El constipation It is one of the most common symptoms during pregnancy. It can reach you affect up to a third of pregnant women and it is due to the multiple changes that are experienced. Hormones once again take center stage in this phase and remedies must be taken so that side effects do not occur in this regard. Can you take laxatives during pregnancy? It is one of the most requested routes, with details that we will analyze below.
must take Natural medicine to alleviate this discomfort, but with caution and analyzing what is done so as not to harm the course of pregnancy. You must also follow a series of simple guidelines and take laxatives occasionally. Depending on which trimester a mother is in, she will have constipation due to various factors that we will analyze in the following lines.
Reasons that cause constipation during pregnancy
Hormones, the growth of the baby, the change in anatomy or the mother's lack of activity are some of the factors that we detail below.
Progesterone
It is a hormone that is found naturally during pregnancy. It has multiple functions, but one of them is to relax the muscles in preparation for childbirth. Among this modality, it also causes a decreased activity of the colon, so digestion is much slower and stools are harder.
Enlargement of the uterus in the second trimester
El enlarged uterus throughout pregnancy something inevitable. Growing causes more pressure and slows down digestion. Don't forget that these symptoms will disperse once you have had the baby.
Decreased physical activity of the mother
La decreased physical activity It can occur due to the discomfort that women suffer in joints, back and others. Another factor is fatigue, given the weight that is gained over the months.
Taking iron supplements
The taking of iron supplements It is very common in pregnant women and prescribed by a specialist. Once you start taking it, you generally begin to notice its symptoms.
Complications that can appear with constipation
If constipation is severe and persists for a long time, it can create unfortunate consequences. Some complications that may arise must be taken into account, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse or fecal impaction, This occurs when hardened feces accumulate in the intestines.
If you suffer from chronic constipation and it is leading to some of these complications, you must consult with the doctor so that I can put some safe remedy.
Is it safe to take laxatives during pregnancy?
Laxatives can be taken during pregnancy, but always prescribed by a general practitioner. It is advisable to take them punctually and not use them recurrently.
The doctor may prescribe a mild laxative, with milk of magnesia. Or taking a larger component such as Metamucil. Another route that can be chosen is to take a fecal softener, whose composition is docusate to reduce constipation. Bulk-forming laxatives, like psyllium, with picarbophil. Or stimulants like magnesium hydroxide, magnesium citrate and lactulose. If these laxatives do not work, you can consult another stronger one, but taking precautions so that it is not harmful.
One option insecure is the taking of cod liver oil, castor oil, frangula, aloe, bisacodyl or senna infusions. It can hinder the absorption of vitamins and minerals essential for the development of pregnancy, and can even induce premature birth.
El aloe vera It can be a natural laxative, however, multiple studies have been done on its effectiveness with respect to pregnancies. This vegetable has various components such as oxytocic potential. In the study with laboratory rats it has been shown that they can produce uterine contractions with the possibility of creating a premature birth or abortion. It is not advisable to take this product in juice, tablets or capsules.
Natural remedies to combat constipation
Laxatives are specific remedies that can relieve constipation, but you can also do some personal care on a daily basis:
- Observe the diet and include more fiber in foods. The ideal is to add legumes, whole grains such as whole wheat bread, fruits and vegetables. You can also take fiber supplements.
- Performs physical activity in your daily routine, whatever it may be. Being more active or doing a gentle sport will be the best option to make digestion faster.
- Drink much liquid, Although the best option is to drink a lot of water, between 8 or 9 glasses. It is important to emphasize that, if you are taking medications or supplements during pregnancy, there are more possibilities of recommending that you drink plenty of fluids to avoid causing constipation.