It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience digestive issues, including constipation. For many, these digestive issues can become quite uncomfortable and lead to a decrease in quality of life. While pregnant women can take many over-the-counter medications to relieve their symptoms, they must be careful in choosing the right one. One such medication is Benefiber, a fiber supplement. Many pregnant women may question whether or not it is safe to take Benefiber while pregnant. In this blog post, we will discuss the safety of taking Benefiber while pregnant, as well as potential side effects. We will also explore other options available to pregnant women to help them manage their digestive issues.
Can You Take Benefiber While Pregnant?
A popular over-the-counter supplement called Benefiber is loaded with soluble fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of fiber slows digestion, which can help lower cholesterol and glucose levels. But is is Benefiber safe during pregnancy?.
Benefiber may not be the best choice to take while pregnant, despite the fact that over-the-counter fiber supplements can be useful for relieving constipation.
Because the product contains soluble fiber, it wont speed your already slow pregnancy digestion. Instead, it ferments in your gastrointestinal tract and may cause symptoms like bloating and gas, per the Mayo Clinic.
According to the Mayo Clinic, insoluble fiber supplements are typically a better choice for treating constipation. This is so that they can help your stool become more substantial and easier to pass.
The lesson: Benefiber is technically safe during pregnancy, but it might not have the desired result. The best course of action is to ask your doctor whether Benefiber is safe to take while pregnant and to recommend alternative, more effective supplements.
Can You Take Benefiber While Breastfeeding?
The Mayo Clinic advises trying to get enough fiber through your diet alone if you’re experiencing constipation while breastfeeding.
However, if the constipation continues, consult your doctor to see if you might benefit from a supplement like Benefiber and, if so, what kind and amount would be most suitable for you.
And as always, seek medical advice before using any supplement, whether one that contains fiber or not, while breastfeeding.
The Mayo Clinic states that eating whole foods is the best way to get enough fiber, whether or not you are pregnant.
However, some fiber supplements work better than others if you eat enough fiber but are still experiencing constipation or other digestive issues.
For instance, the Mayo Clinic claims that supplements with a high percentage of insoluble fiber are usually more effective at treating constipation.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a common OTC product called Metamucil may be recommended by your doctor. Psyllium husk, a naturally occurring fiber from the Plantago ovata plant that includes both soluble and insoluble fiber, is present in it.
Psyllium has been shown to relieve constipation, and is generally considered a pregnancy-safe fiber supplement when taken in proper doses, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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Can You Take Fiber Supplements While Pregnant?
Before taking a fiber supplement during pregnancy (or any supplement, for that matter), don’t forget to consult your doctor.
That said, there are some instances where taking certain types of fiber supplements during pregnancy can help. The high progesterone levels that come with pregnancy, for instance, can slow down your digestion and cause issues like constipation, per the University of Rochester Medical Center.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, iron supplementation, a mineral that is frequently present in prenatal vitamins, can also cause constipation.
Fortunately, fiber can help ease constipation, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, before you turn to pregnancy fiber supplements, its best to get the nutrient through your food. Per the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, pregnant people should aim to eat 25 to 36 grams of fiber every day.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, if you’re eating a diet high in fiber (and taking other steps to prevent constipation, like drinking plenty of water and exercising frequently), and you’re still having digestive problems like constipation, it’s time to talk to your doctor about whether you can take fiber supplements or gummies while pregnant.
To help you have regular bowel movements, they might suggest an over-the-counter (OTC) product (more on that in a moment).
According to the American Pregnancy Association, avoid taking laxatives or supplements to relieve constipation while pregnant. These can cause dehydration and may trigger uterine contractions.
How to help relieve pregnancy constipation
Keep going if you’re having constipation during pregnancy; it usually goes away once your baby is born. Here are some products that could help you feel better in the interim.
Drinking enough water is one of the best things you can do for your body while pregnant (aside from taking your prenatal vitamin, of course). Drinking fluids keeps the intestines’ muscles lubricated and promotes efficient food transit, according to Dr Ross.
Having a water bottle by your side throughout the day can help ensure that you consume enough water (10 8-ounce glasses per day), which you need in greater amounts during pregnancy for both you and your developing child.
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Capacity: 25 ounces
Another effective method to treat all pregnancy side effects, including constipation, is exercise. Regular exercise speeds up the movement of food through the intestines and increases heart rate and breathing, which helps the intestinal muscles contract and move stool through the intestines more quickly, according to Dr. Ross. Additionally, physical and emotional strength and vigor are increased with exercise. ”.
During pregnancy, its extra important to wear a good pair of exercise shoes that are supportive on your expanding feet, ideally with a midsole cushion and comfortable heel.
Bed Bath & Beyond$10 for 30 capsules
Stool softeners can aid in the easier passage of a bowel movement, which is why they can be useful during pregnancy and into the postpartum period even though they might not be the most attractive purchase you’ve ever made.
Dr. Ross encourages most of her patients to take 50mg to 100mg of Colace if struggling with constipation. Before purchasing any stool softeners, however, check in with your provider.
Size: 30 100 mg capsules
“Bulk-forming laxatives, such as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on your body and safe to use during pregnancy,” says Dr. Ross. “Fiber supplements work similar to dietary fiber, bringing water into the intestines to soften the stool and allow it to pass more easily.” Like any supplement, it’s best to reach out to your health care provider first to make sure that it is the best solution for you.
Size: 36.8 ounces
FAQ
Can you take fiber powder while pregnant?
Who should not use Benefiber?
Benefiber contains wheat, but the manufacturers consider it gluten-free because it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, they say that people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should not use Benefiber unless directed by a doctor.
What can you use for constipation while pregnant?
- Colace (docusate sodium)
- Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil)
- Metamucil (psyllium)
- Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
- Miralax (polyethylene glycol)
Can you take fiber and probiotics while pregnant?