Contents
- Rating of the top 7 effective and inexpensive suppositories for constipation during pregnancy
- How to choose candles for constipation during pregnancy
- Popular questions and answers
During pregnancy, a woman can experience many health problems. Including the digestive system. According to statistics, from 11% to 62% of pregnant women suffer from constipation (1). This is due to natural causes. When the uterus grows, the load on the pelvic organs increases. Pressure on the intestines leads to constipation, which creates a lot of inconvenience.
Pregnant women should not underestimate the magnitude of the problem. Chronic constipation is a predisposing factor in the development of hemorrhoids (2). This disease is detected in many pregnant women, and after childbirth, the risk of exacerbation of hemorrhoids increases (3).
Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible, make a diagnosis and start treatment. Together with an expert coloproctologist Vasily Gavrilov, we have selected the top 7 effective constipation suppositories that can be used during pregnancy.
Rating of the top 7 effective and inexpensive suppositories for constipation during pregnancy
The use of drugs without indications and in violation of the indications leads to a situation where patients begin to complain: “I’ve tried everything, but nothing helps.” Trust your doctor.
1. “Glycerin suppositories”
Suppositories play the role of a laxative, protect the rectal mucosa from irritation by feces. The main active ingredient – glycerol – dilutes feces, so glycerin suppositories are recommended for pregnant women during constipation.
The drug is prescribed for 1 pc. to the chair. The candle is inserted half an hour after breakfast, and after 20 minutes a woman may feel the urge to defecate. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor.
Main characteristics
| Active substance | glycerol |
| The number of candles in the package | 10 pieces |
| Side effects | local allergic reactions, burning and itching |
| In what trimester of pregnancy can it be used | throughout pregnancy |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Eva/qu
An effective and safe remedy that helps to quickly empty the intestines. Suitable for getting rid of prolonged constipation and as a prevention of the formation of coprolites. Two active ingredients: sodium bicarbonate and potassium bitartrate – create a gas-forming effect, due to which there is a urge to defecate. The polyethylene glycol in the composition acts as a lubricant, so the process is painless. It is important that these suppositories can be used for hemorrhoids and anal fissures.
Rectal suppositories use 1 pc. per day, the manufacturer promises an effect in the first minutes after application. Treatment is carried out within 7-10 days under the supervision of a doctor. If the stool does not return to normal, you should consult a doctor.
Main characteristics
| Active substance | sodium bicarbonate, potassium bitartrate |
| The number of candles in the package | 6 pieces |
| Side effects | allergies, itching and peeling of the skin |
| In what trimester of pregnancy can it be used | throughout pregnancy |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. “Dulcolax”
The suppositories are based on bisacodyl, a substance that accelerates and increases intestinal motility. This leads to softening of the stool and stimulation of bowel movements. It is recommended to use 1-2 candles per day. But you should not expect instant action: the instructions indicate that the development time of the laxative effect is 6-12 hours.
Pregnant women suffering from constipation, this drug can be used only on the advice of a doctor. And you should not use these suppositories for more than 7 days without the direct instructions of a doctor, since prolonged use can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance.
Main characteristics
| Active substance | good hearted |
| The number of candles in the package | 6 pieces |
| Side effects | possible abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, allergic reactions |
| In what trimester of pregnancy can it be used | II and III trimesters (on doctor’s recommendation) |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. Phytocandles No. 14 “Laxatives”
Due to the natural herbal composition, candles act gently, which is important for women who are “in position”. Castor oil has a laxative effect, hypoallergenic cocoa butter has regenerating properties, prevents the spread of infection. Glycerin softens feces and improves intestinal muscle tone, while propolis and essential oils have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.
Candles are used once a day for a course of no more than 1 days in a row. Important: This medication must be stored in the refrigerator.
Main characteristics
| Active substance | castor oil, glycerin, cocoa butter, propolis |
| The number of candles in the package | 10 pieces |
| Side effects | may be allergic to ingredients |
| In what trimester of pregnancy can it be used | throughout pregnancy |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. “Guttalax Express”
The suppositories contain a local laxative – bisacodyl, which stimulates the peristalsis of the large intestine, provokes defecation and softens the stool. The development time of the laxative effect is 10-30 minutes. It is recommended to use 1 candle per day.
Pregnant women can use this drug for constipation (including chronic) only on prescription. If the benefit to the woman outweighs the potential risk to the child. However, you need to be aware of possible side effects. Among them: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Despite the wide list of contraindications and side effects, the drug, according to reviews, is popular due to its effectiveness and rapid laxative effect.
Main characteristics
| Active substance | good hearted |
| The number of candles in the package | 6 pieces |
| Side effects | allergy in case of intolerance to the components, crampy abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting |
| In what trimester of pregnancy can it be used | only in the II and III trimester under the supervision of a physician, there are no data on reliable and well-controlled studies in pregnant women |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. “Modelaks-N”
A delicate problem during pregnancy is helped to solve microclysters for a single use. This is a modern alternative to the “classic” suppositories.
The tip of the microclyster is inserted all the way into the anus and its contents are injected into the rectum. The combined drug increases the amount of water, softens the stool and facilitates bowel movements. According to the manufacturer, the effect occurs within 5-15 minutes after administration.
Main characteristics
| Active substance | sodium citrate dihydrate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sorbitol |
| The number of candles in the package | 4 pieces |
| Side effects | can cause allergies and abdominal pain |
| In what trimester of pregnancy can it be used | throughout pregnancy under medical supervision |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. “Mikrolax”
Rectal microenemas for single use contain a solution that helps soften stool and quickly empty the intestines. The effect occurs within 5-15 minutes. With prolonged use, addiction may develop, so it is necessary to use strictly according to the doctor’s prescription.
The drug is approved for use in pregnant women, lactating women and children, including newborns.
Main characteristics
| Active substance | sodium citrate, sodium lauryl sulfate and sorbitol solution |
| The number of candles in the package | 4 pieces |
| Side effects | very rare: allergic reactions, loose stools and abdominal pain |
| In what trimester of pregnancy can it be used | throughout pregnancy under medical supervision |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose candles for constipation during pregnancy
Vasily Gavrilov, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor, surgeon of the highest category, coloproctologist, endoscopic surgeon Vasily Gavrilov shares advice on choosing drugs for constipation during pregnancy and prevention of hemorrhoids:
– Constipation during pregnancy is the cause of diseases of the rectum, such as hemorrhoids and anal fissure. Hemorrhoids occur in about a quarter of pregnant women and in half of women after childbirth. The absence of constipation during pregnancy and childbirth dramatically reduces the risk of hemorrhoids.
It should be understood that the use of most drugs during pregnancy is contraindicated. Also remember that there is no “miracle candle” that will get rid of the problem in one application. Constipation is a complex disease that depends on nutrition and the amount of fluid consumed per day.
The safest suppositories used to normalize stools are based on glycerin. This is an emergency aid for constipation, as well as the prevention of trauma to the rectum. The use of suppositories for hemorrhoids in the presence of only constipation is meaningless. If the stool is very hard due to lack of fiber or fluid, the effect of the use of suppositories will not be as expected. Here are some more tips for normalizing stools.
- Adjust the diet: it is important to combine animal and plant foods with a predominance of plant foods. Salads should be seasoned with sunflower oil, and dietary fiber (fiber) should be used – about 30-40 g per day. If there is a tendency to constipation, it is necessary to add fiber to the diet at an early stage of pregnancy, without waiting for problems with the stool.
- Try to eat small portions fractionally, up to 5 times a day. The intestines are pressed by the uterus, and if a lot of food comes at a time, it is difficult for the body.
- Drink enough water. During pregnancy, the body consumes twice as much water, as this is necessary for the nutrition of the baby and the formation of breast milk. If there is not enough water in the stool, the body takes it from the stool, making the stool very hard.
- If you follow all the recommendations, but they do not help, you should consult a doctor.
Popular questions and answers
Together with an expert, we answer questions that may bother a future mother who has already faced the problem of constipation.
What are the complications of constipation during pregnancy?
In addition, with a long stay of feces in the body, decay products are absorbed into the intestines and enter the bloodstream. Self-poisoning of the body occurs, the signs of which are: general malaise, nausea, dizziness and headache.
What, besides suppositories and diet, can be used for constipation during pregnancy?
How does dopamine affect constipation?
Sources of
- S. G. Burkov. Constipation of pregnant women: a modern view of the problem // Experimental and Clinical Gastroenterology. 2017. No. 8. pp. 97-100. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/zapory-beremennyh-sovremennyy-vzglyad-na-problemu/viewer
- ON THE. Lomova, N.V. Dubrovina, I.E. Dragun, E.S. Tolstopyatov. Hemorrhoids in pregnant women and puerperas: principles of therapy // Medical Council. 2016. №2. pp. 22-24. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/gemorroy-u-beremennyh-i-rodilnits-printsipy-terapii/viewer
- S.V. Vasiliev, D.E. Popov, A.I. Underdosed, O.S. Sokolov. Hemorrhoids and pregnancy: modern concepts of treatment and prevention. Academician I.P. Pavlova. 2015. Volume 22. No. 3. pp. 37-39. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/gemorroy-i-beremennost-sovremennye-predstavleniya-o-lechenii-i-profilaktike/viewer
- V.A. Lebedev, V.M. Pashkov, I.A. Klindukhov. Constipation in pregnant women: ways to solve the problem. // Difficult patient. Volume 10. No. 8-9. pp. 6-9. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/zapory-u-beremennyh-puti-resheniya-problemy/viewer