Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Glycerin suppositories during pregnancy: instructions for use
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Glycerin suppositories have a sparing laxative effect and are recommended for patients with difficulties with defecation of various origins:
- adynamic lifestyle;
- poor nutrition;
- hormonal disorders;
- factors caused by the vital activity of the organism;
- psycho-emotional states.
During the initial stages of pregnancy, progesterone hormone is actively produced, which relaxes the muscles of the internal organs, which prevents uterine overexertion and reduces the risk of abortion. As a “side effect”, intestinal motility and bowel movement problems appear.
In women in the gestational period, an internal restructuring of the body occurs:
- In the intestine, the sensitivity of nerve receptors to various stimuli decreases, which increases the risk of delayed bowel emptying.
- The uterus increasing in volume squeezes the intestinal tract, causes displacement and, as a consequence, constipation in the late periods of the gestational period.
- The pregnant woman in the last weeks moves less, which leads to a delay in the act of defecation.
- In connection with the change of taste preferences of plant food useful for the gastrointestinal tract disappears from the diet. Many pregnant women want salted or pickled. If they often use such products, the intestines begin to malfunction.
- In case of toxicosis, future mothers limit the amount of fluid, which reduces puffiness, and on the other leads to a deterioration of the gastrointestinal tract. An important factor is the lability of mood of pregnant women.
- They are annoyed for any reason, easily hurt, worried about their baby or happy outcome of delivery.
Despite the reason that caused the constipation, glycerin suppositories can be used. The medication, in the period of childbearing, effectively eliminates problems with insufficient defecation and helps to restore the stable operation of the intestinal tract.
Can glycerol suppositories be used during pregnancy?
Suppositories containing glycerin, according to the manufacturer's instructions, are used to eliminate incomplete bowel movements during gestation. The medicine gently irritates the intestinal lining of the large intestine and provokes its contraction. Glycerol suppository active ingredient dilutes feces and speeds up the process of defecation. If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with a threat of miscarriage, then it is necessary to remember that any drug that stimulates the contractile movement of any department in the intestinal tract leads to uterine tone. In order to reduce the risk of a miscarriage threat, consultation with the attending physician will be required even for those women who have not revealed uterine tone. First, you need to use safe methods, such as normalizing water balance, adjusting stool diet using fruits and vegetables, as well as walks in the fresh air.
Indications Glycerin candles
The indication for the use of glycerin suppositories is constipation. It is recommended to take the drug in situations where the tension of the abdominal cavity is contraindicated, and clean the intestine is necessary. These are the following situations:
The postoperative period, when there is a threat of seam failure;
- cardiac muscle infarction;
- remission period with hemorrhoids;
- mobility restriction.
Suppositories with glycerin in the gestational period can be used exclusively on the recommendation of the attending gynecologist. The drug dilutes the feces and activates the intestinal peristalsis. If hemorrhoids are found in a woman during gestation, as a result of a blood supply disturbance triggered by an increasing fetus, glycerin suppositories relieve irritation and pain. During the exacerbation of thrombosis, hemorrhoidal veins with inflammation and slight bleeding of the suppository with glycerol are not used. For this, with a brief constipation, it is better to establish a proper nutrition regime, which implies frequent meals with a large amount of fiber, and to exclude salty and pickled dishes.
Glycerin suppositories during pregnancy from constipation
After conception, the female body systems undergo restructuring in order to safely carry the fetus. Internal changes are accompanied by uncomfortable manifestations, the causes of which are physiological changes. If a pregnant woman suffers from constipation, then the question arises, what means to choose in order not to bring harm to the baby and your body?
The action of tablets and drops is based on a rather strong irritation of the sensory nerve fibers of the colon, which is unsafe for pregnant women. In addition, they have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa.
During the period of carrying a child, magnesia preparations are strictly prohibited at all terms. This medicine rigidly and intensively stimulates the intestinal tract and may eventually provoke uterine contractions. In the first trimester, it is contraindicated to use drops containing sodium picosulfate. Virtually all rectal suppositories are also banned with the exception of glycerol. Candles containing glycerin act sparingly on the receptors of the rectum.
Glycerin suppository for hemorrhoids during pregnancy
The appearance of thrombosis of hemorrhoidal veins is caused by lifestyle. Hypodynamia, poor nutrition, frequent hypothermia, contributing to slow hemodynamics in the pelvic region lead to this disease.
To prevent the disease or prevent relapse, you must:
- systematic morning gymnastics;
- long walks in the park, on the lake;
- reduction in the diet of fried and smoked dishes;
- eating vegetables and fruits, foods rich in fiber.
During pregnancy, women should pay more attention to their diet and daily routine. A feasible increase in physical activity helps to improve blood circulation in the pelvic region. Systematic performance of exercises permitted during pregnancy has a positive effect on the activity of gastrointestinal motility and prevents constipation.
Glycerol suppositories are used at the initial stage of the disease, when hemorrhoids are not greatly enlarged. The tool is forbidden to use if a pregnant woman has a third stage of hemorrhoids in which the nodes fall out of the rectum and intestine and require manual reduction. Also, do not use rectal suppositories, if hemorrhoids are accompanied by bleeding.
The active ingredient of suppositories is glycerin. Suppositories reduce the pressure on the nodes that form during hemorrhoids. If used correctly, the medical product will not cause damage to the health of the woman carrying the baby. This means:
- significantly reduce pain;
- prevent the progress of the inflammatory process;
- will soften fecal masses;
- will reduce pressure on hemorrhoidal veins.
Glycerin suppositories are not suitable for prolonged use, but better than alternative means that wash out the beneficial intestinal flora.
Release form
Rectal suppositories are available in a specific dosage. Made in the form of a cylinder or cones with a pointed tip. The mass of suppositories varies from 1 g to 4 g, and the diameter is not more than 15 mm. Suppositories have a low melting point and quickly dissolve in the final part of the digestive tract. Suppositories contain
From 1 g of 44 mg to 2 g of 46 mg of glycerin;
Stearic acid in an amount of from 0.12 g to 0.25 g .;
Sodium carbonate has a mass of from 0.06 g to 0.13 g.
The total weight of one suppository for adults is 2.75 grams for adults and 1.6 grams for children.
Pharmacodynamics
When the suppository is located in the rectum, the remedy has a mild irritant effect on its inner membrane and reflexively stimulates defecation.
[1]
Pharmacokinetics
The main action of glycerin suppositories is a laxative effect that helps soften hardened fecal masses and facilitates their easy removal from the body. Glycerol at rectal administration is rapidly absorbed in the intestinal mucosa. The onset of action of glycerin suppositories depends on the characteristics of the organism. Processing of the active substance is carried out by the liver. Most of glycerol is excreted by the kidneys.
How many glycerol suppositories are used during pregnancy?
According to the instructions, glycerin suppositories are allowed for use during gestation. This manual does not contain information about the harmful effects of the active components of a medical product on the unborn child. Suppositories are administered rectally, and the active substances enter the intestinal lining, but do not penetrate into the bloodstream. The effect of the medication occurs within 5 minutes, but in some cases you should wait up to 1 hour.
Dosing and administration
In the manufacturer’s instructions it is written that suppositories with glycerin are recommended for eliminating incomplete emptying of the intestines of any origin, including during childbirth. Before using the drug should be independently establish regular bowel movements. For this, walks, drinking a sufficient amount of liquid, eating vegetables and fruits are well suited. But, if the situation is not solved with the help of such means, you should get advice from your doctor.
It is undesirable to use a medical device in the first and last trimesters of pregnancy because it provokes the threat of miscarriage. If the pregnant woman has cracks of the anus, tumors and bleeding hemorrhoids, it is not recommended to use suppositories. When during the introduction or after the onset of the action of the active components, itching and burning appeared, then the drug is stopped, as it is a manifestation of allergy. When unpleasant painful sensations appear, use a medical pear to insert warm vegetable oil (sunflower, peach, olive) into the anus.
Glycerol suppositories during early pregnancy
The impact of medications from constipation is based on irritation of the intestinal tract and strengthening of its physical activity, but during gestation, such means cause uterine contraction, and this is the threat of premature termination of pregnancy. During the period of carrying a child, drugs that are not absorbed into the blood are allowed, and the action, which occurs slowly, gently and harmlessly. For pregnant women allowed suppositories based on glycerin. They gently affect the intestinal locomotor activity and attract moisture, which softens the contents of the intestine. To use such tools should be in extreme cases and not to use uncontrollably. During this period, pregnant women need to walk more in the open air, do special exercises, and follow a diet.
Glycerol suppositories during late pregnancy
Late weeks of gestation are considered particularly responsible for pregnant women. Any negative manifestation provokes premature labor or bleeding. Suppositories containing glycerin during pregnancy are prescribed by gynecologists in exceptional cases with a strong delay of defecation.
Glycerin suppository at 38, 39, 40 weeks of pregnancy
Constipation in the last month of pregnancy occurs most often. Constipation during gestation disrupts the general well-being of women, causing feelings of overcrowding of the large intestine, pain in the abdomen, bouts of nausea, but is the culprit of premature delivery. The reaction to obstipation is to increase the muscle tone of the uterus. Not emptied intestines makes it difficult to push, that during the last stages of pregnancy threatens with premature delivery.
For the last weeks of the gestational period, they are overshadowed by severe constipation due to the fact that the head of the fetus sinks and presses against the final part of the digestive tract, delaying full defecation. The main causes of constipation at the final stage of pregnancy are:
- squeezing the intestine growing uterus;
- disturbances in the hormonal system;
- low mobility;
- food preferences;
- use of medicines prescribed by the doctor.
The uterus, which has changed its position, squeezes the bladder and intestinal loops. By the 40th week, urination and bowel movements are increasing. Expectant mothers lose 1–2 kg of weight before giving birth due to the removal of excess fluid from the body in the form of urine.
Constipation at week 39, as during the entire period of pregnancy, is negative. The mucous membrane of the large intestine has an adsorbing ability and toxic metabolic products return to the bloodstream. In this regard, obstipation causes poisoning of the body, which negatively affects both the state of health of the pregnant woman and the unborn child.
A poorly emptied intestine puts pressure on the uterus, causing an irritant effect, which leads to an increase in its tone. Compression of the intestine provokes squeezing of the pelvic vessels, worsening the outflow of blood from them. These are favorable conditions for the appearance of varicose veins in the lower part of the rectum. Therefore, some expectant mothers in the last weeks of pregnancy appear blood streaks in feces. Stable bowel work is a guarantee of successful delivery. Maternal intestinal microflora is transmitted to her unborn baby. The saturation of the intestines of the mother with beneficial microorganisms is the basis of the health of the unborn child. If there is insufficient emptying of the intestinal tract, then it is necessary to eliminate it, using the recommendations of the attending physician.
The main drug from insufficient defecation during pregnancy is a balanced diet. A woman's nutrition during the gestation period includes all the beneficial substances - proteins, lipids, slow carbohydrates. Eating at least 5 times a day, without overeating. Liquid drink up to one and a half liters per day. These are mineral water juices, fruit drinks, fruit drinks, fresh juices, herbal teas, fermented milk drinks.
Exercise helps overcome insufficient bowel movement. Expectant mothers before childbirth are useful walking. For a gestational period of 39 weeks, pregnant women are not recommended to take a certain position for a long time. Every quarter of an hour you need to change it. If these activities could not help get rid of the obstipation, then use drug therapy, which is preceded by a medical consultation.
In the arsenal of the medical service - pills, candles, drops from constipation. Best for pregnant women during this period fit glycerin candles. They gently irritate the intestinal receptors, attract water, causing softening of the feces.
Glycerin suppositories for pregnant women can be used after a full examination and consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist. In standard cases, in the normal course of pregnancy, one suppository of an adult dosage (2.75 g) per day is prescribed.
How to use glycerin suppositories during pregnancy?
The rules for using suppositories are as follows:
- Wash your hands and hold them under running cold water to prevent the candle from melting prematurely.
- The suppository is preferably placed in the refrigerator for a while. Then carefully remove the packaging from the glycerin suppository.
- Moisten the anus with cold water.
- Lie on its side.
- Move back the upper buttock, opening access to the anus. Insert the suppository into the anus and enter to a depth of 20-50 mm.
- Connect the buttocks together for a few seconds. Stay in a prone position for 5 minutes. This will prevent the suppository from falling out.
- Throw away the wrapper and wash your hands well with a disinfectant.
How often can I put glycerin suppositories during pregnancy?
By the systematic use of this medication is not worth it. The use of suppositories is immediately stopped after the restoration of the normal motor activity of the intestine. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, taking into account the patient’s history. Do not use more than one suppository per day.
Contraindications
The absolute contraindications to the use of glycerin suppositories during pregnancy are:
- intolerance to the components of the drug;
- abdominal pain of unknown etiology;
- kidney problems;
- proctitis or paraproctitis (inflammation of the rectum);
- diarrhea;
- hemorrhoids in the acute stage.
The use of glycerol suppositories in early and late pregnancy is prescribed under the close attention of the antenatal clinic doctor.
Side effects Glycerin candles
The negative effects of using glycerin suppositories are as follows:
- allergic reactions;
- burning, itching of the anus.
With long-term admission is disturbed natural intestinal motility, inflammatory processes are provoked in the rectum.
[6]
Overdose
Rectal use of suppositories containing glycerin in high dosages did not cause negative effects, except for the above-described side effects associated with excessive duration of their use:
- symptoms of irritable bowel;
- decreased motility of the intestinal tract.
Interactions with other drugs
Clinical studies with rectal administration of suppositories did not reveal a detrimental interaction of the active substance with other medicinal preparations.
[9],
Shelf life
The date of manufacture and end of availability is indicated on the carton and blister. Storage time subject to conditions is 2 years. Suppositories are not recommended for use at the end of their shelf life, as the use of medicines with an expired period of action may adversely affect the patient's health.
[13],
Reviews
Glycerin suppositories are prescribed for constipation of various etiologies, if oral administration of drugs is not possible. Pregnancy is a condition in which pills or drops of laxative action are completely undesirable. Numerous young and future mothers leave positive characteristics on the drug. They act quickly and gently allowing you to get relief from the discomfort accompanying constipation. Glycerin suppositories are safe during normal pregnancy. Allowed during breastfeeding. The only danger is a negative effect on the intestines if the drug is abused. As a result of self-treatment appear:
- electrolyte absorption disorders;
- decreased motility and intestinal atony;
- dyspepsia;
- flatulence;
- addictive.
What to do if glycerin suppositories do not help during pregnancy?
Therapy of constipation during pregnancy with medical means is carried out carefully. The drug should be prescribed by a doctor, because the list of safe means is limited. In addition, the medicine must meet the safety criteria for the mother and the unborn child. If during pregnancy there are problems with the intestines, then the following effective medicines can be prescribed:
- Drugs on lactulose - "Normolakt", "Prelaks", "Tranzipekt". This is the salt of future mothers in any period of pregnancy.
- Bifidobacteria. There is a class of laxative medications based on bifidobacteria. They are more often used for manifestations of diarrhea, but help to solve the problem associated with intestinal motility. With their use, intestinal microflora is improved and the process of food digestion is normalized, which benefits the organism of future mothers. It is advisable to take drugs with bifidobacteria in combination with fermented milk products, for example, kefir to enhance the effect.
- Candles. Such preparations are mainly produced on the basis of glycerin, under its action the feces soften and leave the intestines. The safety of laxative suppositories during gestation is due to the fact that the active ingredient does not appear in the general bloodstream.
The type of drug and its dosage for pregnant women are selected by the attending physician.
Expectant mothers banned drug "Magnesia". This drug acts tough and possible negative effects on the course of pregnancy.
Analogs
The following suppositories are considered to be similar in effect and safe for pregnant women:
- Evacue. The active ingredients help to establish regular stools, as well as stimulate the intestinal tract to empty. The active ingredients are potassium bitartrate, sodium bicarbonate, polyethylene glycol.
- Bisacodil. The active ingredient of the agent irritates the mucous membranes of the colon, which helps to stabilize the intestinal motor activity and get rid of constipation.
- Dulcolax. The active substance is bisacodyl. It irritates the large intestine, increasing peristalsis, which contributes to bowel emptying.
- "Glitselaks". The active ingredient is glycerol. The action is similar to glycerin suppositories.
Self-treatment of constipation during pregnancy is excluded, any of these funds are used after the recommendations of the doctor.
Microlax or glycerin candles
Both medications are allowed during gestation and are classified as laxatives. Glycerin suppositories are a single drug whose active ingredient is glycerin. Multicomponent drug "Microlax" consists of the following substances - sorbitol, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium citrate.
The rectal agents used in constipation, such as glycerin suppositories or Microlax enema, are characterized by a rapid onset of effect. After microclysters, the chair appears immediately or after 5-10 minutes. Actions suppositories occurs a little later from 5 minutes to 1 hour. The given data are approximate and generalized. It all depends on the severity of constipation and the individual characteristics of the pregnant woman.
With persistent constipation, decreased motility of the intestinal tract, intestinal hypotension, a combined action of suppositories and microclysters can be used. First put a glycerin candle, if no effect is observed, then it is possible to use Mikrolaks. Such procedures should be performed after consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Glycerin suppositories during pregnancy: instructions for use" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.