If other natural options have failed, doctors will sometimes prescribe stool softeners like Colace on a short-term basis to help pregnant women with constipation.
Colace stool softeners are available online. However, long-term use can lead to dehydration or change your electrolyte balance. Stool softeners help moisten your bowels so they are easier to pass. They are especially useful for pregnant women taking constipation-causing iron supplements. Doctors will often prescribe softeners along with iron pills. You can find a variety of iron supplements here. Just follow the steps above to help ease the discomfort of backed up bowels while you wait for your little one to arrive.
Gas pain is common during pregnancy. Sometimes, though, your stomach pain could be a sign of something more serious. Here's what to look out for. Many herbal teas can relieve constipation. Find out more about these types of teas, their dosages, and their side effects. Castor oil has long been used to relieve constipation.
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Please try again. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water if you are taking iron supplements. You may need to switch to a different type of iron tablet, but it is important to talk to your health care provider first. Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it:.
Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement or a laxative or stool softener.
Usually not, but occasionally constipation during pregnancy can be a symptom of another problem. Also, straining during a bowel movement or passing a hard stool can lead to or worsen hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the rectal area. Hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable, though they rarely cause serious problems. In most cases, they go away fairly soon after your baby is born.
However, if the pain is severe, or if you have rectal bleeding, call your doctor. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. Constipation in Pregnancy. What causes constipation during pregnancy?
How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy? Prevention and treatment of constipation involve many of the same steps. Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it: Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran. This helps ensure bulkier stools that are easier to poop.
Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly when increasing fiber intake helps ensure softer stools.
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