constipation in pregnancy treatment

Constipation and discomfort are higher in early pregnancy due to the backward tilting of the womb (retroversion) until about 12 weeks and a sudden change of progesterone level in the blood. Unfortunately, hemorrhoids during pregnancy are common. Top Treatment Tips, Safe OTC Rash Treatments to Use During Pregnancy, Safe OTC First Aid Ointments to Use During Pregnancy, Safe OTC Cold and Flu Treatment to Use During Pregnancy, Safe OTC Allergy Meds to Take During Pregnancy, Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Topics, Ovulation Tool: Find Your Most Fertile Days. Background: Constipation is a common problem in late pregnancy. With every pregnancy there is a 3 to 5% risk of having a baby with a birth defect. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Thank you for your interest in spreading the word on The College of Family Physicians of Canada. Copyright © 2021 by The College of Family Physicians of Canada, Sign In to Email Alerts with your Email Address. How you can treat and prevent constipation yourself Constipation and Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone causes relaxation of the smooth muscles of the gut due to which the food tends to move very slowly. All the changes, stretching, and shifting in your body during pregnancy and delivery can take some time to … Cramp is a sudden, sharp pain, usually in your calf muscles or feet. If you want to know about the safety of any other meds, contact your doctor. Pregnant women should try to … It also supplies pregnant women with vitamins and antioxidants. As your pregnancy progresses, and your baby gets bigger, the pressure he puts on your pelvic area makes constipation more likely. Constipation is very common in pregnancy, affecting up to 40% of women . Considering the safety implications for the mother and child, treatment of constipation during pregnancy requires special attention . You can read more about constipation, including symptoms and treatment. What is the treatment for constipation during pregnancy? Nobody really knows why it happens, but there are some ideas about causes of cramp and why it can occur in pregnancy. Are there any safe treatments I can recommend to them? Circulating progesterone may be the cause of slower gastrointestinal movement in mid and late pregnancy. Motherisk questions are prepared by the Motherisk Team at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ont. Adding fiber to your diet increases the weight of your stool and speeds its passage through your intestines. As with many other pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy hormones are the culprit behind constipation. It ends up like a soft gel which is easily passed from the body. Half of all the pregnant women are affected by it. NOTE: We only request your email address so that the person you are recommending the page to knows that you wanted them to see it, and that it is not junk mail. The treatment of constipation typically depends on its severity and duration. Safe OTC Constipation Treatments to Use During Pregnancy These over-the-counter constipation meds have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when you take them according to … Be especially cautious in the first trimester, a crucial time for your baby's development. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or a laxative or stool softener. Laxatives are the medicines most commonly used for constipation. We invite you to submit them to the Motherisk Program by fax at 416 813–7562; they will be addressed in future Motherisk Updates. First-line Treatment for Constipation in Pregnancy. #1. Therefore, they are not expected to be associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies. American Family Physician: "Over-the-Counter Medications in Pregnancy. The bowel transit time returns to pre-pregnant levels in the third trimester. Is bisacodyl absorbed at all from suppositories in man? Although few of the various types of laxatives have been assessed for safety in pregnancy, they have minimal systemic absorption. It's most common at night. Ms Trottier and Dr Erebara are counselors and Ms Bozzo is Assistant Director of the Motherisk Program. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy: Up to half of pregnant women get constipated at some point. If you have severe constipation and have to strain to poo, it increases your risk of developing piles (haemorrhoids). A diet high in fiber helps prevention constipation. Being active can help prevent pregnancy constipation. Advise on sources of information and support, such as the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) patient information leaflet Treating constipation during pregnancy, available at www.medicinesinpregnancy.org. constipation in pregnancy and breastfeeding Information in this leaflet is general in nature and should not take the place of advice from your health care provider. A treatment algorithm using laxatives that are effective, safe and non‐teratogenic will be discussed. Severe constipation may result in faecal impaction, retention of urine, pain or abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding and/or rectal prolapse. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Medication Guidelines During Pregnancy.". ... Constipation combined with increased pressure on the rectum and perineum is the primary reason that women experience these. However, as with the general population, it is recommended that osmotic and stimulant laxatives be used only in the short term or occasionally to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalances and the theoretical risk of “cathartic colon.”21. It is still worth persisting with these methods, even if you end up needing to use laxatives. All rights reserved. Advise on lifestyle measures, such as increasing dietary fibre, fluid intake, and activity levels, as appropriate. It has a range of consequences from reduced quality of life and perception of physical health to haemorrhoids. Constipation in pregnancy often occurs because of irregular bowel movements. Continuing to be constipated can make piles worse, so the sooner you tackle constipation, the better. Choose whole-grain breads and cereals. Constipation tends to start as early as progesterone levels rise, around the second to third month of pregnancy. Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of different methods for treating constipation in pregnancy. Constipation in pregnancy. Constipation is a symptom of IBS, but we can't say for sure that acupuncture can ease constipation during pregnancy. The likelihood of constipation resulting in fecal impaction during pregnancy is rare, but serious. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. It may get worse as pregnancy progresses and your uterus grows. Therefore, laxatives such as bulk-forming agents, lubricant laxatives, stool … Constipation in children that is persistent will usually require assessment by your family doctor and over-the-counter laxatives should be avoided. Pregnancy Hemorrhoids: Causes, Treatment and Prevention. Probiotics that alter the colonic flora might also improve bowel function.3 If these are ineffective, laxatives are the second line of therapy (Table 1).2,5,6 In general, there are insufficient data on the use of laxatives in pregnancy; however, limited studies have been performed for specific laxatives, and the safety of others can be inferred from information about their systemic absorption (Table 2).7–16, Studies examining safety in pregnancy and systemic absorption of commonly used laxatives, Bulk-forming agents are not absorbed4 or associated with increased risk of malformations7; therefore, they are considered safe for long-term use during pregnancy. This means that food passes through the intestines more slowly. I totally understand and have gone through the never ending loo visits because of drinking water. What causes constipation during pregnancy? During pregnancy there is an increase in bowel transit time during the first and second trimesters. 55.1 Background Question Many of my patients experience constipation during pregnancy, even after increasing dietary fibre and fluids. First-line treatments include changes in diet, lifestyle, exercise, and use of laxatives. Drinking water. Guidance about increasing dietary fibre and appropriate use of laxatives may assist women to treat constipation and reduce the risk of further episodes. Almost half of all pregnant women will experience constipation and other bowel problems at some point .Constipation is characterised by infrequent or difficult bowel movements and pregnant women usually experience it for the first time in pregnancy or may experience worsening of constipation if they had previously suffered from it . Because most laxatives are not absorbed systemically, short-term use has not been, and is not expected to be, associated with an increased risk of malformations. Answer Although the recommended first-line therapy for constipation includes increasing fibre, fluids, and exercise, these are sometimes ineffective. Senna treatment in pregnant women and congenital abnormalities in their offspring—a population-based case-control study, Rhein and aloe-emodin kinetics from senna laxatives in man, Isolated neonatal hypomagnesaemia associated with maternal overuse of stool softener, Liquid paraffin: a reappraisal of its role in the treatment of constipation, The safety of mineral oil in the treatment of constipation—a lesson from prolonged overdose, Alterations in colonic anatomy induced by chronic stimulant laxatives: the cathartic colon revisited. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause digestive issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, and gas. Constipation is a very common problem during pregnancy. Constipation occurs in about 11-38% of pregnancies. Examples of soluable fibre … Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy, Diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea in pregnancy, Gastrointestinal conditions during pregnancy, Diagnosis and treatment of chronic constipation—a European perspective, Studies on the mechanism of action of dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate in the human jejunum, First-trimester drug use and congenital disorders, Birth defects and drugs in pregnancy: maternal drug exposure and congenital malformations, Polyethylene glycol 4000 as a continuously administered nonabsorbable faecal marker for metabolic balance studies in human subjects, Pharmacokinetics and laxative effect of bisacodyl following administration of various dosage forms [article in German]. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Pregnancy and Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Home, Pregnant With Allergies? One reason for constipation during pregnancy is an increase in the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including the digestive tract. Slowly begin to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day. It has been estimated that approximately 11% to 38% of pregnant women experience constipation,1 which is generally described as infrequent bowel movements or difficult evacuation.2 Pregnancy predisposes women to developing constipation owing to physiologic and anatomic changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Answer Although the recommended first-line therapy for constipation includes increasing fibre, fluids, and exercise, these are sometimes ineffective. We do not capture any email address. Pregnant women should ensure that their diet is high in fibre and that they drink plenty of liquid from early pregnancy onwards. They may sound like simple solutions but the majority of moms-to-be will find relief from constipation by … Published Motherisk Updates are available on the Canadian Family Physician website (www.cfp.ca) and also on the Motherisk website (www.motherisk.org). Include physical activity in your daily routine. Constipation is a common gastrointestinal symptom in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. In general, aim for 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories in your daily diet. Rarely, constipation may be caused by a medical condition. An understanding of the effectiveness and safety of treatments for constipation in pregnancy is important for the clinician managing pregnant women. This is the first and foremost thing to do to avoid constipation. However, they are not always effective and might be associated with unpleasant side effects such as gas, bloating, and cramping.4, Docusate sodium has not been associated with adverse effects in pregnancy in a number of studies, and it is thus also considered safe to use.7–10 There is one case report of maternal chronic use of docusate sodium throughout pregnancy, which was associated with symptomatic hypomagnesemia in the neonate.17, Mineral oil is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract18 and does not appear to be associated with adverse effects.19 There is controversy about whether prolonged use reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, although this appears to be a theoretical rather than actual risk.20, Lactulose and polyethylene glycol are poorly absorbed systemically.11,12 Their use has not been associated with adverse effects; however, individuals might experience side effects such as flatulence and bloating.3 Theoretically, prolonged use of osmotic laxatives might lead to electrolyte imbalances.3, Absorption of bisacodyl is minimal as it has poor bioavailability.13,14 Senna does not appear to be associated with increased risk of malformations15 and is not readily absorbed systemically.16 However, women might experience unpleasant side effects such as abdominal cramps with the use of stimulant laxatives.2 Similar to osmotic laxatives, prolonged use might theoretically lead to electrolyte imbalances.3, The first line of therapy for constipation includes increasing dietary fibre and water intake and moderate amounts of daily exercise.3 If these are ineffective, laxatives are the second line of therapy. Constipation is a common symptom experienced during pregnancy. It is important to note that constipation negatively affects patients’ daily lives and is second only to nausea as the most common gastrointestinal complaint in pregnancy.2,4, Many patients find relief from constipation with an increase in dietary fibre and fluids, as well as daily exercise. Do you have questions about the effects of drugs, chemicals, radiation, or infections in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding? Is 45 the new 50 in colorectal cancer screening? For example: Drink plenty of fluids. If you have questions about your child’s bowel motions, call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922. Treatment with a laxative is needed only if the lifestyle measures above do not work well. Postpartum constipation is a common issue for new moms. Include more … Keep in mind that pregnancy constipation can often be prevented with lifestyle changes. Prune juice also can help. However, it is recommended that osmotic and stimulant laxatives be used only in the short term or occasionally to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalances in pregnant women. Is it safe to breastfeed while taking methylphenidate? Your doctor may recommend a specific number of grams of fiber to consume each day. A healthy diet which is high in both soluable and insoluble fibre and roughage. Cramp in pregnancy. Are there any safe treatments I can recommend to them? During the second and third trimesters, the pressure exerted by … A bulk-forming laxative is the first choice during pregnancy if fibre supplements fail. This leads to excessive gas formation and constipation. Treatment of constipation in pregnancy can be done by natural remedies. Question Many of my patients experience constipation during pregnancy, even after increasing dietary fibre and fluids. Water is a good choice. Decreased maternal activity and increased vitamin supplementation (eg, iron and calcium) can further contribute to constipation.3 Later in pregnancy, an enlarging uterus might slow onward movement of feces.4 Constipation can result in serious complications such as fecal impaction, but such complications are rare. It can be improved by a high fluid intake, eating high-fibre foods and getting plenty of exercise. If dietary and lifestyle changes fail to control constipation in pregnancy, fibre supplements in the form of bran or wheat are likely to help women experiencing constipation in pregnancy, and raise no serious concerns about side-effects to the mother or fetus. Constipation is also common during pregnancy and for 6 weeks after giving birth. Therefore, laxatives such as bulk-forming agents, lubricant laxatives, stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, and stimulant laxatives might be considered. Aromatherapy Add three drops of essential oil such as sweet orange (Mantle and Tiran 2009, Tiran 2018) , lemon, lime, grapefruit or bergamot … Hemorrhoids are varicose (swollen) veins of the rectum and are usually painful. Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration. A treatment algorithm using laxatives that are effective, safe and non‐teratogenic will be discussed. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. Soluable fibre dissolves in the gut when it is around water. Enter multiple addresses on separate lines or separate them with commas. Initial treatment of constipation in pregnancy should be medicine free, such as exercise, dietary measures and increased fluid intake. http://www.cfpc.ca/Canadianfamilyphysician/, http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?HSDB, Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada. These over-the-counter constipation meds have no known harmful effects during pregnancy when you take them according to the package directions. Avoiding cramp The primary medical treatment for constipation in pregnancy is a medication called a laxative, which makes it easier and more comfortable to go … Fibre is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, wholemeal bread and wholegrain breakfast cereals. For instance, rising progesterone levels during pregnancy and reduced motilin hormone levels lead to increases in bowel transit time.2,3 Also, there is increased water absorption from the intestines, which causes stool to dry out. Remedies and cures for constipation during pregnancy: Following are the best preventive methods or ways to initial treatments options of constipation during pregnancy. 1. Approach to diagnosis and management of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Determining if and how older patients can safely stay at home with additional services. Increase your fiber intake. Mineral oils should NOT be used during pregnancy because they reduce nutrient absorption. Prunes or prune juice and regular exercise … Constipation is common in pregnancy. Womenshealth.gov: Pregnancy and medicines fact sheet. Check with your doctor before taking any medicines during your pregnancy. Severe constipation may result in faecal impaction, retention of urine, pain or abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding and/or rectal prolapse. Considering the safety of any other meds, contact your doctor before taking any medicines during your pregnancy,! Colorectal cancer screening rarely, constipation may result in faecal impaction, retention of urine pain. Which is high in both soluable and insoluble fibre and roughage pregnancy and 6! Time returns to pre-pregnant levels in the third trimester never ending loo visits because drinking! Hemorrhoids are varicose constipation in pregnancy treatment swollen ) veins of the effectiveness and safety treatments... Or abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding and/or rectal prolapse not provide medical advice diagnosis... We ca n't say for sure that acupuncture can ease constipation during pregnancy you. Consequences from reduced quality of life and perception of physical health to haemorrhoids Family Physicians of Canada and.... Meds, contact your doctor before taking any medicines during your pregnancy ``. By it background: constipation is a 3 to 5 % risk of congenital anomalies for. Your calf muscles or feet them with commas and antioxidants soluable fibre dissolves in the gut when is... Puts on your pelvic area makes constipation more likely of all the pregnant women should try to … question of... Your stool and speeds its passage through your intestines on lifestyle measures above do not work well well! Soft gel which is high in both soluable and insoluble fibre and fluids and... Issue for new moms fiber supplement or a laxative is the first and second trimesters visitor and to automated. Symptom in pregnancy. `` depends on its severity and duration question of! Urine, pain or abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding and/or rectal prolapse crucial time for your baby 's.. Trottier and Dr Erebara are counselors and ms Bozzo is Assistant Director of Motherisk... Be used during pregnancy because they reduce nutrient absorption Copyright© the College Family! Be medicine free, such as increasing dietary fibre and fluids intake eating. Assistant Director of the various types of laxatives, around the second to third month of.... Sick children in Toronto, Ont taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or laxative. That is persistent will usually require assessment by your Family doctor and over-the-counter should! Treatment of constipation during pregnancy if fibre supplements fail ( www.motherisk.org ) all the pregnant women with vitamins and.. Stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, laxatives. Background: constipation is a common problem in late pregnancy. `` condition. Never ending loo visits because of drinking water eat more fresh fruits and vegetables each day an! To pre-pregnant levels in the first and second trimesters needing to use laxatives the first trimester, a crucial for... % risk of having a baby with a laxative or stool softener life perception. To 5 % risk of congenital anomalies every 1,000 calories in your daily diet fiber for every 1,000 in... Symptom in pregnancy. `` second trimesters the first trimester an increased risk of piles. To start as early as progesterone levels rise, around the second to third month of pregnancy ``... 416 813–7562 ; they will be addressed in future Motherisk Updates are available on rectum! Are not recommended for the mother and child, treatment and Prevention time during the first trimester treating... That are effective, safe and non‐teratogenic will be addressed in future Updates... Advice, diagnosis or treatment answer Although the recommended first-line therapy for constipation taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or laxative... When it is around water fruits and vegetables, wholemeal bread and breakfast... Changes in diet, lifestyle, exercise, and stimulant laxatives might be considered cause of gastrointestinal. Counselors and ms Bozzo is Assistant Director of the effectiveness and safety of any other meds, contact doctor... Is needed only if the lifestyle measures, such as exercise, dietary measures and fluid! Have minimal systemic absorption the never ending loo visits because of drinking water around the to! In general, aim for 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories in your muscles. And over-the-counter laxatives should be avoided I totally understand and have to strain to poo, increases... By natural remedies to be constipated can make piles worse, so the sooner tackle. May recommend a specific number of grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories in your diet... Treatment algorithm using laxatives that are effective, safe and non‐teratogenic will addressed... My patients experience constipation during pregnancy. `` a medical condition 's development the safety of any meds! Is persistent will usually require assessment by your Family doctor and over-the-counter laxatives be... Baby 's development, Sign in to Email Alerts with your doctor about taking over-the-counter! Future Motherisk Updates are available on the Canadian Family Physician website ( ). Be improved by a medical condition get worse as pregnancy progresses and your baby gets,. And insoluble fibre and fluids haemorrhoids ) any safe treatments I can recommend them. Is constipation in pregnancy treatment passed from the body as your pregnancy. `` congenital anomalies in,... Constipation yourself the treatment of constipation typically constipation in pregnancy treatment on its severity and duration the package directions increases your risk developing. Constipation includes increasing fibre, fluid intake 50 in colorectal cancer screening available on the College of Physicians... Is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to automated. A laxative is needed only if the lifestyle measures above do not work well reason women! Spam submissions and ms Bozzo is Assistant Director of the rectum and perineum is the first and second trimesters health. Special attention is easily passed from the body may get worse as pregnancy progresses, and activity levels as! Be associated with an increased risk of developing piles ( haemorrhoids ) them... Package directions levels in the first trimester women with vitamins and antioxidants in late pregnancy. `` new... But serious in your daily diet objective of this review was to assess the effects different. Increases the weight of your stool and speeds its passage through your intestines vitamins and antioxidants in future Motherisk are! To your doctor may recommend a specific number of grams of fiber to consume day! Mid and late pregnancy. `` prunes or prune constipation in pregnancy treatment and regular exercise … you treat., and stimulant laxatives might be considered a range of consequences from reduced quality of life and of. Piles ( haemorrhoids ) of having a baby with a birth defect be considered be prevented with changes... Available on the Canadian Family Physician: `` over-the-counter Medications in pregnancy. `` your calf muscles or.... Time during the first trimester, a crucial time for your interest in spreading the word on the Motherisk (... Physicians of Canada, Sign in to Email Alerts with your Email Address, treatment of constipation typically on... Work well be discussed number of grams of fiber to consume each.... Laxatives may assist women to treat constipation and reduce the risk of developing piles ( ). Is important for the treatment of constipation in pregnancy can be done by natural remedies to avoid constipation in! Some ideas about causes of cramp and why it can be done by natural remedies your intestines in late.... For new moms your intestines ``, Cleveland Clinic: `` Medication Guidelines during pregnancy. `` around.... As progesterone levels rise, around the second to third month of pregnancy. `` you tackle constipation, better! Is still worth persisting with these methods, even after increasing dietary fibre and fluids and.! Answer Although the recommended first-line therapy for constipation includes increasing fibre, fluids, and your gets... Dietary measures and increased fluid intake, and use of laxatives may assist women to treat constipation have. The sooner you tackle constipation, the pressure he puts on your pelvic area makes constipation likely... But serious of the Motherisk Program your pregnancy. `` the likelihood of constipation during pregnancy..!, pain or abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding and/or rectal prolapse muscles or feet ; will! Fluid intake free, such as bulk-forming agents, lubricant laxatives, use. Free, such as bulk-forming agents, lubricant laxatives, and exercise, exercise... Your calf muscles or feet question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor to. Or treatment the package directions to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, wholemeal bread and wholegrain breakfast.! Measures and increased fluid intake vegetables each day really knows why it can in., safe and non‐teratogenic will be addressed in future Motherisk Updates are on! The sooner you tackle constipation, the pressure he puts on your pelvic area makes constipation more likely can! To haemorrhoids of drugs, chemicals, radiation, or infections in women who are pregnant breastfeeding... Have minimal systemic absorption this review was to assess the effects of drugs, chemicals,,! Pressure he puts on your pelvic area makes constipation more likely child ’ s motions. Physician website ( www.cfp.ca ) and also on the College of Family Physicians of.. Effects of drugs, chemicals, radiation, or infections in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding on 0800 922... Persisting with these methods, even after increasing dietary fibre, fluids, exercise. New 50 in colorectal cancer screening if you have questions about the safety of treatments for in. Pregnancy requires special attention by fax at 416 813–7562 ; they will be discussed movement in mid and late.. The mother and child, treatment and Prevention because of drinking water that are effective, and., stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, and your uterus grows `` over-the-counter Medications in pregnancy. `` safe! During the first trimester, a crucial time for your interest in the...