4 Constipation drugs for pregnant women that are safe for the womb

Pregnant women are prone to experiencing constipation. In addition to causing difficulty defecating, constipation also causes disturbing symptoms, such as heartburn and bloating. If it is severe enough, natural treatments alone may not be enough to treat constipation in pregnant women, so you need to use drugs. So, what are the drugs for constipation or constipation that are safe for pregnant women? See the following drug recommendations.

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Is it safe for pregnant women to take constipation medication?

The cause of difficult bowel movements during pregnancy can be a combination of hormonal changes, an enlarged uterus, and an unhealthy lifestyle.

If the constipation you experienced during pregnancy does not go away even though you have eaten lots of fiber and drank water, taking laxatives might be a solution.

That means, laxatives can be taken by pregnant women when natural methods of dealing with constipation are not effective enough.

There are different types of laxatives available that work different ways. However, not all of these laxatives are safe for use by pregnant women.

Drugs difficult to defecate or constipation are considered safe for pregnant women if they do not cause side effects, both to the mother and the fetus in the womb.

To be safe, make sure pregnant women consult their doctor before deciding to take laxatives.

The reason is, there are drugs that are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy, such as Pepto Bismol.

This drug, also known as bismuth subsalicylate, has the same effect as aspirin because it contains salicylates.

These substances can flow into the blood and increase the risk of bleeding in the third trimester or impaired fetal heart development.

It is feared that the content in this drug will mix with breast milk, causing problems for your little one during the breastfeeding period.

The choice of medicine for difficult bowel movements (constipation) for pregnant women

Laxatives come in many types and have different ways of working. The following are choices of constipation drugs that are safe for pregnant women:

1. Stool softening laxatives (bulk laxative)

This type of drug difficult to defecate or constipation is safe to use for pregnant women. The way this drug works is by absorbing water so that it makes the stool more volume and soft.

Of course, this can make it easier for you to push stool out of the anus.

Just like medicine in general, bulk laxative also cause side effects, namely flatulence, cramps, and gas.

Examples of this type of constipation that are safe for pregnant women are methylcellulose, isphagular husk, metamucil, and sterculia.

While taking this medicine, make sure you drink plenty of water and don't take it before bed. This medication takes 2-3 days to work.

2. Osmotic laxatives

Lactulose and polyethylene glycol are examples of osmotic laxatives.

Both of these drugs cannot be digested by the intestine, so they help draw water into the intestines to soften the stool within 2-3 days. This laxative is safe for pregnant women.

According to the King Edward Memorial Hospital Adult Medication Monograph, osmotic laxatives are safe to drink for pregnant women in the first trimester, second trimester, to the third trimester.

Although it is rare, there is still the possibility of side effects after taking the medication for difficult bowel movements or constipation for pregnant women, such as flatulence and frequent farts.

If used for a long time, this medication may cause an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to dehydration.

As with other laxatives, you need to drink more water when taking osmotic laxatives.

3. Stimulant laxatives

An example of this type of laxative that is safe for treating constipation in pregnant women is Bisacodyl.

This drug works by stimulating bowel movements and increasing water levels in the stool.

The use of laxatives for pregnant women can also cause side effects such as stomach cramps.

If used for a long time, it can cause electrolyte imbalance in the body.

4.Laxatives containing sodium (docusate sodium)

Docusate sodium (Dioctyl®, Docusol®) works by stimulating the intestines so that feces can move more easily.

Launching from Bumps, the docusate sodium laxative is considered safe for consumption by pregnant women. This medicine is not at risk of causing birth defects and can still develop properly.

Tips for safe drinking medication difficult to CHAPTER (constipation) for pregnant women

Although safe, the use of laxatives still has side effects. Therefore, pregnant women still have to take medication with caution.

Pay attention to the following important things so that the use of laxatives does not cause problems for pregnant women:

Avoid taking constipation medications for long-term pregnant women

Some laxatives contain high amounts of sugar or sodium. This is not good because it can trigger an increase in blood pressure or a buildup of water in the body.

It's best to avoid saline (salt solution) laxatives that contain magnesium, phosphate, or potassium, if you have kidney problems.

Also, laxatives in the form of mineral oil should be avoided.

This is because these laxatives can interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins in the body, unless the doctor gives the green light.

Drugs difficult to defecate should not be used by pregnant women for the long term. Too long or frequent use of laxatives can cause you to experience diarrhea.

As a result, you can become dehydrated and disrupt the balance of mineral and salt levels by losing too much body fluids.

Always consult a doctor

Pregnancy makes you sensitive to the content of certain drugs.

Therefore, the American Pregnancy Association advises pregnant women to first choose a mild laxative.

If these drugs are not effective, you can try other drugs that are stronger in dosage. However, make sure you use the drug under a doctor's supervision.

Taking medication for constipation or constipation for pregnant women with a dose more than the doctor's recommendation risks making food enter the intestine faster.

This certainly can reduce the amount of nutrients pregnant women have successfully absorbed by the body.

As a result, not only does the mother's body lack nutrients, but also the baby in the womb.

Balance with a healthy lifestyle

Laxatives are powerful enough to treat symptoms of constipation in pregnant women. However, that doesn't mean you can rule out natural treatments.

You still have to balance the treatment by increasing your intake of fibrous food, drinking lots of water, being active, and no longer holding back bowel movements.

If you feel the urge to defecate, go to the toilet immediately.

The intake of fibrous foods to facilitate bowel movements can be obtained by pregnant women from green vegetables, apples and pears, and peas.

Avoid or limit fast food that is difficult to digest and does not contain the nutrients pregnant women need.

Food for pregnant women can be the right choice but still adapted to your condition. Make sure you also drink enough, which is about 8-12 glasses per day.

Choose sports that are safe for pregnant women to do when constipated, for example, yoga movements.

If you take iron supplements, you should reduce your consumption because iron supplements are one of the causes of constipation during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor about how to regulate a pregnant woman's iron intake from supplements and food.