Is using laxatives for pregnant women safe?

Laxatives are often prescribed for pregnant women as a second treatment because of some side effects.

Constipation is one of the most common and bothersome problems during pregnancy. Your doctor may ask you to make changes in your diet and lifestyle, but will not recommend medication.

When none of the above measures work, your doctor will look for another solution. Is this solution a laxative? Is the use of laxatives really safe for pregnant women? Join aFamilyToday Health to find out the article below.

What is a laxative?

Laxatives are medications that help relieve constipation by increasing bowel movements or softening stools. They contain substances that make it easier and more frequent.

Laxatives are available in the form of capsules, tablets, food, and liquid for oral administration or in the form of an anal pump or suppository.

Is using laxatives for pregnant women safe?

If natural remedies are ineffective, your doctor can prescribe a laxative. These medications are usually mild and safe for pregnant women, such as Milk of Magnesia. Another laxative, Metamucil, is also safe during pregnancy. Your doctor may prescribe stronger medications if mild ones are ineffective.

You should not take laxatives for a long time, as it can lead to dehydration and create an imbalance in mineral and salt levels in the body.

Laxatives are safe for pregnant women

Laxatives for pregnant women that doctors often prescribe such as:

Block forming laxatives

Block-forming laxatives, also known as fiber supplements, work similarly to dietary fiber. The medicine helps to retain water in the stool, helping to ease bowel movements. It lasts for 12–24 hours and is unlikely to cause any harm to the fetus as they do not enter the bloodstream.

Some block laxatives like psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), isphagula, carboxymethyl-cellulose, and sterculia.

A stool softener laxative

They allow water and fat to penetrate the stool, thus promoting the stool to move quickly through the digestive tract. This medicine is usually effective for 12–72 hours. Many studies have shown that the stool softener laxative has no side effects, making it safe during pregnancy.

Stool softeners such as docusate sodium (Colace) and Dicoto.

Stimulant laxatives

This drug stimulates the intestinal wall lining to increase bowel movements. Duration of 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 little. However, long-term use can cause some side effects such as electrolyte imbalance in the mother.

Some stimulant laxatives are considered safe in small amounts, such as: senna (Senokot) and bisacodyl (Correctol).

Osmotic laxatives

This laxative softens stools by draining fluid from surrounding tissue into the digestive tract. It usually takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours to take effect. The use of the drug does not cause any adverse effects on the fetus. However, long-term use of drugs can affect pregnant women similar to stimulant laxatives.

Some osmotic laxatives like sodium bisphosphate (OsmoPrep), magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), sugar, including polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and lactulose.

Although laxatives are very effective, doctors prescribe them only as a second option because of some side effects.

Side effects of laxatives for pregnant women

Like other medicines, laxatives have some side effects, depending on the laxative you take.

Some of the more common side effects include:

Abdominal cramps

Flatulence

Distention

Dehydration

Delirium

Dark urine

Taking too many laxatives or taking them too long can lead to the following side effects:

Reduces the absorption of nutrients and other drugs into the bloodstream because laxatives increase the amount of food passed through the intestinal tract.

The concentration of magnesium salt in the blood is lower. One study found that mothers who took sodium docusate during pregnancy had low magnesium levels and temporary panic attacks.

Therefore, consult your doctor before using laxatives during pregnancy.

frequently asked Questions

1. Can laxatives cause a miscarriage?

There is not enough research to show that laxatives cause a miscarriage.

2. Can the use of laxatives during pregnancy cause birth defects?

There are no studies that prove laxatives increase the likelihood of birth defects or other pregnancy problems.

When constipated during pregnancy, make changes to a healthy diet and lifestyle first. If it doesn't work, use the medicine. However, do not try to treat yourself; instead, consult with your doctor about taking medication for constipation or any other health problem during pregnancy.

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