Using laxatives during pregnancy can help relieve constipation and intestinal gases, but this should never be done without the doctor’s advice, as this may not be safe for the pregnant woman and the baby.
Therefore, it is best for pregnant women to try the more natural ways to empty the intestine, such as eating more fiber-rich foods and drinking water, before trying to use a laxative.
- Laxatives can be used when recommended by the obstetrician.
- When constipation causes a lot of discomfort in women.
- When fiber intake and increased water consumption have not improved symptoms of constipation.
Here are some tips on what to eat during pregnancy to help treat constipation.
Some obstetrices recommend oral laxatives, which may take some time to take effect, but are safe during pregnancy, such as lactulose (Duphalac, Lactuliv, Colact) for example, which helps soften stool, facilitates evacuation.
In some cases, your doctor may also recommend the use of a microclister, which is a kind of suppository, which should be inserted into the anus, having a faster effect and not being absorbed by the body. The most recommended are glycerin-based ones, which facilitate the removal of stool, having a good result even in the oldest and drier stools.
The main risks associated with ingesting very powerful laxatives during pregnancy or using milder laxatives over an extended period of time are the fact that some of them may pass the baby and affect its development, cause dehydration in the pregnant woman or cause an imbalance of vitamins. minerals. , due to decreased absorption and increased elimination by liquid stool, which can affect the baby’s development.
In addition, some laxatives may contain high amounts of sugar or sodium in their formula, which can also cause changes in blood pressure.