Pregnant women often find themselves dealing with uncomfortable digestive symptoms like constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. In order to find relief, many women turn to stool softeners for relief. While it is important to consult with a medical professional before taking any medication during pregnancy, it is also important to understand which stool softeners are safe for use during pregnancy. This blog post will explore the different types of stool softeners that are safe for use during pregnancy, their potential risks and benefits, and the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before taking any medication. It is important to note that some medications that are generally considered safe for pregnant women may not be safe for those with certain conditions, so it is always best to consult with a doctor before taking any medication.
If you’re dealing with constipation during pregnancy, tell your doctor. They might advise altering your way of life to promote more frequent bowel movements. Your doctor might advise an over-the-counter (OTC) medication safe for pregnant women, such as Colace, if dietary changes and exercise are ineffective.
Like most drugs, Colace may cause some unwanted side effects. As your body adjusts to the medication, the majority of side effects are minor and disappear. Some common side effects include:
Higher than recommended doses of Colace may result in additional side effects. These can include:
Colace is typically taken in doses of 50–300 mg daily by adults and kids over the age of 12 years. You can either take it once daily or in divided doses.
You shouldn’t use Colace if you’re also taking mineral oil. Your body may absorb more mineral oil if you take colace. Unpleasant side effects like oil leaking from your anus could result from this. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, it is preferable to use only one laxative at a time.
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Constipation is undoubtedly among the long list of unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. It’s not just a sign of early pregnancy; for some women, it lasts for the full nine months and into the postpartum period.
Hormones, specifically progesterone, are typically to blame for pregnancy’s annoying side effects. Felice Gersh, M.D. explains that progesterone reduces muscle contraction in the uterus as well as other organs like the gut and colon to prevent premature labor. D. , an OB/GYN in Irvine, California. You have a recipe for constipation when you combine the fact that your growing baby is taking up more and more space in your uterus with any dietary modifications brought on by pregnancy cravings or aversions.
According to Sherry Ross, M.D., some unlucky women may experience constipation as soon as they start taking their prenatal vitamins and it may last the entire pregnancy. D. , an OB/GYN at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, and a specialist in women’s health
Constipation during pregnancy, which is characterized by fewer than three bowel movements per week, can be uncomfortable. Colace and other stools softeners moisten the stool and ease passing. Due to the fact that these products’ active ingredient is only minimally absorbed by the body, they are unlikely to harm an unborn child. To treat constipation during pregnancy, talk to your doctor first before taking any medication, including stool softeners and other laxatives.
FAQ
What is the best stool softener for pregnancy?
- Colace (docusate sodium)
- Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil)
- Metamucil (psyllium)
- Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
- Miralax (polyethylene glycol)
Is MiraLAX or Colace safe during pregnancy?
Is Dulcolax safe for pregnant?
Is MiraLAX stool softener safe for pregnancy?