Contents:
- Medical Video: Constipation relief during pregnancy - Treatments and cures
- Laxatives during pregnancy, is it permissible?
- What types of laxatives are safe for pregnant women?
- Stool forming laxatives
- Osmotic laxatives
- Stimulant laxatives
- What you need to watch out for if you are taking laxatives during pregnancy
Medical Video: Constipation relief during pregnancy - Treatments and cures
Constipation is one problem that is often experienced by pregnant women. The natural way to cure constipation is to consume lots of fiber and drink a lot. However, sometimes this method is not enough to help pregnant women overcome constipation. As a result, many choose to use laxatives or laxatives. But, is it safe to take laxatives while pregnant?
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Laxatives during pregnancy, is it permissible?
If constipation experienced by pregnant women does not heal even though the mother eats a lot of fiber and drinks water, many pregnant women eventually choose laxatives as a quick way. Laxatives are used to help pregnant women overcome difficulties defecating due to hard stools. However, there are various types of laxatives available in different ways of working. Not all laxatives are safe for use by pregnant women.
In general, mild laxatives are safe for use by pregnant women and do not cause side effects to both the mother and the fetus in the womb. However, you should not take this laxative for a long time while pregnant. Too long or often taking laxatives can cause you to experience diarrhea. As a result, you can become dehydrated and interfere with the balance of mineral and salt levels in the body due to too much loss of body fluids.
What types of laxatives are safe for pregnant women?
Laxatives are available in various types that have different ways of working. The following are various types of laxatives:
Stool forming laxatives
This laxative is safe to use during pregnancy. This drug works by absorbing water so that it makes the stool more volume and soft. This then makes it easier for you to defecate. However, sometimes the use of laxatives of this type can cause side effects, such as flatulence, cramps, and gasps. Which includes this type of laxative are methylcellulose, isphagula husk, and sterculia. When you use this medicine, make sure you drink plenty of water and don't take it before going to bed. This drug takes 2-3 days to work.
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Osmotic laxatives
Lactulose and polyethylene glycol are examples of osmotic laxatives. Both of these drugs cannot be digested by the intestine, thus helping to draw water into the intestine to soften the stool. This laxative is also safe for use by pregnant women. However, pregnant women may experience side effects, such as flatulence and frequent farting. If used for a long time, this drug may cause electrolyte imbalance. Just like other laxatives, you need to drink plenty of water when using this medicine. This drug also takes 2-3 days to show the effect.
Stimulant laxatives
Examples of stimulant laxatives are Bisacodyl and Senna. Both of these drugs work by stimulating intestinal movements and increasing the water content in the stool. Senna can help stimulate the intestinal muscles to move so as to facilitate the stool to get out. Research has proven that the use of these laxatives during pregnancy is safe and not risky for babies.
However, experts recommend not using Senna during the third trimester because it can stimulate uterine contractions. The use of this drug can also cause side effects such as stomach cramps, and if used for a long time can cause electrolyte imbalances in the body.
What you need to watch out for if you are taking laxatives during pregnancy
However, you need to pay attention to the following when you want to use laxatives:
- Some laxatives contain high amounts of sugar or sodium. This is not good because it can trigger an increase in blood pressure or buildup of water in the body.
- You should avoid saline laxatives (salt solutions) that contain magnesium, phosphate, or potassium, if you have kidney problems.
- Laxatives in the form of mineral oil should be avoided because they can interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins in the body.
Indeed, constipation drugs you are safe to use while pregnant, but if you use it too often is also not good. It is best to consult with your doctor in choosing a laxative that you consume when you are pregnant. However, you are still better at dealing with constipation in a natural way, with no side effects, of course.
Eating a lot of fiber, drinking more water, and exercising regularly can help you prevent and overcome constipation. By consuming lots of high-fiber foods, you also help your body get the nutrients it needs. If you take iron supplements, you should reduce your consumption because iron supplements are one of the causes of constipation during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about how to regulate iron intake from supplements and foods needed during pregnancy.
READ ALSO: Should Pregnant Women Take Additional Supplements?
