Laxative during pregnancy

Laxative during pregnancy is considered by many women who are nurturing a child, as one of the most effective ways of solving such a problem with the intestines as constipation.

Indeed, during pregnancy, constipation occurs systematically, but not always it is due to the nature of nutrition. Thus, constipation is promoted by an increased synthesis of thyroid hormones and the pituitary hormone prolactin, a decrease in the work of the adrenal glands, intense absorption of fluid in the colon, and insufficient physical activity of pregnant women. And, of course, the deficit of fiber in the products used. How to deal with constipation and whether it is possible to drink a laxative during pregnancy?

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Laxatives during pregnancy

In addition, it is necessary to answer one more question: will laxatives help in pregnancy? After all, to the above-mentioned causes of intestinal peristalsis and its difficult emptying, a specific factor should be added: the hormone of pregnancy progesterone, relaxing the muscles of the uterus, slows the movement of food in the small intestine and reduces the contractions (peristalsis) of the large intestine.

Constipation may be facilitated by anemia: some iron preparations used to treat it cause problems with the intestines. In addition, if you are suffering from heartburn, and you are taking drugs that contain calcium and aluminum salts, the likelihood of constipation increases.

Do not forget that as the pregnancy progresses, the uterus increases and inevitably presses on the pelvic organs, which also causes constipation and the need to apply a laxative during pregnancy.

What kind of laxative can you do during pregnancy?

Let's start with what pregnant women can not take to treat constipation. Laxative pills during pregnancy, for example, such as Guttalax - according to the official instructions to the drug - take contraindicated (in the first three months of pregnancy). Data on the study of the effect of Guttalax on pregnant women are not available, however "in the course of preclinical studies, there were no teratogenic effects on reproductive performance," and "a long experience of use did not reveal a negative effect of the drug on pregnancy." Therefore, the manufacturer then leads the standard formulation: taking the drug in the second half of pregnancy "is possible only according to the doctor's prescription".

Bisacodyl tablets, acting by stimulating the nerve endings in the mucosa of the large intestine, according to the instructions, are prescribed to pregnant women with caution ... That is, they do not need to be drunk.

Experienced doctor of tablets against constipation during pregnancy will never appoint! For example, tableted laxative Senadé in pregnancy (as well as Senadexin tablets) containing hay extract is contraindicated. Naturally, you can not take a Senna laxative 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 tea from constipation consists of a sheet of hay and licorice (licorice root), then use of such laxative teas during pregnancy is prohibited. Herbal tea "Laxative", which is sold in pharmacies, contains green tea, a leaf of Senna, bark of buckthorn, licorice root, chamomile flowers, fennel fruits, mint leaves and corn stigmas. Senna has already been told, but as for licorice root naked (or licorice root), it detains fluid and thus leads to edema and increased blood pressure. Also, this medicinal plant reduces the potassium content in the body and causes muscle weakness. And (due to the content of steroids) licorice can disrupt the work of the adrenal glands and the synthesis of glucocorticoids, which are involved in the metabolism. So it is understandable why plants that make laxative teas during pregnancy are harmful to future mothers.

And yet, what kind of laxative can you do during pregnancy? The one that does not cause undesirable actions, first of all, does not stimulate the contractions of the intestinal walls.

Laxative in the form of syrup Dufalak (synonyms - Lactulose, Normaise, Portalalac) acts on another principle: when mixed with water, it swells in the intestine, increasing the volume of feces and diluting it. This helps reduce constipation. The drug is taken once a day (in the morning) - 15-20 ml. It is noted that during pregnancy, Dufalac is safe: a category of action on the fetus - B by the classification of the Food and Drug Administration (USA). This means that "the study of reproduction on animals did not reveal any risk to the fetus, and no controlled study was conducted in pregnant women. Or undesirable effects in animal experiments have not been confirmed in controlled studies in women. "

Laxative suppository during pregnancy

Most obstetrician-gynecologists recommend the use of laxative suppositories during pregnancy - the usual rectal Suppositories with glycerin or suppositories Glycerin. When they are administered (one suppository a day, a quarter of an hour after breakfast), not only softening of the stool masses occurs, but also their reflex removal from the colon.

According to the doctor's prescription, a combined laxative remedy for microlax (a solution in microclyses of 5 ml) can be administered to women during pregnancy. Active components of this drug - citrate and sodium lauryl sulfoacetate and sorbitol solution - increase the volume of intestinal contents and promote its softening. As evidenced by reviews of laxatives during pregnancy, already about 10 minutes after the injection of Mikrolaks demonstrates its laxative effect ...

By the way, British midwives also recommend a rectal laxative suppository during pregnancy Colace (Colas). It is a suppository based on a surfactant - sodium docusate, which is used to make the contents of the large intestine milder and to avoid tension during defecation. After the introduction of the suppository, the result is obtained no later than in 20 minutes. We have this drug has the trade name Norgalax.

Laxative products during pregnancy

Laxative during pregnancy is an extreme measure in the fight against constipation. Without it, you can get by if you eat certain foods.

Laxatives during pregnancy are foods with a high fiber content: cereals and garnishes of whole grains, wholemeal bread or bran, nuts, seeds, legumes (beans, lentils), vegetables (white cabbage, colored and Brussels sprouts, broccoli, watercress, spinach, carrots, beets, celery, cucumbers) and, of course, fruit.

In the list of useful products are such laxative fruits during pregnancy, like apples, pears, plums, oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, figs. Perfect laxative during pregnancy - prunes and dried apricots. Six boiled dried out dried fruits should be eaten every morning, and there will be no problems with bowel movement.

In addition, every day you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of water, and your day should start 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.

The so-called natural laxative mixture is very popular in Great Britain

"Beverley-Travis" (Beverley-Travis). For its preparation you need to take in equal proportions (for example, a glass) raisins, prunes (without pits), figs, dates (pitted), currants and thick plum juice. All solid ingredients to grind in a meat grinder or blender, mix well with the addition of juice, combine in a container in a lid and store in a refrigerator. Dose - on a tablespoon twice a day, according to the frequency of the chair, you can increase or decrease the dose.

Alternative laxative during pregnancy

The most effective alternative laxative during pregnancy is plantain seeds of large, flax seed and linseed oil.

The seeds of plantain contain mucus, which when swollen able to hold water in the intestines. As a result, in the presence of a sufficient amount of liquid, the stool becomes soft and much easier to remove when defecating. Seeds can be eaten in two ways. The first way: a teaspoon of seeds to grind (you can pound in a mortar or grind in a coffee grinder), brew with boiling water (half a cup) and insist under the lid before cooling. Take the entire amount at a time.

The second way: chopped psyllium seeds should be consumed on a teaspoon in the morning and in the evening, washed down with a lot of water. In general, using this alternative laxative during pregnancy, you should drink more water during the day.

Seeds of flax are rich in fiber and are an alternative to plantain seeds. But too much flaxseed can cause diarrhea. Therefore, the optimal dose is a teaspoon a day, and drink a glass of water.

Flaxseed oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic acid triglyceride) and acts well on the entire gastrointestinal tract. Oil is recommended as a soothing agent: every evening on a dessert spoon.

In conclusion, all women waiting for replenishment in the family, we advise you to remember: whatever rave reviews about laxatives during pregnancy you read on the Internet, all health problems should be discussed with your doctor.

All future mothers in any case can not independently prescribe themselves any medications, including a laxative during pregnancy.

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