My girlfriend is 4 months pregnant and is having a hard time going #2, is it safe if she takes a laxative?

Question

I am hearing mixed responses, please help and cite if possible. thank you guys.

Answer 1

It is not safe to take laxatives while pregnant. It is safe however to take a fiber supplement. Most fiber supplements will direct you to take them between 2-3 times a day. In my first trimester I had the same problems and my doctor told me that it is safe to take them up to 4 times a day. I took Metamucil. It really worked. Some people are going to tell you that your girlfriend should first try and start by eating more fiber but take it form me it doesn't always work. If you want to ensure that she will be relieved within the next couple of days, get her some Metamucil. Start by following the directions on the bottle and she should feel better soon.

Answer 2

There are some that are safe to take so call the doctor and find out what she can take. Also to help prevent or make constipation less likely, lots and lots of water and lots of fiber are the key. You can get some very good fiber from bran cereals (including raisin bran), also a natural laxative (with very very good nutrients for baby) is flaxseed. If you take some ground flaxseed and add it to some yogurt you will get calcium, omega-3, fiber, and other good nutrients. I found some ground flaxseed at Wal-mart in a brown box (by Hodgson Mill), so if your wally world doesn't have it check at whichever grocery store you have.

Answer 3

milk of magnesia and other "saline laxatives" are safe to use as are most fiber supplements. it also helps to drink plenty of water and be sure to eat lots of whole grains (like wheat bread). fruits and veggies can help, like apples b/c the pectin is a natural laxative and the peel has plenty of fiber to help "move" things along. another plus is that eating an apple can help with nausea. celery or a baked potato is also good b/c of the fiber

Answer 4

I just had a baby in October and no that is not a good idea. I was the same way and the doctors order me a stool softner. I was told by my doctor that a laxative can cause contractions and it's way to early for that.

Answer 5

Tell her to call her doctor. Constipation is a very normal part of pregnancy and a stool softener is a safer bet than a laxative (no 'cramping' agents). Her OB will be able to tell her the best OTC brand to grab.

Answer 6

I'm 15 weeks having the same problem on my appointment last Friday i was told to take 1 teaspoon of milk of magnesia every other day at bed time. It is still not easy to go but it is much better than it was.

Answer 7

oh honey get used to it. it gets worse! all though out preg u are constipated! it doesnt go away till after baby comes... laxatives are a no no i think. to be safe call her ob. but tell her to drink lots of water and sit on the toilet it will help a lil. i remeber being so uncomfortable at night b/c i was blocked up if u know what i mean.

Answer 8

No laxitive is not safe suring early pregnancy like that. It can cause contractions. There is something called milk of magnesia wich is safe, she could try that. But have her check with her OBGYN or take her to someone who does colonics.

Answer 9

Not unless its prescribed by her Dr...she can take Metamicil. She needs to drink lots of water, and add more fibre to her diet so that this doesn't happen. My Dr prescriber Metamucil every day, and it worked like a charm. They have it in capsule form so it doesn't taste bad anymore.

Answer 10

it sounds as though her period cycle has been messed up due to her weight problems,high stress is also a factor of not conceiving.i wud say u have nothin to worry about,your girlfriend needs support and help to get her to a healthy weight,i think that should be the main concern