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According to statistics, constipation occurs in 17-50% of pregnant women (1). Problems with the stool are caused by the action of hormones that relax the smooth muscles of all internal organs, including the colon. Intestinal motility decreases, it becomes “lazy”. In addition, the growing uterus constantly puts pressure on the intestines and interferes with its normal functioning (1).
Most often, interruptions in stool occur in the second and third trimester, but can begin from the first weeks of pregnancy. Constipation creates constant discomfort and can be dangerous for a woman and a child. Possible complications:
- fetus infection,
- untimely discharge of amniotic fluid,
- threatened miscarriage (1).
A balanced diet, physical activity and laxatives that are safe during pregnancy will help solve the problem of constipation.
Ranking of the top 10 laxatives for pregnant women according to KP
The expectant mother is allowed to take only those drugs that do not carry potential harm to her, the fetus and the normal course of pregnancy. Not many laxatives meet these criteria.
Together with an expert, we have selected 10 drugs that are most often recommended by doctors: gynecologists and proctologists. There are different dosage forms in the rating: microclysters, syrups, suppositories, lozenges and powders for the preparation of drinking solutions – choose the one that is more suitable for you.
It’s important
The top 10 Healthy Food Near Me contains over-the-counter drugs, but this does not mean that they can be used uncontrollably. Before using any laxative, you should consult your doctor.
1. “Mikrolax”
Micro enema thins the contents of the intestine and accelerates its emptying (2). Pregnant women can use this remedy in any trimester, but only as directed by a doctor and in the absence of contraindications. By the way, there are few contraindications – only individual intolerance to the components of this remedy.
The instructions say that the effect of the drug begins 5-15 minutes after the solution enters the rectum (2).
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Sodium citrate in combination with sodium lauryl sulfoacetate and sorbitol |
| Dosage form | Solution for rectal administration in microclysters |
| Volume/Quantity | The volume of one microclyster is 5 ml, in a package of 4 or 12 pieces |
| Противопоказания | Individual intolerance to the components of the drug |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. “Enema Clean”
The microclyster contains a saline laxative, which retains water in the intestines and increases peristalsis. The 120 ml bottle is designed for single use. The laxative effect develops 5–7 minutes after the administration of the solution. It can be used in any trimester, including in preparation for childbirth.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Sodium hydrogen phosphate plus sodium dihydrogen phosphate |
| Dosage form | Solution for rectal administration |
| Volume/Quantity | 120 ml |
| Противопоказания | Intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, individual intolerance to the components |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. “Forlax”
A macrogol-based laxative increases the volume of fluid in the intestines, helps soften stools and facilitate peristalsis (2). Suitable for course use, can be used in any trimester of pregnancy (3).
It is recommended to take 1-2 sachets once, the laxative effect develops within 24-48 hours (2, 3).
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Macrogol 4000 |
| Dosage form | Powder for solution for oral administration |
| Volume/Quantity | 10 g sachet, 10 sachets per pack |
| Противопоказания | Hypersensitivity to components, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), perforation or threat of perforation of the gastrointestinal tract |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. “Exportal”
A drug based on lactitol, a synthetic analogue of the milk sugar lactose. In its action, lactitol is as close as possible to the dietary fiber found in fruits, vegetables and cereals. When it enters the intestines, lactitol attracts water molecules to itself and serves as food for beneficial bacteria. This achieves a double effect: the normal intestinal microflora is restored and the volume of feces increases.
The drug is taken once a day. The action occurs after 24-72 hours.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | lactitol |
| Dosage form | Powder for solution for oral administration |
| Volume/Quantity | 10 g sachets, 10 or 20 sachets per pack |
| Противопоказания | Hypersensitivity to components, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding of unknown origin, galactosemia, suspicion of organic damage to the gastrointestinal tract |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. “Normaze”
Syrup with a neutral taste, the active ingredient is lactulose. The drug stimulates the absorption of water in the intestines, promotes the reproduction of beneficial lactobacilli and thus improves peristalsis. Not addictive.
The laxative effect develops immediately or after 24-48 hours. The scheme of application is simple: 1 time per day with meals.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Lactulose |
| Dosage form | Syrup for oral administration, in a vial with a measuring cup |
| Volume/Quantity | 200 ml |
| Противопоказания | individual intolerance, galactosemia, rectal bleeding (except hemorrhoidal), colostomy, ideostomy, suspected appendicitis, intolerance to galactose or fructose, intestinal obstruction |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. “Dufa Mishki”
The composition of chewable lozenges includes lactulose, which promotes the absorption of water in the large intestine, increases the volume of intestinal contents and stimulates the reproduction of beneficial microflora.
The dietary supplement has a mild laxative effect, suitable for systematic use. The recommended dose is 3 lozenges per day.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Lactulose |
| Dosage form | Chewable lozenges |
| Volume/Quantity | 30 pieces |
| Противопоказания | lactase deficiency, galactosemia, intolerance to galactose, lactose, or fructose |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Candles “Glycerin”
Rectal suppositories have a slight irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the rectum and stimulate peristalsis, and also help soften feces. The optimal method of application is 1 time per day, 15-20 minutes after a meal.
Candles are not recommended for use in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and in case of a threatened miscarriage (2).
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Glycerol |
| Dosage form | Rectal Suppositories |
| Volume/Quantity | 10 pieces |
| Противопоказания | Exacerbation of hemorrhoids, anal fissure, inflammatory diseases and tumors of the rectum, individual intolerance to glycerol |
| Gestational age | 2nd and 3rd trimesters |
Advantages and disadvantages
8. “Phytomucil”
The dietary supplement contains soluble and insoluble dietary fiber that swells in the intestinal lumen, softening the stool and promoting its elimination (2).
The powder is diluted in water, juice or kefir, taken in the morning and evening. The manufacturer recommends taking dietary supplements for at least 1 month.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Psyllium Husk, Plum Fruit Extract |
| Dosage form | Powder for oral administration |
| Volume/Quantity | Sachets of 5 g, pack of 10 or 30 pieces, cans of 180 or 250 g |
| Противопоказания | Individual intolerance, acute inflammatory diseases, obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
9. “Dufalak”
The active component of the drug – lactulose – stimulates intestinal motility and restores its normal functioning (2). “Duphalac” is recommended to be taken 1 time per day, preferably at the same time. The laxative effect appears after 2-3 days (2).
The drug is approved for use in any trimester, suitable for long-term treatment of constipation.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Lactulose |
| Dosage form | Syrup with plum or neutral flavor in sachets or bottle |
| Volume/Quantity | Sachets of 15 ml, 10 pieces per pack or bottles of 200, 500 and 1000 ml |
| Противопоказания | hypersensitivity to components, obstruction or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, galactosemia, rectal bleeding of unknown origin |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
10. “Mukofalk”
Psyllium seeds contain plant fibers that, when ingested, are able to retain fluid, increase stool volume and soften its consistency.
Before use, the powder is dissolved in 150 ml of water, and then washed down with the same volume of liquid. Take 2-6 sachets or equivalent teaspoons per day.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredient | Psyllium oval seed husk |
| Dosage form | Orange flavored granules for oral suspension |
| Volume/quantity | Sachet 5 g, 20 pieces per pack, can 300 g |
| Противопоказания | individual intolerance, decompensated diabetes, intestinal obstruction, organic strictures of the gastrointestinal tract |
| Gestational age | In any trimester |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a laxative during pregnancy
The KP will tell you how to find a reliable remedy among the variety of forms and active substances. Our expert will help you proctologist Tatyana Gavrilova:
– The choice of the drug should be entrusted to a specialist. The choice of medicine is always carried out individually, taking into account the health status of the expectant mother and the characteristics of pregnancy. Women should be especially careful if the pregnancy is complicated and there is a threat of miscarriage.
Almost all “classic” laxatives are contraindicated during pregnancy. Preparations based on senna, buckthorn, and bisacodyl irritate the intestines, and therefore often cause cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea, and water-salt imbalance (3, 4). Medications that increase peristalsis (eg, sodium picosulfate) may induce miscarriage and preterm labor (3, 4).
Safer drugs based on dietary fiber. But taking them you need to consume 1,5-2 liters of fluid per day. Such an amount of water is allowed only if there are no contraindications:
- heart disease,
- edema tendencies,
- high blood pressure (2, 4).
Laxatives based on macrogol and lactulose may become drugs of choice. They are safe for the fetus, do not irritate the mucous membrane and muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, help the natural cleansing of the intestines and are not addictive (3, 4). The same funds are allowed to be taken during breastfeeding.
Popular questions and answers
We asked our expert Tatyana Gavrilova a few questions that concern pregnant women who are faced with the problem of constipation.
What is the best form of laxative to use during pregnancy?
For long-term use, it is better to choose solutions and powders based on macrogol and lactulose.
In some cases, the expectant mother may be prescribed choleretic drugs. The fact is that during pregnancy, stagnation of bile often develops, which causes constipation.
What can replace laxatives during pregnancy?
When should laxatives not be used during pregnancy?
Sources of
- Constipation in pregnant women. M. Yu. Sokolova // Perinatal Medical Center, Moscow. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/zapory-u-beremennyh-1/viewer
- Constipation during pregnancy: causes, treatment and prevention // PHARMEDU. Educational portal for pharmacists and pharmacists. 2016. URL: https://pharmedu.ru/publication/zapory-vo-vremya-beremennosti-prichiny-lechenie-i-profilaktika
- Constipation of pregnant women: a look at the problem. Burkov S. G. // Medical Journal No. 1 dated 11.03.2006. URL: https://www.rmj.ru/articles/bolezni_organov_pishchevareniya/Zapory_beremennyh_vzglyad_na_problemu/
- Constipation in pregnant women: ways to solve the problem. V. A. Lebedev, V. M. Pashkov, I. A. Klindukhov // First Moscow State Medical University. I. M. Sechenov. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/zapory-u-beremennyh-puti-resheniya-problemy/viewer