When pregnant, you may have experienced difficulty in defecating or constipation . Although this is normal, this condition can be very disturbing. Then is there a safe constipation medicine for pregnant women?
Before you decide to take medicine, make sure that the contents are safe for the fetus in the womb. Here is the explanation.
Types of Constipation Medication
Laxatives are a type of medication that can treat constipation. They are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Quoted fromNHS, in general there are four types of constipation medication, including:
1. Bulk Forming Constipation Medication (Bulk-forming Laxatives)
This medication works by increasing the mass or weight of stool, which stimulates your intestines. It takes at least 2 to 3 days for this medication to work.
These types of drugs include:
- Fybogel (ispaghula husk)
- Methylcellulose
2. Osmotic Laxatives
Osmotic laxatives work by drawing water from your body into your intestines. This is done to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.
These drugs also take 2 or 3 days to work. Some types of these drugs include:
- Lactulose (also known by the brand names Duphalac and Lactugal)
- Macrogol (also known by the brand names Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole and Molative)
- Polyethylene glycol
3. Stimulant Laxatives
The way this drug works is by stimulating the muscles that line the intestines and then helping them move stool to the back.
This type of drug works faster than other drugs, namely around 6 to 12 hours to react.
These types of drugs include:
- Bisacodyl (also called by the brand name Dulcolax)
- Senna (also known by the brand name Senokot)
- Sodium picosulfate
4. Poo-softener Laxatives
This type of medication works by allowing water to penetrate the stool to soften it and make it easier to pass.
Some of these types of medications include:
Which Constipation Medication is Safe for Pregnant Women to Consume?
Of the various types of constipation medications above,Noall are safe for consumption by pregnant women.
There are some constipation medications that are not known to have any particular harmful effects during pregnancy. Therefore, every pregnant woman must consult a doctor before taking any medication, including for constipation.
Here are several types of constipation medication that are safe for pregnant women to consume, quoted fromWebMD:
- Colace (sodium docusate)
- Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil)
- Metamucil (psyllium)
- Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
- Miralax (polyethylene glycol)
Side Effects of Constipation Medication for Pregnant Women
Consuming constipation medication in amounts greater than recommended can cause complications for pregnant women.
It is important to remember that the function of constipation medication or laxatives is to make food pass through the intestines more quickly than usual. This can reduce the amount of nutrients absorbed into the body.
Therefore, taking too much or too often constipation medication can increase the likelihood of developing nutritional problems.
In addition, this drug can also affect how your body absorbs the contents of other drugs you are taking.
If you take constipation medication in higher doses than recommended, it can also cause a decrease in the levels of salts needed in the blood, such as magnesium .
Several cases have shown that low magnesium levels in newborns are associated with mothers drinking too much.docusate sodiumduring pregnancy. The main signs in the baby are restlessness and fussiness .
Other common side effects include:
- Bloated
- Farting often
- Stomach cramps
- Feeling unwell
- Dehydration, which can make you feel dizzy, have a headache, and pass urine that is darker than usual
However, as long as you consume constipation medication with safe ingredients and the dosage recommended by your doctor, there will be no side effects. If you are in doubt, consult your doctor before taking certain medications.
When to Call a Doctor?
It is very important for pregnant women to first consult with their obstetrician before taking any medication, including constipation medication.
You should also contact a doctor immediately if other symptoms appear, including:
- Feeling nauseous
- Stomach ache
- Vomit
- Constipation that lasts more than 1-2 weeks
- Bleeding from the rectum
- No change after taking constipation medication for pregnant women
In addition to being uncomfortable, constipation that lasts for a long time can also have a negative impact on your digestive system. Make sure to consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
6 Natural Remedies for Constipation in Pregnant Women
Although safe constipation medication for pregnant women is widely available and can be easily accessed, using natural constipation medication is certainly safer and makes pregnant women feel more at ease in consuming it.
Here are some natural constipation remedies for pregnant women that you can try at home:
1. Consume High Fiber Foods
Taking fiber supplements or eating more fibrous foods can be a natural constipation remedy for pregnant women.
Various types of foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains can increase the bulk of stool and make it easier to pass through the intestines. Keep in mind that adults should eat between 28 and 34 grams of fiber each day.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a healthy fat that can help relieve constipation.
This oil contains a lot of medium chain fatty acids, which can increase more energy to speed up stool movement, increase metabolism, stimulate the intestines, and soften stool.
Its lubricating effect also reduces friction during bowel movements.
You can start taking it with 1 teaspoon per day. Then you can increase it to 2 tablespoons per day if needed.
3. Drink lots of fluids
Pregnant women should consume lots of fluids because this is needed by the mother’s body and also the development of the fetus.
In addition, drinking water every day can keep stools soft and easy to pass.
If drinking water alone doesn’t help, you can try consuming fluids in the form of clear soup, tea, and fruit or vegetable juice.
4. Consume Foods with Probiotic Content
Millions of healthy bacteria live in your intestines and help them function properly.
Probiotics can help replenish gut bacteria with healthy strains that can encourage the body to have normal, regular bowel movements.
Foods high in probiotics include yogurt , sauerkraut, and kimchi .
5. Eat Foods Containing Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that our body needs to function. It regulates the contraction of all our muscles and also plays a role in smooth digestion.
Foods such as avocados , bananas, green leafy vegetables, nuts, whole grains are great sources of magnesium for pregnant women.
6. Stay Active in Doing Activities
Being active every day can make it easier for feces to be removed from the body.
Try to exercise regularly, of course by paying attention to the condition of the pregnancy and with the approval of the doctor. In addition, exercise can also help relieve constipation.
If your pregnancy condition does not allow you to do heavy exercise, try taking a leisurely walk every day.
Mom, before deciding to treat the constipation you are experiencing, make sure that the constipation medication for pregnant women is safe to consume.
However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consuming high-fiber foods and sufficient fluids are the best natural ways that mothers can try to improve digestion.
I hope you are always healthy, Mom.
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
