One mild laxative, considered to be safe to take during pregnancy, is Milk of Magnesia. Your doctor may also recommend taking a bulk-producing agent like Metamucil. Lastly, your doctor may suggest a stool softener, which contains docusate, to reduce constipation.
What laxatives are safe while pregnant?
Safe OTC Constipation Treatments to Use During Pregnancy
- Colace (docusate sodium)
- Fibercon (calcium polycarbophil)
- Metamucil (psyllium)
- Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
- Miralax (polyethylene glycol)
What will happen if you take a laxative while pregnant?
Few studies have looked at the possible risks from using laxatives during pregnancy. However, the available studies show that when used in recommended doses, laxatives are not expected to increase the chance of birth defects.
What is the pregnancy category for Milk of Magnesia?
Magnesium hydroxide Pregnancy Warnings
There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. US FDA pregnancy category: Not formally assigned to a pregnancy category.
What happens if you take magnesium while pregnant?
Magnesium
Deficiency in this mineral during pregnancy may increase the risk of chronic hypertension and premature labor. Some studies suggest that supplementing with magnesium may reduce the risk of complications like fetal growth restriction and preterm birth.
What helps constipation naturally while pregnant?
For example:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water is a good choice. Prune juice also can help.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Being active can help prevent pregnancy constipation.
- Include more fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Why are laxatives bad during pregnancy?
The primary medical treatment for constipation in pregnancy is a medication called a laxative, which makes it easier and more comfortable to go to the bathroom. It is generally safe to use gentle laxatives, but it is best to avoid stimulant laxatives because they can induce uterine contractions.
Can pooping too hard hurt the baby?
“Straining won’t harm the baby, but it can lead to hemorrhoids and anal fissures which can be very painful and uncomfortable for mom,” says Dr. Hamilton. Although not a serious health risk, hemorrhoids can be quite painful.
Can Grandpa affect pregnancy?
Grandpa contains caffeine and aspirin so is not advisable in pregnancy. However, if you stop using it now, the risk should be relatively small.
Can milk of magnesia cause birth defects?
Again, there isn’t a lot of research into OTC laxative use in pregnancy. But available research has shown that when taken properly, milk of magnesia doesn’t pose a risk to you or baby. This also includes no known risk or increased risk of birth defects.
How often can a pregnant woman take milk of magnesia?
Some brands recommend taking 1 to 4 tablespoons of the liquid version of milk of magnesia along with an 8-ounce glass of water per dose. Regardless of how you divvy up the doses, don’t take more than the maximum daily amount in any 24 hour-period.
Can magnesium hurt a fetus?
In a baby, magnesium toxicity can cause low muscle tone. This is caused by poor muscle control and low bone density. These conditions can put a baby at greater risk for injuries, such as bone fractures, and even death.
What is the most important vitamin during pregnancy?
Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin that is important for pregnant women. Folic acid may help prevent major birth defects of the fetus’s brain and spine called neural tube defects (NTDs). How much folic acid should I take?
What kind of magnesium should I take while pregnant?
Magnesium Supplements: 125 – 300mg of magnesium glycinate or citrate at meals and before bed is the recommended supplement dose by doctors. More frequent consumption of smaller doses tends to support better absorption. Magnesium Drink: Nausea in the early stages of pregnancy can make swallowing supplements difficult.