Safe OTC Constipation Treatments to Use During Pregnancy
Colace (docusate sodium)
Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil)
Metamucil (psyllium)
Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
Miralax (polyethylene glycol)
5.08.2020
What is safe to take for constipation when you are pregnant?
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium (Metamucil, Konsyl, others) and polycarbophil (FiberCon, Equalactin, others) are typically considered safe to use during pregnancy because they aren’t absorbed by the body.
What helps constipation fast during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is associated with hormone changes that affect gut motility. Relieve constipation during pregnancy by drinking water, eating more fiber, exercising and taking laxatives.
Can I take Dulcolax while pregnant?
No studies have been carried out to examine whether using glycerine suppositories during pregnancy is linked to problems in the unborn baby, but these are quite commonly used during pregnancy and no problems have been reported. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) stimulates the bowel and increases the water content of the stools.
Can you take MiraLAX everyday while pregnant?
MiraLAX contains the active ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350. Only a small amount of the drug is absorbed by your body, so MiraLAX is considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy.
Can I take fiber gummies while pregnant?
However, is it safe to consume fiber gummies while you are pregnant? Fiber gummies are an excellent way for pregnant women to get their recommended 25 grams daily fiber. However, some fiber gummies may have ingredients that are unsuitable for pregnancy.
Will straining to poop cause a miscarriage?
Straining to have a bowel movement will not cause a miscarriage. According to the American Pregnancy Association, most miscarriages happen from: Problems with the baby’s chromosomes. Problems with the mother’s hormones, uterus, or cervix.
Can constipation hurt the baby during pregnancy?
Will it affect my baby? If you’re pregnant, you don’t need to worry that constipation will affect your baby since the discomfort occurs in the mother’s gut and bowels and isn’t passed on to the baby.
What is the best stool softener for pregnancy?
The stool softener that doctors most commonly recommend to pregnant women is docusate (Colace).
How can I soften my stool quickly?
Tips for immediate constipation relief
- Take a fiber supplement.
- Eat foods for constipation relief.
- Drink a glass of water.
- Take a laxative stimulant.
- Take an osmotic laxative.
- Try a lubricant laxative.
- Use a stool softener.
- Try an enema.
Can I take stool softener while pregnant?
Many pregnant women experience constipation during pregnancy. Bulk-forming laxatives and stool softeners are considered safe and effective treatment options. Stimulant laxatives should be used with caution while pregnant. Adequate fiber intake through your diet can also help with constipation during pregnancy.
Can I take Metamucil while pregnant?
Metamucil Sugar-Free Fiber Supplement
“Bulk-forming laxatives, such as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safe to use during pregnancy,” says Dr. Ross.
Can MiraLAX hurt a fetus?
“MiraLAX is considered safe to take during pregnancy by the American Gastroenterological Association,” says Sarah McBane, PharmD, the Associate Dean of Pharmacy Education at UC Irvine School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Is Colace safe when pregnant?
In general, Colace is considered safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if you have pregnancy-related constipation, talk to your doctor first before using medication. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes to help relieve constipation before you try an OTC product like Colace.
How do prenatal vitamins relieve constipation?
When constipation occurs due to prenatal vitamins, it is typically because of the iron levels they contain. There are women who make their constipation disappear by switching from a pill form to liquid vitamins, or even by going to a different brand entirely that contains less iron.
Is Milk of Magnesia safe during pregnancy?
Milk of magnesia works by drawing water to the bowel from nearby tissues. In turn, this water then softens and moistens your stool and helps get things moving in your bowels. In general, milk of magnesia is safe to use during pregnancy.
What happens if you push too hard while pooping and pregnant?
For most pregnancies that are progressing without any issues, straining isn’t a huge concern. “Straining won’t harm the baby, but it can lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures which can be very painful and uncomfortable for mom,” says Dr. Hamilton. Although not a serious health risk, hemorrhoids can be quite painful.
Can I drink prune juice while pregnant?
The first thing to try is to increase the fiber in your diet, drink a lot of water, and exercise regularly. You can also try prunes and prune juice, as these things help to speed up elimination. If these things do not help, see the safe medications page during pregnancy.
Do prenatal vitamins have stool softener?
In addition to containing nutrients proven to aid in the development of the fetus, Prenate Mini® and Prenate Pixie® softgel pills contain vitamins and extracts to provide relief from morning sickness; a stool softener to combat the effects of increased iron; and they are gluten and lactose free.
What is a natural laxative?
Prunes. Prunes are probably one of the most well-known natural laxatives. They provide lots of fiber, with 7.7 grams in a 1-cup (248-gram) serving. They also contain a type of sugar alcohol known as sorbitol ( 34 ). Sorbitol acts as a laxative when consumed in large amounts ( 35 ).
Do bananas help you poop?
Bananas are high in fiber
Fiber has long been claimed to help prevent and relieve constipation ( 2 , 3 ). Soluble fiber absorbs water, helping stools stay large and soft. This may help improve the movement of stool through your digestive tract ( 4 ).
How do I pass a hard stool?
Home remedies
- Abdominal massage. Sometimes a stomach massage can help stimulate the bowels if they’re not moving enough to help stool digest more quickly.
- Drink more water. Increasing water in the digestive tract can make stool softer and easier to pass.
- Eat more fiber.
- Avoid empty-calorie, low-fiber foods.
- Exercise.
How do I pass hard stool without straining?
How to empty your bowels without straining
- Sit on the toilet properly:
- Brace – allow your stomach muscles to push forwards.
- With each urge to empty your bowels, repeat the brace.
- Keep your mouth slightly open and breathe out.
- As you finish, pull up your anorectal muscles (the muscles that control your bottom).
How can I soften my stool naturally?
Here are 13 natural home remedies to relieve constipation.
- Drink more water.
- Eat more fiber, especially soluble, non-fermentable fiber.
- Exercise more.
- Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee.
- Take Senna, an herbal laxative.
- Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements.
- Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives.
Which laxative is best for impacted stool?
If stool softeners aren’t providing enough help, the osmotic laxative polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX or a generic version) is good next step. These products hold water in stool to soften it and increase bowel movements. Common side effects are gas, bloating, and nausea.
Can constipation cause a miscarriage?
Some myths about the cause of miscarriage
This is almost always not the case. In particular, miscarriage is not caused by lifting, straining, working too hard, constipation, straining at the toilet, sex, eating spicy foods or taking normal exercise.
Should I shave before giving birth?
In previous years, traditional childbirth recommended hair removal on the pubic area before delivery. However, modern childbirth finds that it’s not necessary to shave your pubic hair before delivery. Clinical research shows that shaving or not shaving pubic hair doesn’t necessarily affect birth.
Can you take Karo syrup while pregnant?
Pregnant women — and anyone who aims to lead a healthy lifestyle — should limit high-fructose corn syrup in their diet and focus on eating whole grains and nutrient-dense natural foods and avoid packaged foods filled with additives and artificial ingredients.
What vitamins should be avoided during pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant, you should avoid supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A (retinol) – as too much of it can harm your baby’s development. You should also avoid liver and liver products (including fish liver oil), as they are high in vitamin A.
What causes constipation in pregnancy?
An increase in the progesterone hormone during pregnancy causes the relaxation of your body’s muscles. That includes your intestines. And slower moving intestines means slower digestion. This can lead to constipation.
Do Prenatals make you constipated?
Yes. The most common side effects associated with taking prenatal multivitamins are nausea and constipation. It is important not to stop taking the multivitamin, but rather to attempt solutions to slow down or resolve the associated symptoms.
What drinks relieve constipation?
The following teas may have laxative or muscle-relaxing effects that help to relieve constipation and encourage bowel movements.
- Senna.
- Peppermint tea.
- Ginger.
- Dandelion.
- Black tea, green tea, or coffee.
- Licorice root.
- Marshmallow root.
- Chamomile.
What fruits make you poop?
Here are 15 healthy foods that can help you poop.
- Apples. Apples are a good source of fiber, with one small apple (5.3 ounces or 149 grams) providing 3.6 grams of fiber ( 2 ).
- Prunes. Prunes are often used as a natural laxative — and for good reason.
- Kiwi.
- Flax seeds.
- Pears.
- Beans.
- Rhubarb.
- Artichokes.
Should I keep eating if constipated?
You may think that cutting back on food will help “clear out” your colon. That’s not the case. Do this: Eating, especially healthy whole foods that contain fiber, helps your body move stool.
What foods make constipation worse?
Diet. You may become constipated if you don’t eat enough high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Also, eating a lot of high-fat meats, dairy products and eggs, or rich desserts and sugary sweets may cause constipation. People who live alone may lose interest in cooking and eating.
Does peanut butter make you poop?
Peanuts and peanut butter are rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, both of which help support regular bowel movements and improve constipation ( 3 , 4 ). Just two tablespoons (32 grams) of natural peanut butter contains 3 grams of fiber, equivalent to about 10% of your daily fiber needs ( 5 , 6 ).
Is yogurt good for constipation?
Probiotics: The good bacteria can help you go.
Kimball says any yogurt — not just those that advertise they’re good for gastrointestinal health — can be a good source of probiotics that help relieve constipation.