Can you take laxatives when pregnant?

Pregnancy comes with a lot of changes, and sometimes these changes can be uncomfortable, especially when it comes to bowel movement. Some pregnant women experience constipation during this period, which makes them turn to laxatives as a solution. However, the question that most women ask is whether it’s safe to take laxatives while pregnant.

Well, fear not! We have researched this topic and come up with all the information you need on taking laxatives when pregnant.

What Are Laxatives?

Laxatives are substances designed to stimulate bowel movements or soften stools in individuals who may be experiencing difficulty passing stool regularly. These substances work by increasing water content in the colon or by stimulating nerve endings in the gut muscles.

Types Of Laxatives

Before we dive into whether you should use them while pregnant let’s first identify different types of laxative for each situation:

  1. Bulk-forming Agents
  2. Osmotic Laxitives
  3. Stool Softeners
  4. Stimulant Laxitives

Bulk-Forming Agents: These add bulk and water content at once thus making easier passage thourgh digestive system via stool .

Osmotic Laxitives: They help draw extra water from other parts of body towards gastrointestinal tract via colon causing solvent liquids inside fecal matter producing more watery liquid state evacuating bowels with no pain .

Stool Softeners : This helps embraces moisture inside intestines avoiding hemorrhoids which ultimately deleiver more comfortable excretory activity without straining too much.

Stimulant Laxives: It irritates intestinal wall lining triggering contractions simulating your bowel removing solid waste potentially faster than normal pace at price if irritation developing abuse could generate habitual usage craving stimulants agent every-day for functional ability.

Now that we know about these types of laxatives, we can dive into the question at hand – Can you take laxatives when pregnant?

Can You Take Laxatives When Pregnant?

Yes and no! Some types of laxatives are safe to use while others pose potential harm during pregnancy. The safety of using a particular type of laxative varies depending on the trimester.

It’s best to consult your doctor before taking any form of medication or supplements whilst pregnant as every pregnancy is unique.

Bulk-forming Agents and Osmotic Laxitives:
These forms are generally considered safe for use throughout gestation period so long they come with enough liquid intake additionally avoiding overconsumption which eventually may lead to diarrhea,bleeding rectum or induce bowel contractions .

Stool Softeners :
This is typically believed to be low risk as evidence shows it has minimal impacts some studies suggest that long-term use may complications such as make bladder tissues weak , but these results have not been confirmed by large-scale research.

(Remember: Always play it save and keep appointments with medical expert)

However its imporntant in final trimester that stool softeners could actually let constipation worsen since pressure from uterus pushing weight against colon making harder excretory function.

Stimulant Laxative :
In contrast because Stimulants irritate intestinal wall lining potentially straining muscles simulating bowel movement might rise the threat toward crucial end-of-pregnancy phase causing mo matter if excessive dosage habituating it probably increases dramatically chances developing abusive relationship between individual’s bowels functionality versus reliance on medicine also known creating dependence generating addiction prospective possibility further compromising already weakened digestive system due pregnancy-induced stressors adding pharmacological interference thus definitely DO NOT TAKE STIMULANT LAXATIVES DURING PREGNANCY EVER!.

What To Do Instead If You’re Constipated During Pregnancy?

If you experience constipation while pregnant, the first step is to increase your fiber and water intake. Eating foods rich in insoluble fiber such as grains, vegetables or fruits, beans,nuts besides alvocado’s or sweet potatoes makes simple pipeline for fecal matter passing through intestinal tract with efficiency without struggling.

Staying hydrated allows extra fluids support that bulkiness speeding up one’s passage of stool movement[1] .

Besides following healthy life style also could try yoga poses like cat-cow stretch – this helps alleviate pressure on pelvic muscles improving blood circulation slowing colon impairment possiblity [2] .

If these tricks don’t work out for you after some weeks , its advisable to talk with doctor aiming advice regarding other doable options avoiding potential risks associated by Laxatives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re expecting a child and experiencing constipation issues it would be best not take stimulant laxatives but rather focus on common sense aspects increasing yours dietary fibers quantities staying hydrated (always) performing various exercises made special towards pregancy journey.
Always consult medical expert who knows everything about pregnancy intimate well-being ensuring safety both mother baby until fully recovered delivery end period.

Remember: we are what consume being cautious responsible ensures our beloved ones health benefits from it.

Sources:

1- Patient information leaflet
2- Yoga Journal

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