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Constipation - Management
How should I manage constipation in a pregnant woman?
- Advise dietary measures, including an adequate fluid intake (8–10 cups a day), to prevent or treat constipation in pregnancy.
- Regular light or moderate exercise can also be helpful.
- Consider laxatives only if dietary measures fail:
- Consider a bulk-forming laxative first.
- If stools remain hard, add or switch to lactulose or a macrogol.
- If stools are soft but the woman still finds them difficult to pass or complains of inadequate emptying, consider a short course of bisacodyl or senna.
- Occasional use of glycerol or bisacodyl suppositories are also an option.
- For further information on the use of laxatives during pregnancy, contact the UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS), formerly the National Teratology Information Service (NTIS), on 0844 892 0909.
In depth
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