Laxatives After Abortion: Safe?

Constipation is a common issue after an abortion, and it can be caused by the use of opioid analgesics and sedatives during the procedure. While laxatives can be used to treat constipation, it is important to consult a doctor before use, as they can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Doctors may recommend natural remedies and probiotics to improve bowel function first. If these are ineffective, mild laxatives may be prescribed. It is important to note that laxatives are not a long-term solution and can lead to dehydration and mineral imbalances if overused.

Are laxatives safe after an abortion?

Laxatives are medications used to treat constipation. They come in different forms, including over-the-counter (OTC) options such as osmotics, fiber or bulk-forming laxatives, stool softeners, stimulants, and lubricants. While laxatives can be safe for short-term use during pregnancy, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking them, especially after an abortion.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives, also called fiber supplements, work similarly to the fiber in your diet by increasing your fiber intake. They add bulk to stools by helping them retain liquid, which facilitates bowel movements. Examples include psyllium (Metamucil), methylcellulose (Citrucel), carboxymethyl-cellulose, and sterculia. These laxatives are unlikely to cause pregnancy complications as they generally do not enter the bloodstream.

Stool Softener Laxatives

Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace) and Dicoto, cause water and fats to penetrate the stools, encouraging them to move quickly through the gastrointestinal tract. They are considered safe during pregnancy and typically take 12 to 72 hours to work.

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives, like senna (Senokot) and bisacodyl (Correctol), stimulate the intestinal wall lining to speed up bowel movements. They provide quick relief, usually within 6 to 12 hours, and have minimal absorption, posing little risk to the baby. However, long-term use can cause side effects such as electrolyte imbalances in the mother.

Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic laxatives, including sodium bisphosphate (OsmoPrep), magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), and sugars like polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and lactulose, soften stools by drawing fluid into the gastrointestinal tract. They are effective within 30 minutes to six hours and are not associated with adverse effects on the baby. However, long-term use may affect the mother similarly to stimulant laxatives.

Safety Considerations

While mild laxatives can be safe for short-term use during pregnancy, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking them, especially after an abortion. Prolonged usage of laxatives can result in dehydration and create an imbalance of mineral and salt levels in the body. Additionally, excessive or prolonged intake can reduce the absorption of nutrients and other medications.

Before using laxatives, it is recommended to try natural remedies, increase fluid intake, and incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet. Regular exercise can also help relieve constipation. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure the safe use of laxatives.

What are the side effects of laxatives?

Laxatives are a common medication used to treat constipation. They work by softening stools or stimulating the bowels to move, making it easier for people to pass stools. While laxatives are easily available over the counter, they should be used judiciously as they can have several side effects.

The side effects of laxatives depend on the type of laxative being used. Some common side effects include:

• Cramps in the abdomen: Constipation can cause cramps in the abdomen and laxatives may have the same effect.
• Dehydration: Dehydration is a common side effect of laxatives, especially those that pull water from the body to soften stools, such as bulk-forming laxatives and osmotics. Dehydration can cause lightheadedness, headaches, darker urine, tremors, weakness, blurry vision, and kidney damage. It is important to drink plenty of fluids, at least 2 litres of water per day, when taking laxatives.
• Bloating and gas: Laxatives can cause bloating and gas, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
• Diarrhoea: Prolonged or excessive use of laxatives can lead to diarrhoea, which can further cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Electrolyte imbalance, particularly of potassium, can occur due to overuse of laxatives. Electrolytes are necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the colon and heart.
• Intestinal obstruction: Large doses of laxatives can lead to intestinal obstruction, where stools become large and dry.
• Dependency: Overuse of laxatives can lead to dependency, with the intestines losing muscle and nerve response, and the colon stopping to react to usual doses.
• Interaction with other medications: Laxatives can interact with certain medications, including heart medications, antibiotics, and bone medications. It is important to check with a doctor before taking laxatives if taking any other medication.
• Allergic reactions: In rare cases, laxatives can cause allergic reactions.

Most side effects will disappear once a person stops taking the medication. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it to avoid side effects. However, if symptoms worsen or persist after taking laxatives, it is important to speak with a doctor.

What are some natural alternatives to laxatives?

There are many natural alternatives to laxatives that can help with constipation. Here are some suggestions:

• Drink more water and stay hydrated. Water can help lubricate the digestive system and soften stools, making them easier to pass.
• Eat more fibre, especially soluble, non-fermentable fibre. Fibre increases the bulk and consistency of bowel movements, making them easier to pass. Good sources of fibre include:
• Insoluble fibres: Wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Soluble fibres: Oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas, and some fruits and vegetables.
• Non-fermentable soluble fibres: Psyllium, which is 3.4 times more effective than insoluble wheat bran for constipation.
• Drink coffee, especially caffeinated coffee. Coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system and may contain small amounts of soluble fibre.
• Take Senna, an herbal laxative available over the counter and online. Senna stimulates the nerves in the gut and helps speed up bowel movements.
• Eat probiotic foods or take probiotic supplements to improve the balance of gut bacteria. Probiotic foods include yoghurt, kefir, and Greek yoghurt.
• Eat prebiotic foods such as oligosaccharide and inulin to improve digestive health and the balance of gut bacteria. Prebiotic foods include Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, and onions.
• Try magnesium citrate, an over-the-counter osmotic laxative that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract.
• Eat prunes or drink prune juice. Prunes contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that has a laxative effect, as well as fibre.
• Chia seeds are high in fibre and form a gel-like texture when combined with liquid, making them a helpful natural laxative.
• Flaxseeds contain a mix of soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as a gummy compound called mucilage that coats the digestive system and facilitates smoother bowel movements.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and cabbage, which are high in fibre and magnesium.
• Try a low FODMAP diet to help treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A low FODMAP diet involves limiting high FODMAP foods and then reintroducing them to identify triggers.
• Drink carbonated water instead of still water, as this may be more effective at relieving constipation.

What are some over-the-counter laxatives?

Laxatives are medicines that increase the frequency and ease of passing stool. Many types of laxatives are available over the counter (OTC) for the relief of mild, occasional constipation. If constipation becomes moderate to severe or does not respond to OTC products, consult a doctor. Most OTC laxatives are safe, effective, and well-tolerated. However, they should not be used for longer than a week unless recommended by a doctor.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives, also known as fibre supplements, pull fluid into the intestines to make the stool softer and bulkier. This helps produce muscle contractions in the intestines, which push the stool through the system. They may take a few days to work but are safe for long-term use. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include:

• Psyllium (Metamucil), Konsyl
• Calcium polycarbophil (FiberCon)
• Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
• Polycarbophil (FiberCon)
• Methylcellulose (Citrucel)
• Psyllium (Metamucil)
• Guar gum (Benefiber)
• Malt soup extract (Maltsupex)

Lubricant Laxatives

Lubricant laxatives coat the stool to allow it to pass more easily through the intestines. They may begin working within 6 to 8 hours of taking them. Lubricant laxatives should not be used long term as they could lead to dependence and vitamin deficiencies. Mineral oil is the most common lubricant laxative.

Osmotic Laxatives

Osmotic laxatives help keep water within the intestines, softening the stool and causing more frequent bowel movements. They act quickly, with oral forms working within 30 minutes and suppositories and enemas working even faster. Examples of osmotic laxatives include:

• Magnesium hydroxide (Phillips Milk of Magnesia)
• Magnesium citrate (Citroma)
• Polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX)
• Sodium phosphate (Fleet Saline Enema)
• Glycerin (Fleet Glycerin Suppository)

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives trigger the muscles in the intestines to contract, moving the stool through the intestines. Oral stimulant laxatives typically work within 6 to 10 hours. Examples of stimulant laxatives include:

• Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
• Senna/sennoside (Senokot)

Stool Softeners

Stool softeners add water and fats to the stool, creating softer bowel movements. They are often recommended to prevent straining during bowel movements, such as after surgery or childbirth. Stool softeners usually take 1 to 3 days to take effect. Docusate (Colace, DulcoEase, Surfak) is a commonly used stool softener.

What foods should be eaten after an abortion?

Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for your health, especially when your body is recovering from an abortion. Here are some tips on what to eat after an abortion to support your physical healing:

• Watch out for digestive side effects: Hormonal changes after an abortion can cause nausea, constipation, or diarrhoea. If you experience these symptoms, use your diet to relieve them. For example, eat more fibre if you are constipated or avoid foods that make you feel sick.
• Get plenty of energy: Even if you don't feel like eating much, it's important to ensure your body is getting enough energy to recover. You'll probably need a few more calories than usual, so eat small, frequent meals to maintain your energy levels.
• Eat the right nutrients: Make sure your diet includes plenty of protein, iron, B vitamins, and calcium, as your body will need lots of these to recover. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and foods enriched with calcium and iron are particularly good choices.
• Enjoy some comfort food: You need rest and self-care, so don't feel bad about making easy food choices. Eat something simple to prepare or order in, and allow yourself some treats, as long as you're getting the right nutrients from your other meals.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is crucial for your health, especially when recovering from an abortion. Make sure you're drinking enough fluids, and if your urine is too dark, you should drink more water.

In addition to these dietary recommendations, it's important to prioritise your emotional well-being during this time. Emotional support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can significantly aid your recovery.

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