Laxatives Pregnancy
Laxatives during pregnancy
The topic of “laxatives during pregnancy” is very often ignored. It is however very important one. The use of laxatives during pregnancy can sometimes be the deciding factor between a successful term and a failed one.
Pregnancy and Constipation
The nine months during which a woman is pregnant can be a particularly trying one. Over this period, the bodies of most women go through a series of changes many of which are unpleasant. One such example is the increased occurrence of constipation.
Constipation is a condition wherein a person suffers from discomfort or infrequent bowel movement. People who suffer from constipation often experience dry stool which tend to be very painful. Unfortunately, constipation is very common amongst pregnant women with 1 out of every 2 women likely to experience it.
Why does Constipation Occur during Pregnancy?
There are many reasons behind the common accounts of constipation during pregnancy. One of these can be traced to the increased production of the relaxant hormone Progesterone. The actions of Progesterone result in a softening of the muscles and tissues found in the intestinal tract. As a result of this, digestion is not able to occur as rapidly and effectively as it normally does. This failure very easily results in constipation.
Constipation amongst pregnant woman can also be caused by the increased amount of vitamin supplement which pregnant women are usually encouraged to take for the sustained health of the baby. Alongside the compulsory vitamins, many of these supplements contain minerals such as calcium and iron which contribute to the development of constipation.
The use of Laxatives during pregnancy
The use of laxatives during pregnancy is rarely encouraged. This is because the regular use of these can cause the intestinal system of a woman to become reliant on them. Laxatives can also cause internal cramping which are not dissimilar to those experienced during preterm labor. Yet another potential risk of using laxatives during pregnancy is the danger of a mother developing dehydration. This can negatively affect the health of the baby causing long term physical damages. Finally, because of the shared bond between a mother and child, the chemical contained in most laxatives can easily enter the blood stream of an infant again harming it.
As a result of these and several other factors, laxatives are rarely prescribed. Instead most doctors will encourage a mother to drink more fluids during the day. This will increase the efficiency of her digestive system. Most women who include as much as three quarts of water in their diet during the day often report in a decreased occurrence of constipation. Eating foods which are rich in fiber are also a good way of fighting constipation. Most fruits and vegetables are good sources of these. Other sources include brown rice, beans and whole grain meals.
Exercising regularly is another way of reducing constipation levels. Simply walking or swimming for 30 minute thrice a week will help stimulate the digestive tract.
If these options still do not relieve the conditions of constipation, then it is advised that pregnant women seek the counsel of their physician before taking any laxatives.
Depending on a doctor’s opinion, the mother’s health and the stage of the pregnancy, natural laxatives such as prune juice or castor oil might sometimes be prescribed. Doctors sometimes also prescribe laxatives such as milk of magnesia or Metamucil. These are milder than many of the other brands sold over the counter.
If a mother is found to already have really high levels of iron or calcium from her daily diet, the use of vitamin supplements might be limited or discontinued for a period.