I am pregnant and a little constipated, is there any safe laxatives I can take that won't effect my baby?

Question

pregnancy

Answer 1

Constipation is extremely common, especially very early in pregnancy because of the hormonal changes going on in your body.

It will definitely help to make sure you include plenty of fibre in your diet through eating foods like wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereal, fruit and vegetables and pulses such as beans and lentils.

It sounds like you have been doing this already.

Another good piece of advice is to exercise regularly to keep your muscles toned up and to drink something hot first thing in the morning. This stimulates the bowel to move.

Avoid iron pills as these are well known to cause constipation. Ask your doctor if you can manage without them if you are taking them or change to a different type that may have less of an effect.

When you become uncomfortable with constipation, then there are laxatives you can consider. There are some which are too strong and which could potentially stimulate the muscles of the uterus, which you certainly do not want.

Taking something like Fybogel, however, or any of the gentler types of laxatives would be perfectly safe and effective and your midwife or doctor can advise you on which one would be suitable.

It's important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and keep as active as possible.

Answer 2

Fiber, metamucil-type fiber supplements, or anything made from apples. You know the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Ever wonder why? Keeps everything moving right along! Well-washed and/or organically-grown apples, apple juice, applesauce, even apple cider, will have the desired effect. Just don't over-do it, or you'll get the opposite problem going on!
Fiber won't have that effect, it'll work more slowly, but is a good choice. Don't use any chemical-based laxatives, keep it natural.
Good luck and congrats!

Answer 3

I am too!! My doctor has given me a list of safe drugs to take and you can take Peri-Colace either stool softener or even the laxative. It is safe for you and the baby. Make sure you are drinking LOTS of water and trying eating apples with the peeling on them, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapes. When taking the Colace take 2 at night before going to bed and by the next afternoon you will have a bowl movement. Just take them at bedtime...2 every night until you achieve a bowl movement. I took 2 at night and then 2 the next morning and by 3:00 I had had 1 bowl movement and then had diareah 3 times. So DON'T take but the 2 at night!! GOOD LUCK! P.S. You can also take metimucel (not sure on the spelling)

Answer 4

Laxatives aren't the best solution for you right now. A diet with more fiber and water is better -- you can get good dietary fiber from leafy greens and beans, dense fruit like apples, pears, some melons and pineapple, not to mention whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats. There are also fiber supplements as well.

The biggest bonus to this for your baby is that these same foods provide folic acid in your diet which helps prevent birth defects like spina bifida or other "neuraltube" defects. This is especially important during the first trimester.

Answer 5

Eat fibre. Bran cereal, lots of veggies. Don't take a laxative. Being constipated is normal when you are pregnant.

Answer 6

Eat a cantaloupe.
That will work.

Answer 7

ASK YOUR HEALT NURSE , OR TRY DRINKING MORE FRESH ORANGE JUICE ITS GOOD FOR YOU AND DOSE HELP , MAKE DILUTED DRINKS WITH HOT WATER FROM YOU KITTLE IT IS GOOD TO ...........PRUN JUICE AND CRANBERRY JUICE ARE ALSO GREAT ...