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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 (e.g. prunes)
    4. Encourage Physical Activity
  2. Medications safe in pregnancy (avoid continual use)
    1. Miralax (PEG 3350)
      1. Minimal absorption
    2. Magnesium Hydroxide
    3. Probiotics
      1. May improve stool frequency and consistency
      2. Considered safe in pregnancy
      3. Sheyholislami (2021) Nutrients 13(7):2382 +PMID: 34371892 [PubMed]
      4. de Milliano (2012) Nutr J 11:80 +PMID: 23035837 [PubMed]
    4. 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]