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Constipation It is probably one of the most annoying symptoms of pregnancy. The condition can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort, and to find an effective treatment is important. In most cases, to make changes to your diet and lifestyle can alleviate the problem, but it is possible that these suggestions, such as increasing the intake of water and the addition of more fiber-rich foods to your diet, They do not work for you.
If this is the case, you might think that laxatives are the only way to help relieve the discomfort. However, before you consider taking laxatives for your condition, it is important to consult your doctor and learn whether or not it is safe to take laxatives during pregnancy.
causes of constipation during Pregnancy:
It It is estimated that approximately 11-38 percent of women experience constipation during pregnancy (1). Anxiety and stress, a diet low in fiber and the slightest exertion can lead to constipation, while you are waiting. However, other factors also play a role in contributing to constipation during pregnancy (2). Because of anatomical and physiological changes in the gastrointestinal tract, pregnant women become more prone to develop this problem. For example, the increase in progesterone levels and reduced levels of motilin hormone result in increases in intestinal transit time (3). In addition, the stool dried by absorption of water from the intestine increases.
In addition to these situations, maternal decreased activity and increased vitamin supplementation (such as calcium and iron) may also play a role in the development of constipation. During the latter stages of pregnancy, the forward movement of faeces can be slowed down due to a magnification uterus (4). serious complications such as fecal impaction are common side effects of constipation; However, such complications rarely occur. Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal disorder among pregnant women after nausea.
[ Read: Constipation During Pregnancy ]
Treating Constipation during pregnancy:
Prevent and cure constipation during pregnancy can result offer suggestions to people who are not pregnant. Here are some ways that you can prevent the condition, or prevent if you are already experiencing:
1. Eat more dietary fiber:
One of the first things that doctors recommend for constipation it is among the most fiber-rich foods to your diet. Ideally, you should eat 25 to 30 grams per day. Include foods such as breakfast cereals, fruits, bran, prunes, whole wheat bread and vegetables.
[ Read: Fiber During Pregnancy ]
2. Drink plenty of fluids:
It 'important to ensure that your body gets adequate fluids, especially when it increases 'fiber intake. We should drink 10 to 12 glasses of fluid every day. The best way to regularly eliminate waste is to combine a high-fiber, with many liquid diet (5). Exercise, sweating, and a hot or humid weather can increase fluid requirements.
[ Read: Iron tablets During Pregnancy ]
3. Get regular Exercise:
People who they are not physically active are more likely to develop constipation. Moderate exercise, such as walking or swimming stimulates the intestine and thus helps the intestines work efficiently. During pregnancy, make sure you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes three times a week (6).
4. Eliminate or reduce iron supplements:
iron supplements can contribute to constipation. During pregnancy, eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet can be enough to meet your iron needs (7). If you reduce the iron supplements, you can reduce constipation. You should talk to your doctor about the levels of iron and ask for suggestions on how you can manage the intake of iron during pregnancy.
5. Of no to Coffee:
It It may seem cruel to exclude your favorite mug from your pregnancy diet. But coffee or cola will only worsen your constipation. These drinks are diuretics and will make you pee more, which means you lose more water and you feel dehydrated.
If these remedies do not help relieve your constipation, you may need to talk to your doctor about the use of laxatives. It 'very important to remember not to take any without consulting your doctor first.
[ Read: Coffee During Pregnancy ]
And 'safe to take laxatives during pregnancy?
If you eat high-fiber foods, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly will not help relieve your constipation, the second line of therapy is laxatives. In general, the data on laxative use during pregnancy is insufficient. However, limited studies on specific laxatives were made, and some doctors prescribe laxatives pregnant women regulate their bowel movements.
laxative mild laxatives are considered safe during pregnancy and for many years, many have been used without any knowledge of the effect on the baby developing. However, you should not take laxatives for long periods during pregnancy because it can cause dehydration and create an imbalance in the levels of minerals and salt in the body (8)
information on specific laxatives during pregnancy :.
Here's a look at some of the types of laxatives that doctors prescribe for pregnant women:
[19450261]. The bulk-forming laxatives:- These laxatives are commonly used during pregnancy, and there were reports of connecting to any problems in the baby developing. bulk-forming laxatives are also not linked to an increased risk of malformations. They are not absorbed into the bloodstream, but help in moving feces along the bowel increasing their mass (9). However, they are not always effective and have been associated with unpleasant side effects such as bloating, cramps, and gas.
- bulk-forming laxatives, which are commonly prescribed are methylcellulose, Psyllium husk, and Sterculia. You must drink plenty of fluids while taking these laxatives (10). Also, remember not to take before going to bed. It usually takes 2 or 3 days to bulk-forming laxatives to take effect.
2. Stool softeners:
- have been conducted
- Many studies on docusate sodium, and there is no association relationship with all the negative effects during gestation ( 11). So, it is considered as laxatives safe during pregnancy.
- Another laxative that is often recommended for pregnant women is lactulose, which is a type of sugar. Because it is not digested, it draws water into the intestine, softens stools and aids bowel movement. There have been no studies to examine whether its use during pregnancy causes problems for the baby not yet born. However, as mentioned, it is commonly used during pregnancy and producers of laxatives that have been lactulose that their products can be used during pregnancy if necessary (12).
3. laxatives Lubricant:
- Glycerin suppositories are laxatives that lubricate and stimulate the gut, but is used for cases of constipation are more severe (13 ). studies have been conducted to find out if their use during pregnancy causes problems for the child in the developing world. However, they are commonly used by pregnant women, and there have been no reports linking them to problems.
- mineral oil is not adequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It also does not appear to be linked to any adverse effects. However, there is some controversy about whether the use of mineral oil for long periods of time decreases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, although it seems to be a theoretical risk rather than a real.
4. Stimulant laxatives:
- Bisacodyl and Senna are two stimulant laxatives. Because of its poor bioavailability, bisacodyl absorption is minimal (14). IIt helps stimulate the bowels and increases the water content of the stool. Although there have been no studies to examine its effects on unborn children, they have been reported problems.
- Senna helps move the stools down, stimulating the bowel muscles. One study concluded that women who have used it during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, or the period of the main child training, did not increase the risk of having a baby with a birth defect than women who did not. However, experts advise not to use the Seine during the third quarter, as the digestive system absorbs part of it.
- It 'important to note that there can be unpleasant side effects, such as abdominal cramps when you take stimulant laxatives. Furthermore, in theory, the long term use of this laxative may cause electrolyte imbalance.
- Senna is an age old traditional remedy for constipation and is considered safe in small doses during pregnancy. However, avoid consuming this herb in the third quarter as it can cause contractions. These contraction or Braxton Hicks contraction, can stimulate your womb and cause premature labor.
5. Osmotic laxatives:
- lactulose and polyethylene glycol are osmotic laxatives, and are both poorly absorbed systemically. There were no reports of adverse effects associated with the use of osmotic laxatives in pregnant women. However, there is a chance that you may experience some side effects such as bloating and flatulence.
- Just as stimulant laxatives, taking this type of laxative for long periods of time can cause electrolyte imbalances.
- As with bulk-forming laxatives, you must ensure that you take plenty of fluids when you take osmotic laxatives in pregnacy (15). You will also need to wait 2 or 3 days before you start to feel their effect on your body
using laxatives during pregnancy :.
Although doctors often prescribe laxatives to pregnant women, there are some laxatives that are better than others. If you use one during pregnancy, you should keep the following points:
- Some laxatives contain high amounts of sugar or sodium, in particular those forming mass. The addition of sugars and sodium can trigger an increase in blood pressure or water retention in the body.
- may need to avoid saline laxatives that contain magnesium, phosphate and potassium, if you do not have normal renal function (16).
- The mineral oil is avoided and not used as a laxative for pregnant women. It can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and nutrients in your body. In addition, prolonged use of mineral oil during pregnancy can cause the baby to bleed heavily (17).
- if not used properly, may experience side effects with stimulant laxatives. You should not use the castor oil, in particular, as it can cause uterine contractions.
What is fecal impaction?
Although it is rare, constipation can lead to complications such as fecal impaction, and therefore, prevent or treat the condition becomes especially important. fecal impaction is a condition that occurs when stools become hard and dry, and becomes unable to pass out of the colon or rectum (18). If not treated quickly and properly, it can worsen and ultimately lead to death.
Fecal Impaction is caused by untreated constipation and excessive use of laxatives (19). When laxatives are repeatedly used and, in increasing doses, the colon becomes unable to respond naturally to the need to pass stool. Other causes of this complication include opioid analgesics, dietary changes, and little or no physical activity.
patients do not suffer from fecal impaction gastrointestinal symptoms. Instead, the common problems are those with heart, breathing or circulation. Other symptoms include:
- nausea and vomiting
- inability to have a bowel movement
- frequent bowel movements than usual
- Straining to pass stool and small semi-formed stools
- rectal bleeding
- back or abdominal pain
- inability to urinate, or more or less urination than usual
- Low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, breathing problems, swollen abdomen , and dizziness
- sudden diarrhea
- losses did when coughing
- Dehydration
- Confusion and loss of sense of place and time together with high or low blood pressure, fever, sweating and rapid heartbeat
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should report to your doctor immediately.
effective natural laxatives during pregnancy:
The natural remedies are great if you want to avoid using laxatives prescribed by your doctor. There are several great natural laxatives that can be taken as an alternative. They work effectively to relieve constipation, and moreover, they are better in every aspect of your health. Here's a look at some of the best natural laxatives to pregnancy that are safe and effective:
1. Horseradish:
This is one of the most effective natural laxatives that are especially great for pregnant women . Steep a horseradish spoon in a cup of water for 5 minutes and drink tea 3 times a day. In addition, you can use it as a dressing for salads. It will ease your bowel movement and relieve pain and discomfort.
2. Linen:
A wonderful and safe way, natural laxative, is flax seed (20). It adds bulk to the stool due to its high fiber content, making it easier for your body to eliminate it. All you need to do is steep a tablespoon in a cup of boiled water for 15 minutes. Drink tea once a day and you will find it much easier to get rid of waste from the body. It may be the best laxative for pregnant women.
[ Read: Flax Seeds During Pregnancy ]
3. Cabbage:
This vegetable is loaded with fiber, not to mention many others nutrients your body needs (21). It 'easy to incorporate into your diet. You can eat it raw as part of a salad, stir fry or simply blanch it. This is another effective natural laxative that work wonders during pregnancy.
[ Read: Cabbage During Pregnancy ]
4. Beets:
High in fiber, beet is another great vegetable to add to your daily diet if you experience constipation during pregnancy (22). It is delicious and can be used in a variety of ways in recipes. Beets are another best laxative during pregnancy.
5. Chamomile:
For pregnant women living constipation, there is nothing like chamomile. It helps to relax the intestinal tract, making it easier for you to pass stool. Known for its calming effect, it also helps in calming anxiety and insomnia elimination, which is another pain that pregnant women go through. 2 cups of chamomile tea can help relieve constipation. Experts advise against drinking more like, although there is no scientific evidence, it is said that high doses of tea can cause miscarriage (23).
[ Read: Chamomile Tea During Pregnancy ]
6. Magnesium supplements:
If you are pregnant and experiencing a lot of discomfort due to constipation, you should consider magnesium supplements high dose. Milk of magnesia is an effective treatment for the problem (24). Along with plenty of water, take magnesium supplements to regulate bowel movement and get rid of the pain and discomfort that comes with constipation.
You should keep in mind that the use of herbal remedies during pregnancy is not safe, even if they are natural. While there are many effective herbal laxative-based, it is best to avoid them while you are waiting. Remember to consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedy for constipation.
As mentioned above, laxatives should be only the second line of treatment when you make changes in your diet, drink plenty of fluids and exercising moderately every day does not help relieve constipation. Short-term use was not associated with an increased risk of malformations. However, pregnant women are advised to use stimulant and osmotic laxatives occasionally or in the short term, as recommended in the other, so that electrolyte imbalances and dehydration and the theoretical risk "cathartic colon" are avoided.
[ Read: Magnesium Rich Foods During Pregnancy ]
complementary therapies to treat constipation during pregnancy:
Many women argue that a combination of complementary therapies can help reduce constipation. Although there is mixed evidence on the results, which are worth a try. Before trying any of the therapies, they have a quick word with your doctor if it is safe for you. Avoid colonic irrigation at all costs, as this can be dangerous for the baby. . colonic irrigation a complementary therapy that often helps people with constipation, but it can increase the risk of vaginal infections during pregnancy
The following are some of the many complementary therapies that are safe during pregnancy:
1. acupressure or acupuncture:
acupressure as you already know, is based on the principle that there are points of energy in your body that can be stimulated to improve the overall health and combat specific ailments. The digestion point is in the middle section of your stomach about three finger away from your navel.
Everything you need to do is gently massage or press this point two dozen times, or as many times as you need every day for constipation relief. In the unlikely event that the constipation persists, visit a qualified acupuncture practitioner to guide you better. Acupressure is also said to help greatly relieve the many symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
[ Read: Remedies For Constipation During Pregnancy ]
2. Aromatherapy:
Add 4 or 5 drops of an essential oil of your choice to your bathroom. Three or four drops of lemon, bergamot, orange, lime, or also to half of a bowl of carrier oil seeds to a hot water bath. Soak in the bath for as long as you want, and gently massage the belly clockwise, while relaxing. Be sure not to massage firmly if your doctor has told you that you are at risk of premature birth or placenta previa.
[ Read: Aromatherapy Oils During Pregnancy ]
3. Means of potent herbs:
A cup of dandelion or mallow tea can do wonders to alleviate constipation naturally. Steep the leaves in a bowl of boiling water, strain and drink it up for quick relief. Drink not more than 3 cups a day.
4. Reflexology:
Reflexology is an emerging treatment method helps to treat various ailments such as constipation. What's more? And 'safe to try during pregnancy! The treatment stems from the principle according to which the feet correspond to a map of the body. Stimulate the arch of the foot will help to improve circulation in the body and thus helps to cure various ailments.
You can ask a friend or your partner to massage the arches of the feet gently as this is the part that corresponds to your digestive system. Getting both feet massaged in gentle circular movements in a clockwise direction for at least 5 minutes each.
If you can not have someone massage your feet, you can put two bottles under the arches of both feet while you are sitting and gently move using the feet. Roll the bottle backward and forward a few times. You can get the same benefits of massaging the reflexology zones on the palms with a few drops of essential oil. Many young women have testified that this helps to some extent in the treatment of constipation and is extremely relaxing, especially during pregnancy.
To sum it all up, if you plan on using laxatives during pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor first.
not try to self-medication during pregnancy, as it can be fatal. Meditate, do yoga and do things you like best, to distract the mind. At the end of nine months, it will be worth it all, when you see your child beam to you
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