self-medicate; instead, talk to your doctor about using medicines for constipation or any other health issues during pregnancy. All rights reserved. If these remedies seem to be ineffective, then the doctor would prescribe mild laxatives, as the second line of treatment (3). They contain chemicals that help stool motility, frequency and bulk. In addition, make sure you do not overuse laxatives. These cookies do not store any personal information. Lastly, your doctor … Cod liver oil is unsafe to take during pregnancy to relieve constipation, as it can hinder the absorption of specific vitamins and minerals. White Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: Should You Be Worried? Your doctor might also … Genuine stool softeners … This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Reduced absorption of nutrition and other medicines into the blood as laxatives increase the rate of food passage through the intestinal tract. Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. Lower levels of magnesium salt in the blood. Sodium bisphosphate (OsmoPrep), magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), sugars including polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and lactulose are some effective osmotics. Prolonged usage of laxatives can result in dehydration and create an imbalance of mineral and salt levels in your body. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy: Up to half of pregnant women get constipated at some point. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you've recently given birth, consult your doctor before using laxatives. If you are experiencing constipation, you may find some of the natural suggestions for relieving constipation, such as eating more high fiber foods and drinking more water, do not work. Not all laxatives and stool softeners (especially herbal or homemade ones) are safe for use during pregnancy. Your feedback helps us serve you better and maintain a long-term relationship with the most important people in our business — you. Answer From Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D. Docusate sodium (Colace) and Dicoto are such medications. Like any other medications, laxatives also have some side effects, which usually depend on the type of laxative you are taking. For more information on constipation and ways to relieve it, please visit this link. Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are generally safe to use during pregnancy, but stimulant laxatives may be harmful. It is better to try and ensure constipation does not occur in the first place by eating high fiber foods, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. Donate To Make Motherhood a Healthy Reality. Common questions and concerns during pregnancy in Harms, Roger W. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If none of these remedies help, your doctor might recommend using a mild laxative. Let us take a look at the different types of laxatives that doctors usually prescribe during pregnancy (3) (5). One reason for constipation during pregnancy is an increase in the … What Could Be The Side Effects Of Laxatives During Pregnancy? The safest way to relieve constipation is to increase fiber and water intake and stay physically active. Cod liver oil is one of the most natural treatments for constipation in pregnancy and a … Also called fiber supplements, they work similar to fiber in your diet. Last reviewed 01/2018. Did you try any natural laxatives during pregnancy? … Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil) Metamucil ( psyllium) Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) Miralax (polyethylene glycol) Check with your doctor before taking any medicines during … It is always best to try the natural methods of relieving constipation before deciding to take any medication. Compiled using information from the following resources: In fact, many women who didn’t experience it while … In spite of their effectiveness, laxatives are prescribed only as a second option because of some side effects. Laxatives are drugs that help in relieving constipation by inducing a bowel movement or loosening the stools. It is generally safe to use gentle laxatives, but it is best to avoid stimulant laxatives because they can induce uterine contractions. Probiotics. Your doctor may also recommend taking a bulk-producing agent like Metamucil. Fiber or bulk laxatives include psyllium (Metamucil®) and methylcellulose (Citrucel®). Long-term use might affect the mother in the same way as the stimulant laxatives do. Share your experience with us in the comments section below. Usually doctors advice natural remedies and probiotics (2) to improve bowel function. One reason for constipation during pregnancy is an increase in the hormone … Stomach Flu During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Remedies, Placenta During Pregnancy: Functions, Factors, And Related Problems, 4 Causes & 7 Effective Ways To Treat Dengue During Pregnancy, Diarrhea During Pregnancy: Causes, Dietary Changes And Home Remedies. They add bulk to the stools by helping them retain liquid for an easy bowel movement. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to cite only from reputed research institutions, academic journals, medically established studies, and highly regarded media and news agencies. In general, milk of magnesia is considered safe to use during pregnancy, but you should always double-check with your doctor before taking it. 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