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Constipation in Pregnancy

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Constipation in Pregnancy

  • See Also
  1. Constipation
  2. Gastrointestinal Medications in Pregnancy
  3. Hemorrhoid Management
  • Evaluation
  1. See Constipation
  • Management
  • Symptomatic
  1. Maximize dietary intake
    1. Fiber supplementation with Psyllium (Metamucil)
    2. More than 64 ounces of non-caffeinated fluid daily
    3. Increase intake of non-constipating foods (prunes)
  2. Medications safe in pregnancy
    1. Miralax (PEG 3350)
      1. Minimal absorption
    2. DocusateSodium (Colace)
      1. Questionable efficacy
  3. Medications to avoid in pregnancy
    1. Avoid Stimulant Laxatives (senna, Docusate) except for brief short-term use
  • References
  1. Larimore (2000) Prim Care 27(1):35-53 [PubMed]