07/08/2025
💩 Let's talk about the not-so-sexy topic of constipation in pregnancy.
🤰 There are many gut changes that occur in pregnancy, particularly, in the first trimester. Constipation is very common. Some of the medicines used to treat other pregnancy symptoms can contribute to constipation (E.g. 'Zofran' wafers, antacids, multivitamins, iron supplements).
🤕 Untreated constipation is not harmful for the baby but can be bothersome for the mother. Straining on the toilet can sometimes lead to a**l fissures (tears and bleeding around the a**s) and haemorrhoids or 'piles'.
👍🏻 There are a few things that you can do to help:
1. Simple good habits - 1.5-2L of fluids per day, sitting on the toilet about 30 minutes after meals, avoid forcing things on the toilet, using a footstool with toileting, regular body movement and exercise, no distractions/phone time on the toilet!
2. Increase fiber through the day - juices/fruits/prunes in the morning, choosing fiber with meals and snacks (whole grain options, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits), bran sprinkled over cereal
🏥 There are 'over-the-counter' laxatives widely available at pharmacies and supermarkets. These should be used for brief periods only. For individualised advice, I recommend that you speak to your pharmacist, GP, midwife or Obstetrician to ensure that the laxatives are appropriate for you. Inappropriate use can cause a 'lazy bowel', abdominal pain, diarrhoea and electrolyte imbalances.
Options:
- First-line - Laxatives that increase bulk of stools (e.g. psyllium or 'Metamucil', ispaghula or 'Fybogel'). These can take 2-3 days to work.
- Second-lie - Laxatives that draw water into the bowel (e.g. lactulose or 'Actilax', macrogol or 'Movicol'). These work quicker but can cause bloating especially in those with IBS.
- Third-line - Laxatives that soften stools (e.g. docusate or 'Coloxyl' (without the 'Senna' part)).
There are other options as well (e.g. stimulant laxatives or re**al suppositories) but these should be guided by your doctor.
😀 Happy toileting!
