Suppositories for constipation during pregnancy: features of their pharmacological properties and composition

Already from the first trimester, a pregnant woman may face such an unpleasant problem as systematic constipation. They can be provoked by several factors from malnutrition to the presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Since a delay in defecation is not just physical discomfort, but also a danger to the fetus, since toxins accumulate in the mother's body, it is necessary to immediately treat this condition. One of the ways to get rid of constipation during pregnancy is to use suppositories.

Causes of constipation in pregnant women

The main reasons for the possible occurrence of problems with stool during the period of bearing a child are associated with the following points.

1. Excessive growth of the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for the successful bearing of the fetus during pregnancy. This substance relaxes the muscles of the uterus and prevents miscarriage. But progesterone affects not only the uterus, but also the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract. She becomes weak and cannot properly push the feces.
   

   Structural formula of progesterone

2. With the growth of the uterus, excessive pressure appears on all organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. There is squeezing of the intestine and the passage of feces to the rectum is difficult.
3. Lack of fiber in the body. Passion for sugary, fatty, and fried foods can lead to gas, bloating, and fecal retention.
4. Insufficient mobility of a pregnant woman. It also causes weakness in the muscles of the anal area, which ultimately provokes a problem. Permanent sitting is especially dangerous in this regard.
   

   Permanent sitting of a pregnant woman, for example, at a laptop

5. Insufficient fluid intake. For the normal movement of feces, it is required to consume a sufficient amount of water. But from the second or third trimester, with high fluid intake, the likelihood of edema increases.
6. Some women also experience constipation due to frequent mood swings. A negative psycho-emotional state can have a negative effect on the intestinal tract in pregnant women suffering from nervous disorders.
   

   Nervous breakdown

Attention! It is also required to get rid of constipation because of the high probability of the formation of hemorrhoidal inflammation in a pregnant woman. Since its treatment during this period is difficult, hemorrhoids can rapidly progress to stage 3, which is sometimes stopped only by an operation method.

Danger of constipation during pregnancy

In addition to the obvious discomfort due to an overcrowded intestine, constipation has the following negative effects on the body of the mother and child.

1. The risk of intoxication increases. This is due to the increased absorption of substances in the large intestine. But the body is not able to filter out harmful products from useful ones, which leads to the absorption of toxic substances. Intoxication can cause poisoning of the fetus and its delay in the development of physical data.
   

   Intoxication

2. Due to the overcrowding of the intestines, additional pressure begins to arise on the uterus. Systematic irritation of the organ can lead to the formation of a tone, which ultimately can lead to the threat of early delivery.
   

   Overeating for pregnant women is prohibited

3. Due to constipation, pressure is exerted not only on the uterus, but also on the organs and vessels in the small pelvis. Due to squeezing, blood stagnation is formed in the intestinal arteries, which becomes the direct cause of the formation of hemorrhoids complicated by thrombosis.
   

   Hemorrhoids complicated by thrombosis

General rules for the use of suppositories against constipation

It is important to follow the algorithm for the use of such medicines. First, you need to choose a safe drug, it is worth remembering that all suppositories are used only from the second trimester, excluding dangerous weeks. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the composition of the medication, since it is required to exclude an allergic reaction, which can negatively affect the health of the mother and the unborn child.

A candle is put only after preliminary washing. This is necessary in order to exclude the introduction of infection. During pregnancy, all tissues become more sensitive and can be easily injured when exposed to bacteria.

It is advisable to administer the drug in the supine position with the right leg bent on the left side. This is the safest position, which virtually eliminates trauma to the uterus and anal area. If such an introduction is not possible, the medicine should be administered while standing, lifting the right leg.

Usually, the use of candles is prescribed for an evening reception, but if necessary, they can be put on half an hour after breakfast. But it should be borne in mind that the urge to defecate can arise at any time.

Under no circumstances should you put suppositories containing senna grass, agave and rhubarb during pregnancy. They provoke quite serious uterine bleeding.

Attention! The use of rectal suppositories should be one-time, since their frequent use increases the likelihood of miscarriage several times over at any stage of pregnancy.

Contraindications to the use of suppositories for constipation

Rectal suppositories can be used only if there are no contraindications. It is dangerous to put candles in the first trimester, at 14 and 16 weeks of pregnancy, when there is a high chance of miscarriage. Additional irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can also be transmitted to the uterus, can lead to bleeding and, at the same time, to an increase in the tone of the uterus.

Even in the absence of a threat of miscarriage after the first period of pregnancy, if a pregnant woman has uterine hypertonicity, it is not recommended to put candles. This can lead to an increase in the unpleasant symptom and possible hospitalization and the complications described above.

Such drugs are not used in the period from 30 to 32 weeks. At this time, the uterus of the pregnant woman is ready for childbirth, so it is worth spending this dangerous period at rest and with minimal physical and mechanical stress.

Attention! Under no circumstances should rectal suppositories with a laxative effect be used if inflamed hemorrhoids, anal fissures and inflammation in any of the departments intestines.

Safe suppositories for constipation during pregnancy

Sea buckthorn candles

This is the only drug that is approved for use in the first trimester of pregnancy, but only if there is no threat of miscarriage. Sea buckthorn candles are a completely natural medicine that has a laxative effect. Also, the drug is an excellent prevention of hemorrhoids, heals wounds, anal fissures. The use of sea buckthorn candles is also the prevention of inflammatory processes in the entire gastrointestinal tract. It is better to use the drug before going to bed, one candle at a time.

Glycerin candles

This drug quickly relieves the problem, the result comes literally within an hour. It is not absorbed into the bloodstream, which completely excludes the effect on the fetus. But due to the irritating effect, they should be used only if there are no contraindications. A glycerin candle is placed 15-30 minutes after breakfast. More than one dose of the active substance should not be administered during the day.

"Glycelax"

The main active substance of the drug is glycerol. Like glycerin suppositories, this drug provokes an irritating effect on the intestines, which causes the movement of feces along the rectum. They become softer and injure the mucous membrane of the anus. It is required to introduce Glycelax one candle at a time 20 minutes after breakfast. Only one dose of the active ingredient is administered per day.

"Evakyu"

The drug is made in France. It is a completely synthetic medicine. To solve the problem of constipation during pregnancy, you need to put one candle at a time in the evening. The drug increases the tone of smooth muscles, helping the feces move along the intestinal tract. Only one candle is placed per day.

Table. The cost of a number of constipation remedies that are suitable for pregnant women.

Drug name	Price in RB in rubles	Price in RF in rubles	Price in Ukraine in UAH
"Sea buckthorn oil"	3,5	100	46
"Glycerol"	3,5-7	100-200	46-82
"Glycelax"	5	150	69
"Evakyu"	17,5	500	230

Prophylaxis constipation during pregnancy

Since this condition is easier to prevent than to treat, preventive measures for constipation should be followed. It is important to maintain an optimal drinking regime with adjustments for possible swelling in late pregnancy. It is advisable to drink clean drinking water, but soups, juices, tea, etc. are taken into account. The recommended amount of water for one day is 2 liters.

The menu must be compiled in such a way that most of it is given to vegetables, fermented milk products, lean meat, cereals. To stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, you can additionally use dry fiber, adding it to food, yoghurts, kefir.

Physical activity cannot be neglected. If gymnastics is permitted, attendance at pregnancy classes is required. Swimming and walking are useful. If the work is associated with a constant presence in one position, it is important to get up periodically and do a warm-up or walk for 3-5 minutes.

Attention! Particularly carefully given recommendations are required to be followed by pregnant women with increased body weight and with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Before using rectal suppositories for constipation during pregnancy, it is important to get detailed advice from your doctor. You should consult a gynecologist and gastroenterologist. In this case, after the treatment carried out, it is imperative to adhere to the principles of proper nutrition and other recommendations for the prevention of constipation.

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