Laxatives in pregnancy

A laxative during pregnancy is considered by many women carrying a child as one of the most effective ways to solve such a problem with the intestines as constipation.

Indeed, constipation occurs systematically during pregnancy, but it is not always related to the nature of nutrition. Thus, constipation is promoted by increased synthesis of thyroid hormones and the pituitary hormone prolactin, decreased adrenal function, intensive absorption of fluid in the colon, insufficient physical activity of pregnant women. And, of course, a lack of fiber in the foods consumed. How to deal with constipation and is it possible to drink laxatives during pregnancy?

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Laxatives during pregnancy

In addition, one more question needs to be answered: will laxatives help during pregnancy? After all, to the already mentioned reasons for intestinal peristalsis disorders and difficult bowel movements, one should add the following specific factor: the pregnancy hormone progesterone, by relaxing the muscles of the uterus, slows down the movement of food in the small intestine and reduces contractions (peristalsis) of the large intestine.

Constipation can be caused by anemia: some iron preparations used to treat it cause intestinal problems. In addition, if you suffer from heartburn and take medications that contain calcium and aluminum salts, the likelihood of constipation increases.

It is also important to remember that as pregnancy progresses, the uterus increases in size and inevitably puts pressure on the pelvic organs, which also causes constipation and the need to use laxatives during pregnancy.

What laxative can be taken during pregnancy?

Let's start with what pregnant women should not take to treat constipation. Laxative tablets during pregnancy, such as Guttalax, for example, are contraindicated according to the official instructions for the drug (in the first three months of pregnancy). There is no data on the effect of Guttalax on pregnant women, but "preclinical studies have not revealed any teratogenic effects on fertility," and "long-term experience of use has not revealed any negative effects of the drug on pregnancy." Therefore, the manufacturer then provides the standard wording: taking the drug in the second half of pregnancy "is possible only as prescribed by a doctor."

According to the instructions, Bisacodyl tablets, which act by stimulating nerve endings in the mucous membrane of the large intestine, are prescribed to pregnant women with caution... That is, you should not drink them.

An experienced doctor will never prescribe tablets for constipation during pregnancy! For example, the tablet laxative Senade during pregnancy (as well as Senadeksin tablets), which contain senna extract, is contraindicated. Naturally, you cannot take the laxative Senna during pregnancy. Why? Because this plant contains kaempferol, which has estrogenic activity, as well as phytosterols, which have a stimulating effect on the body's immune responses.

Since teas for constipation consist of senna leaf and licorice (licorice root), it is forbidden to drink such laxative teas during pregnancy. Herbal tea "Laxative", which is sold in pharmacies, contains green tea, senna leaf, buckthorn bark, licorice root, chamomile flowers, fennel fruits, mint leaves and corn silk. Senna has already been mentioned, but as for the root of naked licorice (or licorice root), it retains fluid and thereby leads to edema and increased blood pressure. This medicinal plant also reduces the potassium content in the body and causes muscle weakness. And also (due to the content of steroids) licorice can disrupt the adrenal glands and the synthesis of glucocorticoids, which are involved in metabolism. So it is clear why the plants included in laxative teas during pregnancy are harmful to expectant mothers.

And yet, what laxative can be used during pregnancy? One that does not cause unwanted effects, first of all, does not stimulate contractions of the intestinal walls.

The laxative in the form of Dufalac syrup (synonyms - Lactulose, Normase, Portalac) works on a different principle: when mixed with water, it swells in the intestine, increasing the volume of feces and liquefying it. This helps to reduce constipation. The drug is taken once a day (in the morning) - 15-20 ml. It is noted that Dufalac is safe during pregnancy: the category of action on the fetus is B according to the classification of drugs of the Food and Drug Administration (USA). This means that "reproduction studies in animals have not revealed a risk to the fetus, and a controlled study in pregnant women has not been conducted. Or, adverse effects in animal experiments have not been confirmed in controlled studies in women."

Laxative suppositories during pregnancy

Most obstetricians and gynecologists recommend using laxative suppositories during pregnancy - regular rectal suppositories with glycerin or Glycerin suppositories. When they are administered (one suppository per day, a quarter of an hour after breakfast), not only does the feces soften, but they are also reflexively removed from the colon.

As prescribed by a doctor, women during pregnancy may be prescribed a combined rectal laxative Microlax (a solution in 5 ml microclysters). The active components of this drug - sodium citrate and lauryl sulfoacetate and a sorbitol solution - increase the volume of intestinal contents and promote its softening. As evidenced by reviews of laxatives during pregnancy, Microlax demonstrates its laxative effect about 10 minutes after administration...

By the way, British obstetricians also recommend rectal laxative suppositories during pregnancy Colace. These suppositories are based on a surfactant - sodium docusate, which is used to make the contents of the colon softer and avoid straining during defecation. After inserting the suppository, the result is obtained no later than 20 minutes later. In our country, this drug has the trade name Norgalax.

Laxative foods during pregnancy

A laxative during pregnancy is an extreme measure in the fight against constipation. You can do without it if you eat certain foods.

Laxative foods during pregnancy are foods with a high fiber content: cereals and side dishes made from whole grains, wholemeal or bran bread, nuts, seeds, legumes (beans, lentils), vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, watercress, spinach, carrots, beets, celery, cucumbers) and, of course, fruits.

The list of useful products includes such laxative fruits during pregnancy as apples, pears, plums, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, figs. An excellent laxative during pregnancy is prunes and dried apricots. Six dried fruits steamed with boiling water should be eaten every morning, and there will be no problems with bowel movements.

In addition, you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily, and you should start your day with a cup of warm water with a slice of lemon - 20-25 minutes before breakfast. And for breakfast, eat salad or raw vegetables seasoned with vegetable oil.

A so-called natural laxative mixture is very popular in the UK

"Beverly-Travis". To prepare it, take equal proportions (for example, a glass each) of raisins, prunes (pitted), figs, dates (pitted), currants and thick plum juice. Grind all the solid ingredients in a meat grinder or blender, mix well with the juice, put in a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator. Dose - a tablespoon twice a day, in accordance with the frequency of stool, you can increase or decrease the dose.

Folk laxative during pregnancy

The most effective folk laxatives during pregnancy are plantain seeds, flax seeds and flaxseed oil.

Plantain seeds contain mucus, which when swollen can retain water in the intestines. As a result, in the presence of a sufficient amount of liquid, feces become soft and are much easier to remove during defecation. Seeds can be consumed in two ways. Method one: grind a teaspoon of seeds (you can pound them in a mortar or grind them in a coffee grinder), brew with boiling water (half a glass) and leave under a lid until cool. Take the entire amount at one time.

The second method: take crushed plantain seeds one teaspoon in the morning and evening, washing down with plenty of water. In general, when using this folk laxative during pregnancy, you should drink more water during the day.

Flaxseeds are rich in fiber and are an alternative to psyllium seeds. But too much flaxseed can cause diarrhea. Therefore, the optimal dose is a teaspoon per day, washed down with a glass of water.

Flaxseed oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic acid triglyceride) and has a good effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract. The oil is recommended as a laxative: a dessert spoon every evening.

In conclusion, we advise all women expecting a new addition to their family to remember: no matter what enthusiastic reviews about laxatives during pregnancy you read on the Internet, all health problems should be discussed with your doctor.

All expectant mothers should under no circumstances prescribe any medications for themselves, including laxatives during pregnancy.

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