
Remedies and cures for constipation during pregnancy:
- Drinking water This is the first and foremost thing to do to avoid constipation. ...
- Diet Diet is one important thing to be taken care of to avoid constipation. ...
- Listen to your body Do not push or strain yourselves if the bowel movement is not fine especially during pregnancy. ...
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water is a good choice. Prune juice also can help.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Being active can help prevent pregnancy constipation.
- Include more fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
What is the first-line treatment of constipation in pregnancy?
5 rows · Question Many of my patients experience constipation during pregnancy, even after increasing ...
What are home remedies to take for constipation when pregnant?
Treating constipation during pregnancy Although the recommended first-line therapy for constipation includes increasing fibre, fluids, and exercise, these are sometimes ineffective. Therefore, laxatives such as bulk-forming agents, lubricant laxatives, stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, and stimulant laxatives might be considered. Altho …
How to relieve constipation in pregnancy?
Management and Treatment How do you relieve constipation during pregnancy? You can’t stop pregnancy hormones from making it harder for you to poop, but you can make other changes that can help. Eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber-rich foods each day: It’s easy to ignore health advice that sounds too simple, like “just eat right.” But fiber really can help.
Is it safe to take constipation medication during pregnancy?
Aug 01, 2012 · It is important to note that constipation negatively affects patients’ daily lives and is second only to nausea as the most common gastrointestinal complaint in pregnancy. 2,4 Treatment Many patients find relief from constipation with an increase in dietary fibre and fluids, as well as daily exercise.

What is the best treatment for constipation?
The first line of therapy for constipation includes increasing dietary fibre and water intake and moderate amounts of daily exercise. 3 If these are ineffective, laxatives are the second line of therapy. Because most laxatives are not absorbed systemically, short-term use has not been, and is not expected to be, associated with an increased risk of malformations. However, as with the general population, it is recommended that osmotic and stimulant laxatives be used only in the short term or occasionally to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalances and the theoretical risk of “cathartic colon.” 21
What causes constipation during pregnancy?
Decreased maternal activity and increased vitamin supplementation (eg, iron and calcium) can further contribute to constipation. 3 Later in pregnancy, an enlarging uterus might slow onward movement of feces. 4 Constipation can result in serious complications such as fecal impaction, but such complications are rare.
How many pregnant women experience constipation?
It has been estimated that approximately 11% to 38% of pregnant women experience constipation, 1 which is generally described as infrequent bowel movements or difficult evacuation. 2 Pregnancy predisposes women to developing constipation owing to physiologic and anatomic changes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Does mineral oil affect gastrointestinal health?
Mineral oil is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract 18 and does not appear to be associated with adverse effects. 19 There is controversy about whether prolonged use reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, although this appears to be a theoretical rather than actual risk. 20
Is lactulose absorbed systemically?
Lactulose and polyethy lene glycol are poorly absorbed systemically. 11, 12 Their use has not been associated with adverse effects; however, individuals might experience side effects such as flatulence and bloating. 3 Theoretically, prolonged use of osmotic laxatives might lead to electrolyte imbalances. 3
Is docusate sodium safe for pregnancy?
Docusate sodium has not been associated with adverse effects in pregnancy in a number of studies, and it is thus also considered safe to use. 7 – 10 There is one case report of maternal chronic use of docusate sodium throughout pregnancy, which was associated with symptomatic hypomagnesemia in the neonate. 17.
Can you take miralax while pregnant?
Miralax (polyethylene glycol) Check with your doctor before taking any medicines during your pregnancy. Be especially cautious in the first trimester, a crucial time for your baby's development. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Nivin Todd, MD on August 05, 2020.
Can you take constipation pills while pregnant?
Safe OTC Constipation Treatments to Use During Pregnancy. These over-the-counter constipation meds have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when you take them according to the package directions. If you want to know about the safety of any other meds, contact your doctor.
What causes constipation during pregnancy?
In general, worry, anxiety, minimal physical exercise, and a low-fiber diet may cause constipation. Constipation during pregnancy is due to the increase in progesterone hormones that relax the intestinal muscle causing food and waste to move slower through your system.
How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy?
Prevention and treatment of constipation involve many of the same steps.
What remedies should not be used for constipation during pregnancy?
Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or a laxative or stool softener.
Is constipation during pregnancy ever serious?
Usually not, but occasionally constipation during pregnancy can be a symptom of another problem. If you have severe constipation that’s accompanied by abdominal pain, alternates with diarrhea, or you pass mucus or blood, call your doctor or midwife immediately.
What is the best treatment for constipation during pregnancy?
Initial treatment of constipation in pregnancy should be non-pharmacological, e.g. exercise, dietary measures and increased fluid intake. No adverse fetal effects have been reported following the use of bulk-forming laxatives during pregnancy, therefore ispaghula husk, sterculia or wheat bran may be used if non-pharmacological measures are not ...
Why do pregnant women get constipated?
Constipation is common in pregnancy and affects approximately 40% of women. It is thought to be caused by progesterone-induced intestinal smooth muscle relaxation.
How to contact UKTIS?
This is a UKTIS monograph for use by health care professionals. For case-specific advice please contact UKTIS on 0344 892 0909. To report an exposure please download and complete a pregnancy reporting form. Please encourage all women to complete an online reporting form.
Can you take bisacodyl while pregnant?
There are no published data regarding the use of bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate, linaclotide, lubiprostone, prucalopride, glycerine suppositories, or enemas in pregnancy. Due to their osmotic nature and stimulant effects, laxatives may induce electrolyte imbalance and should therefore only be used for short periods of time during pregnancy.
What are the signs of constipation?
The passage of hard stools. If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably experienced these three familiar signs of constipation. Hormonal changes, pressure on the womb, and the iron in prenatal vitamins are to blame.
What to eat while pregnant?
Try cutting up some raspberries, apples, bananas, figs, and strawberries for a refreshing fruit salad. Or roast some sweet corn, Brussels sprouts, and carrots for a delightful side dish. Share on Pinterest. It’s important to stay hydrated during pregnancy. That might mean doubling your water intake.
How much fiber should pregnant women consume?
Pregnant women should try to consume 25 to 30 grams of dietary fiber each day to stay regular and healthy. Good choices include fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, bran cereals, prunes, and whole-grain bread.
Can Colace be used for constipation?
Share on Pinterest. If other natural options have failed, doctors will sometimes prescribe sto ol softeners like Colace on a short-term basis to help pregnant women with constipation. Colace stool softeners are available online. However, long-term use can lead to dehydration or change your electrolyte balance.
Can you take iron pills while pregnant?
They are especially useful for pregnant women taking constipation-causing iron supplements. Doctors will often prescribe softeners along with iron pills. You can find a variety of iron supplements here. Stool softeners are medications, so it’s best to check with your doctor if they are safe for you.
Is constipation common during pregnancy?
Constipation is common during pregnancy. Almost three out of four pregnant women will experience constipation and other bowel issues at some point, according to a study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. .
