Of course, the period of pregnancy is a long-awaited and wonderful moment in the life of any woman. But this is a crucial event and a serious test when you need to think not only about yourself, but also about the life that has already arisen inside. First of all, this is a period of certain restrictions. Most often this applies to nutrition, physical activity and the intake of certain medications. For example, a laxative for pregnant women. Can I take it or not? If possible, what medicines specifically and in what quantity? Let’s make sure that rash decisions and actions do not lead to big problems.
Why are not all laxatives approved for use by pregnant women?
The fact is that laxatives can cause:
- A significant increase in the muscular activity of the uterus. This can provoke a threat of miscarriage or childbirth ahead of time.
- Loss of salts and fluids during bowel movements.
- Adverse effect on the condition of the unborn child.
- The death of the intestinal flora due to the formation of mucus.
- Pain and spasms in the intestine.
Based on the foregoing, before deciding to take one or another laxative, it is imperative to consult with your doctor, since each organism is individual, and even more so in this “interesting position”. Only a medical professional can tell what laxative pregnancy can do.
Causes of constipation in pregnant women
Problems associated with bowel movements occur primarily due to the fact that hormones produced during pregnancy slow down bowel motility. Also in the later stages, the uterus presses heavily on the intestines, which leads to constipation.
List of laxatives
List of laxatives for pregnant women:
- Forlax, Dufalac, Transipeg, Prelax. These osmotic preparations, the main component of which is lactulose, do not adversely affect the intestinal mucosa, and they are not addictive. As a result of their use, stimulation of intestinal motility and subsequent bowel movement occurs, which occurs in a practically natural way. The effect of the application can be felt after 4-24 hours.
Only a doctor can prescribe a drug, change the dosage regimen and dosage.
- Normacol and Norgalax. They are microclysters and are more effective and safe in the fight against constipation than traditional enemas (with water or a decoction of chamomile). The components of the drugs, stretching the walls of the colon, contribute to the stimulation of the intestine. Most often, the result can be felt after 7-17 minutes.
On a note! Drugs can not be used for a long time. They can be attributed solely to first aid equipment. And one more thing: the medicine can not be used for those who have anal fissures, hemorrhoids and inflammatory diseases of the rectum.
- Mukofalk. The drug has a natural composition. The action is based on the stimulation of peristalsis and the quick conclusion of what has accumulated in the intestines. The effect of the application can be felt after 12-24 hours.
- Vegetable oils: olive, sunflower and linseed. They significantly enhance the motility of the digestive tract. Oils can be used when frying, and salads can be seasoned with them.
- Glycerin laxative suppositories for pregnant women. They have a gentle effect and do not have a pronounced laxative effect. The action of rectal suppositories is based on the fact that irritation of the receptors of the rectum occurs, and this, in turn, is the cause of bowel movements. Such components of the drug as petrolatum and glycerin help to soften the contents of the intestines and greatly facilitate the process of removing them outside. Apply the drug in the morning (only once a day).
Remember that any drug can be used only after consulting a doctor. Do not be shy about the delicate issue regarding bowel problems. Remember that only you can take care of your health and protect the child from unpleasant consequences.
Things to remember when making an independent decision to use a laxative
During pregnancy, before you “throw” absolutely any pill into your mouth (even the most harmless one in your opinion), you need to think a hundred times whether it is worth doing and what it can turn into. So, most laxatives have not been studied at all in terms of their toxic effects on the embryo, so they can not be considered as laxatives for pregnant women.
Many of the drugs have completely unpleasant side effects (for example, allergies). And potent drugs should generally be avoided, despite the fact that the instructions for their use do not include contraindications for pregnant women.
Also, do not, during the period when you are carrying a child, take saline solutions of sodium, potassium or magnesium. And drugs, the main components of which are oils (for example, castor oil), will not be beneficial to your health during this period.
Beware of laxatives based on the Egyptian (or African) senna. Yes, it activates intestinal motility, but at the same time it helps to increase the tone of the uterus (this can lead to premature birth or miscarriage).
Take laxative drugs only if necessary, so as not to cause addiction to them. Because such an activation of the intestine, created by artificial means, will not lead to anything good: the body is so used to getting the required medicine for constipation that it itself will refuse to work normally without drugs.
Can laxative teas help?
Not every laxative for pregnant women with constipation is possible. Then maybe try herbal teas? Are they probably safe? Naturally, herbal teas are an excellent alternative to any medication, but not during the gestation period. During this period, one must be extremely vigilant, as some herbs that cause certain disorders in the body are absolutely contraindicated for pregnant women (for example, herbs that contribute to a sharp and frequent reduction of the uterus). In addition, do not forget that not only toxins, but also many trace elements useful for the development of the baby are brought out with the liquid.
Do not listen to the grandmothers on the bench and your girlfriends, but rely only on the recommendations of medical specialists.
Recommendations for pregnant women to minimize the risk of constipation
What should be done in order not to bring the situation to constipation:
- You must carefully monitor the regimen and diet of what you eat. That is, you need to make a correction of your diet. It is no secret that so many products significantly improve intestinal motility, contribute to its better emptying and are useful for its microflora: they should be consumed.
- Do not forget about moderate physical exertion. This includes swimming, gymnastics for pregnant women, as well as everyday walks in the fresh air. Hypodynamia is your enemy, so at every opportunity, change the position of the body in space and do warm-up exercises.
- Be in a positive mood and with positive thoughts about the future. Stay away from situations that can lead to stress.
- Water balance is of great importance in this situation.
In the morning before breakfast, you should drink a glass of warm water (naturally filtered). But even regarding this useful procedure, it is also worth consulting with your doctor.
We make power adjustments
Of course, taking medications for constipation is much easier than constantly monitoring what you eat, how much and when. But it is better not to experiment with your body in this period: leave it all for later (maybe).
Meals should be frequent, but small in volume. More vitamins and less fatty foods.
As a laxative for pregnant women can be:
- Fruits: plums, peaches, apples and apricots.
- Vegetables: zucchini, tomatoes, cabbage, beets, radishes, cucumbers, pumpkin, spinach.
- Dried fruits: prunes, raisins, dried apricots. 10-15 minutes before administration, it is necessary to pour steep boiling water and let it brew.
- Dairy products.
- Bran: rye, oat and wheat. They can be added to all dishes. But be careful: bran can cause colic in the stomach.
Avoid foods that can cause constipation. These are rice, eggs (boiled), legumes, grapes and strong tea.
Early Pregnant Laxative
The causes of constipation in the early stages of pregnancy can be:
- The presence of toxicosis, which inevitably leads to a noticeable shortage of water in the body.
- Slow circulation in the abdomen.
- Possible medication to preserve pregnancy. They may well adversely affect the activity of the digestive tract and cause poor bowel movements.
- The production of the hormone progesterone in larger quantities, which is the cause of poor bowel function.
- Quite low physical activity due to poor health or a real threat of miscarriage.
- Unadjusted nutritional status for a woman in an “interesting position”.
At an early stage, to combat constipation, one should give preference (of course, after consulting a doctor) to the following drugs:
- Glycerin suppositories, which can be successfully applied practically at any stage of pregnancy. They do not harm either the female body or the baby’s health. But this should not be a reason to start using rectal suppositories without consulting your doctor.
- The drug "Microlax". This solution, which is administered rectally, stimulates the flow of water into the rectum and helps to remove all that has accumulated in the intestine within 10-25 minutes. It can be used not only at any period of gestation, but even during lactation, since the components of the drug do not enter the bloodstream and are not absorbed into the tissue.
- Pregnant Laxative "Mukofalk". It can be used at any stage of pregnancy and even in the presence of polyps, cracks and hemorrhoids. Before use, be sure to read the instructions and strictly follow all instructions.
Note: in some cases, bloating and flatulence can cause.
Laxative for pregnant women
What is the peculiarity of the second and third trimesters of pregnancy? And it consists in the fact that the baby is growing safely and gaining weight in the womb. Together with it, the size of the uterus also undergoes changes, namely, it increases and puts pressure on other organs. The intestines also did not “escape” this fate, and as a result constipation forms.
A laxative for pregnant women during these periods includes a medicine such as sodium picosulfate, which can be found on the distribution network in the form of tablets, syrup, or drops under the following names: Picolax, Guttalax, Slabilen, and Guttasil. The drug is taken orally (that is, directly through the mouth, swallowing the medicine).
This medication is strictly forbidden to take in the early stages of pregnancy due to its possible harm to the development of the child. And one more thing: sodium picosulfate can be taken only as directed by a doctor.