Laxatives And Pregnancy
Mixing Laxatives and Pregnancy
Most pregnant women unfortunately have to deal with constipation at some point during pregnancy, which begs the question: Is it okay to mix laxatives and pregnancy? In this article we are going to talk about the health professional’s opinion of taking laxatives while pregnant. We will also have a look at some of the more natural ways that a mom-to-be can get through her pregnancy nearly constipation-free.
Constipation is a very common symptom during pregnancy. The culprit is usually an increase in the hormone called progesterone. This hormone slows down the functioning of the digestive process which causes the feces to dry and harden before finally getting passed. For some women, constipation may develop later on as a result of the growing fetus putting pressure on the digestive organs which, again, means that the feces will spend more time in the organs drying and hardening. Some women may not experience constipation until they begin to take a prenatal vitamin. This is not uncommon, as some vitamins and minerals—particularly iron—can cause severe constipation. Pregnancy can have a catch 22 effect when it comes to treating symptoms. For instance, some women may take Tums or a similar antacid in an attempt to combat heartburn; however this medicine is high in calcium and in turn can cause constipation.
As a general rule, doctors try not to mix laxatives and pregnancy, except for in special circumstances. When laxatives are introduced into the diet on a regular basis, it can make the digestive system depend upon them in order to function—which is bad whether one is pregnant or not. Another reason why doctors like to treat constipation without laxatives is because the use of laxatives can cause cramping in the abdomen that can easily be confused with the sensation of pre-term contractions.
If the constipation is severe, it is not unsafe for the expectant mother to use laxatives an occasional relief method, but she should not depend upon laxatives in order to stay “regular”, and it is still advised that she consult her doctor before doing so. Doctors usually recommend natural diet and physical activity changes be implemented into the woman’s lifestyle. The first natural constipation combatant we are going to talk about is diet. Most often the addition of high-fiber foods will help to soften the stool and encourage it to pass on a regular basis. Prunes and prune juice is an excellent choice if you are in need of quick relief, but as for a regular diet, the addition of fruits and leafy greens will help bowel movements.
A few vegetables which offer fast and gentle constipation relief are Brussel sprouts, cabbage, spinach, cauliflower, cucumber, okra, and beets. Fruit of all sorts can help your bowel movements stay nice and regular. Try prunes or prune juice, strawberries, oranges or 100% orange juice, apricots, cantaloupe, cherries, and avocados. Eat these and other fruits and vegetables on a regular basis, swapping them daily to keep yourself from becoming bored. You should also try to take in a decent amount of whole grain cereal and/or breads, as well as drink at least eight to ten glasses of water each day. In many cases constipation can be caused by simply not taking in enough fluids throughout the day.
Doctors also like to suggest that expectant mothers try to take up some physical activity. Exercise not only helps to keep a healthy muscle tone but it will also encourage regular colon functioning. During pregnancy, a mere 15 – 20 minutes of low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming will suffice to notice a difference in digestive functioning. Many women have had quite a lot of success with yoga and Pilates. Any pregnant women who want to practice yoga or Pilates in a classroom environment should tell the instructor that she is pregnant and what trimester she is in. The instructor will know which exercises are safe during pregnancy and which are not. If you are practicing them on your own, try to avoid any positions that require excessive stretching—particularly of the abdominals—and any positions performed on the back (after the first trimester). No matter what kind of exercise you go for, try to avoid putting any pressure on your abdomen and steer clear of any exercises that cause discomfort at all.
Just to cover all the bases, laxatives and pregnancy are not generally advised; however fruits and veggies, as well as water and exercise are natural and healthy ways to combat constipation.