This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted with specialist doctor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital
If natural remedies don't work, your doctor may prescribe a laxative. This medicine is usually mild and safe for pregnant women. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications if milder ones don't work.
1. What is a laxative?
Laxatives are drugs that help relieve constipation by increasing bowel movements or softening stools. They contain substances that make bowel movements easier and more frequent. Laxatives are available in capsule, tablet, food and liquid form or as an anal pump and suppository.
2. Is it safe to use laxatives for pregnant women?
If natural remedies for constipation in pregnant women don't work, your doctor may prescribe a laxative. This medication is usually mild and safe for pregnant women. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications if milder ones don't work.
Types of laxatives for pregnant women with constipation that doctors often prescribe such as:
Bulk-forming laxatives: Bulk-forming laxatives are also known as fiber supplements, which work similarly to fiber in diet. Medicines help retain water in the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. The drugs work for about 12–24 hours and are unlikely to cause any harm to the unborn baby because they do not enter the bloodstream. Stool softening laxatives: They cause water and fats to penetrate the stool, thereby promoting rapid passage of stool through the digestive tract. This medication is usually effective for 12–72 hours, making it an effective treatment for constipation. Osmotic laxatives: This type of laxative softens stool by drawing fluid from surrounding tissues into the digestive tract. It usually takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours to take effect. Stimulant laxatives: This type of medication stimulates the lining of the intestinal wall to increase bowel movements. The action of the drug is quite fast, within 6-12 hours. The drug does not pose a risk to the fetus because the amount absorbed into the bloodstream is very small.
3. Be careful when using laxatives for pregnant women when they are constipation
Like other medications, laxatives for constipation during pregnancy also have some side effects, depending on the type of laxative you take. Some common side effects of laxatives include:
Abdominal pain. Bloating, abdominal distension. Dehydration, dark urine. Delirium. In case of constipation in pregnant women, taking too much or prolonged use of laxatives can lead to the following side effects:
Decreased absorption of nutrients and other drugs into the blood because laxatives increase food intake through the intestines. Lower levels of magnesium salts in the blood.
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When using laxatives, pregnant women should note the following:
Do not arbitrarily use laxatives to treat constipation during pregnancy, but need a doctor's appointment. When you have tried to change your diet and lifestyle but still do not improve your constipation, you should use laxatives. When using laxatives, preference should be given to mechanical laxatives, osmotic laxatives; Limit the use of laxatives that smoothen, laxatives that soften stools. Stimulant laxatives are contraindicated because they increase uterine contractions, causing miscarriage or premature birth. During the process of taking laxatives, you should combine drinking lots of water to increase the effectiveness of the drug and avoid reverse constipation.
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