Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, and many women wonder if it's safe to use laxatives to find relief. While it's always best to try natural methods first, such as increasing fibre and fluid intake and exercising, laxatives can be considered if these methods are ineffective. Fleet Phosphosoda is an over-the-counter laxative that some sources suggest should be avoided during pregnancy. However, other types of laxatives, such as bulk-forming agents, lubricant laxatives, stool softeners, and osmotic laxatives, may be recommended by healthcare professionals if natural methods don't provide relief. It's important to consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy to ensure the safest course of action.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Is Fleet Laxative safe during pregnancy? | Fleet Phosphosoda is not recommended by both gastroenterologists and obstetricians. |
What are the alternatives to Fleet Laxative during pregnancy? | Metamucil, Colace, Citrucel, Milk of Magnesia, Miralax, Benefiber, FiberChoice, Docusate, Senna, Bisacodyl, etc. |
What are the side effects of laxatives during pregnancy? | Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, stomach cramps, etc. |
What are the natural ways to relieve constipation during pregnancy? | Eating high-fibre foods, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. |
What You'll Learn
Is Fleet Laxative safe during pregnancy?
Pregnancy predisposes women to constipation due to physiological and anatomical changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Constipation can cause pain and other health problems such as cramps, hemorrhoids, and breakdown of the anal tissue. It is important to treat constipation during pregnancy, and laxatives are often used for this purpose. However, the safety of laxatives during pregnancy is a common concern.
Fleet Phosphosoda (oral sodium phosphate) is a type of laxative that is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy. Both gastroenterologists and obstetricians tend to refrain from prescribing this medication to pregnant patients, according to a survey conducted by Lenox Hill Hospital, New York University School of Medicine. This is because newborns exposed to high levels of phosphate in the womb have shown signs of bone demineralization and growth failure. Additionally, there is a risk of phosphate nephropathy associated with the use of Fleet Phosphosoda.
While Fleet Laxative is not specifically mentioned in the sources, it is likely that it shares similar risks with Fleet Phosphosoda due to the presence of sodium phosphate. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking Fleet Laxative during pregnancy. They may recommend alternative treatments or laxatives that are considered safer for pregnant women.
It is always best to try natural methods of relieving constipation before taking any medication. Increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake, as well as regular exercise, can help prevent constipation. If these methods are ineffective, your doctor may suggest a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia or a bulk-producing agent like Metamucil. Stool softeners containing docusate may also be recommended. If these options do not work, stronger medications might be considered, but it is important to consult your doctor before taking them.
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What are the alternatives to Fleet Laxative during pregnancy?
Alternatives to Fleet Laxative During Pregnancy
Fleet Phosphosoda is an oral sodium phosphate laxative that is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is best to consult your doctor before taking any laxatives while pregnant, and they may suggest some of the following alternatives.
Bulk-Forming Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives are considered a first-choice treatment for constipation during pregnancy. They are not well absorbed by the body and are generally safe to take throughout pregnancy. Examples include:
- Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
- Psyllium (Metamucil)
- Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
Stool Softeners
Stool softeners moisten the stool, making it easier to pass. Docusate (Colace) is a safe option to use during pregnancy but is recommended for short-term or occasional use.
Osmotic Laxatives
Osmotic laxatives are considered a second-choice treatment for constipation during pregnancy. Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is a first-choice option in this category and is recognised as safe during pregnancy by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Other osmotic laxatives include:
- Glycerin (Fleet suppositories)
- Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) - some healthcare providers prefer to avoid magnesium-containing products during pregnancy, so check with your doctor before using this option.
Herbal Laxatives
Herbal laxatives such as flax oil and senna seed have been shown to be safe for use during pregnancy.
It is important to note that laxatives should only be used after trying natural methods of relieving constipation, such as increasing fibre and fluid intake and exercising regularly.
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What are the side effects of Fleet Laxative?
Fleet Laxative is a stimulant laxative that can be taken orally or rectally. It is used to treat constipation and to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination or surgery. While Fleet Laxative can be effective in providing relief from constipation, it may cause several side effects, some of which can be serious.
One of the most common side effects of Fleet Laxative is mild abdominal discomfort, including cramps or gas. Rectal irritation, burning, or itching may also occur, especially with the rectal form of the medication. These side effects are usually mild and tend to resolve on their own without requiring additional treatment.
However, Fleet Laxative can also cause more severe side effects. Overuse of the medication may lead to diarrhoea, which, if it doesn't stop, can result in dehydration. Dehydration can have serious consequences, including negative effects on the kidneys and heart. Therefore, it is essential to drink plenty of clear liquids after using Fleet Laxative to prevent dehydration.
In rare cases, Fleet Laxative may cause a severe allergic reaction, characterised by symptoms such as a rash, itching, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This type of reaction requires immediate medical attention.
Additionally, Fleet Laxative may interact with other medications, particularly those that affect the kidneys, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, and NSAIDs. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
Furthermore, prolonged use of Fleet Laxative may lead to laxative dependence, where the bowel may stop working normally, resulting in ongoing constipation. Therefore, Fleet Laxative should be used only temporarily and occasionally, not exceeding the recommended duration of use, which is typically 3 days for the enema and 7 days for the oral form, unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
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How does Fleet Laxative work?
Fleet Laxative is a brand name for a range of laxative products, including enemas, suppositories, and liquid suppositories. Fleet Saline Enema is a saline laxative that works by increasing the water content in the intestine, hydrating and softening the stool to stimulate a bowel movement. This product is for rectal use only and is not recommended for children under 12 years old. It is also not advised for use in pregnant women unless clearly needed and after consultation with a doctor.
Fleet Laxative Suppository is another product in the range that contains bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative. Bisacodyl works by increasing the amount of fluid and salts in the intestines, usually resulting in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. This product is also for rectal use only and should not be ingested orally. It is not recommended for children under six years old unless directed by a doctor.
While Fleet Laxative products can provide relief from constipation, it is important to note that they should be used only when necessary and for a short duration. Prolonged use of laxatives can lead to laxative dependence, where an individual may become unable to have a bowel movement without them. Additionally, overuse of laxatives can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially in pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using Fleet Laxative products, especially during pregnancy, to ensure safe and effective use.
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What are the recommended dosages of Fleet Laxative during pregnancy?
While there is no specific information about the recommended dosages of Fleet Laxative during pregnancy, there is some information about the use of laxatives in general during pregnancy. It is always best to try natural methods of relieving constipation before deciding to take any medication. If these methods do not work, a doctor may suggest taking a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia, a bulk-producing agent like Metamucil, or a stool softener which contains docusate. If these products do not work, a stronger medicine might be considered, but only under a doctor's supervision.
It is important to note that laxatives should not be overused, as this can cause diarrhea and lead to fluid loss. It is better to try and prevent constipation in the first place by eating high-fiber foods, drinking more water, and exercising regularly.
Some sources suggest that osmotic and stimulant laxatives should only be used in the short term or occasionally to avoid dehydration or electrolyte imbalances in pregnant women.
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Frequently asked questions
Fleet enemas (sodium phosphate enemas) are used by both gastroenterologists and obstetricians. However, it is always best to consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
Laxatives are considered safe to use during pregnancy, but it is always better to try natural methods of relieving constipation first.
Eating more high-fibre foods, drinking more water, and exercising regularly can help prevent constipation.
Milk of Magnesia and Metamucil are considered safe to take during pregnancy.
In case the mild laxatives do not work, stimulant laxatives such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna (Fletcher's Laxative) can be considered. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any stronger medication.