Expecting a baby is a wonderful time, but the expectant mother may be worried about health problems and deteriorating well-being. Often there are problems with bowel movements, and this process becomes possible only with the assistance of laxatives. There are many effective medications for constipation, but only some of them can be used during pregnancy. One of the drugs in the approved category is glycerin suppositories. How do they work and how safe are they for the woman and the developing fetus?
- 2 Use of the drug during early and late pregnancy
- 3 Contraindications to the use of suppositories with glycerin
3.1 Side effects
- 5.1 Constipation medications allowed for pregnant women - table
- 6.1 Positive feedback
How do glycerin suppositories work?
Glycerin suppositories are a well-known laxative. They facilitate the movement of feces and have a stimulating effect on intestinal motility - irritating its mucous membrane. Thanks to glycerin, feces soften and liquefy, and then are excreted from the body.
In 1779, Carl Wilhelm Scheele first obtained glycerin through the process of saponification of fats. It is a viscous, highly hygroscopic and colorless liquid with a sweet taste. It is used in many areas: in industry, everyday life, cosmetology, printing, medicine, pharmaceuticals.
The rectal glycerin suppository is colorless, has a torpedo-shaped shape and rounded ends. It is in a solid state at room temperature, but if you introduce it into the rectum, it softens, and glycerin, distributed throughout the mucous membrane, begins its action. First, the suppository body dissolves, and then the contents of the intestine liquefy. The receptors of the intestinal lining are gradually irritated, the muscles become toned, and, finally, the urge to empty the intestines is felt.
Suppositories with glycerin are a good help for constipation
Types and stages of constipation
If the first symptoms appear, how to treat constipation after childbirth? It all depends on the type of constipation. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after a complete examination. Next, we will consider the main types of constipation.
Spastic constipation
Spastic constipation can be diagnosed by the following symptoms:
- Tension of the intestinal muscles is observed. If you touch the abdomen, you can feel the tension of the smooth muscles.
- The process of digesting food slows down.
- Quite often, it is psychological reasons, for example, stress or nervous shock that lead to disruption of normal bowel movements.
- It is also worth paying attention to the structure of the stool, which becomes dense and dry.
- There is a deterioration in the general condition, dizziness, pain in various parts of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting.
Quite often, with the help of dietary nutrition, it is possible to establish a stable digestive process.
Atonic constipation
This type of constipation has the following symptoms:
- Compared to the previous type, in this case, on the contrary, there is weakness of the muscles of the digestive system.
- This includes a decrease in the intensity of food digestion and absorption of nutrients.
- When attempting to defecate, pain and discomfort may occur.
- Very often, it is surgical intervention that leads to atonic constipation.
- A woman may feel fullness and discomfort in her intestines.
- There is increased gas formation, loss of appetite and deterioration in well-being.
- In some cases, bloody stools are observed, which require surgical treatment.
Constipation due to congenital lengthening of the intestine
In some cases, the intestine may have an unusual shape or length. Any congenital or acquired pathologies can negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the increased length of the intestine leads to a delay in the transportation of waste and its removal from the body. This is why such unpleasant phenomena as constipation occur.
Women who have pathologies of the rectum should carefully monitor their daily menu, including products with a laxative effect.
After childbirth, it is imperative to take a course to prevent constipation if hemorrhoids and other problems in the functioning of the stomach were observed during pregnancy.
Use of the drug during early and late pregnancy
Quite often, expectant mothers experience constipation. This is largely due to hormonal changes in the body: the production of progesterone, which preserves and supports pregnancy, helps reduce muscle activity. First of all, of course, the muscular contractile activity of the uterus slows down, but other internal organs, including the intestines, also fall under this effect. Therefore, its contents can move much more slowly, and this leads to problems with stool.
Also, the cause of constipation in pregnant women can be a change in the usual lifestyle - a different diet, a new menu, a decrease in physical activity and other factors. If the expectant mother is overtaken by this problem, she must be dealt with in the early stages. Glycerin suppositories belong to the category of drugs officially approved for pregnant women according to the instructions, and they successfully help in resolving such a delicate situation.
Bowel problems worry many pregnant women
Constipation has a negative impact on the health of the expectant mother and baby. If there is no stool within 2 days, it is necessary to resort to the use of medications. Suppositories with glycerin are prescribed to pregnant women quite often: their effect usually occurs very quickly, and the drug does not have a harmful effect on the fetus.
But even such a seemingly harmless drug has some peculiarities in its use:
- in the first trimester of pregnancy, the uterus is located near the rectum, and the action of the suppository can cause undesirable consequences - increase uterine tone and promote miscarriage;
- if a woman is at risk of miscarriage, the drug increases its likelihood.
Pregnancy is not the time for experimentation. Don't self-medicate! If you have health problems, in particular problems with bowel movements, consult a specialist.
Prescription during pregnancy
In pregnant women, difficulty with defecation is most often associated with changes in hormonal levels. An increased level of progesterone relaxes the muscle tissue of the uterus, and at the same time the walls of the intestinal tract, disrupting the motility of its parts. Later, the enlarged uterus begins to put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, changing their usual location, preventing the natural fulfillment of biological needs.
In turn, the overcrowded digestive organ resists with no less zeal, squeezing the uterus, causing nagging pain. Toxins accumulated during constipation enter the bloodstream and poison the biological system. Any problem in the mother’s body negatively affects the development of the fetus.
The pregnant woman’s condition requires emergency stabilization with glycerin suppositories if the following symptoms are present:
- defecation delayed for more than 2 days;
- pain during bowel movements;
- flatulence, bloating, feeling of fullness along the gastrointestinal tract;
- hard segmented (bean-shaped) feces during defecation, a feeling of incomplete emptying after;
- a feeling of blockage of the contents of the colon during strong prolonged efforts.
In case of severe violations of the evacuation regime, a delicate problem is associated with: nausea, headache, insomnia, and bad breath.
Glycerin suppositories during pregnancy cleanse the intestines, help relieve swelling and reduce pressure in the hemorrhoidal veins. Their characteristic features allow you to gently get rid of unnecessary pressure on the reproductive system.
Contraindications to the use of suppositories with glycerin
Like any medical product, glycerin suppositories have contraindications for use, including:
- individual intolerance, hypersensitivity to the constituent components;
- renal failure;
- hemorrhoids during exacerbation;
- anal fissures;
- intestinal obstruction;
- appendicitis;
- bleeding;
- rectal tumors and inflammatory diseases;
- abdominal pain of unknown origin.
Suppositories with glycerin have a long list of contraindications
Side effects
Some pregnant women, after using glycerin suppositories, may experience a local allergic reaction to any component: burning, itching begins to bother them, and possible hyperemia (redness) of the skin. In this case, it is better to refrain from using the drug.
You should also know that glycerin suppositories are not intended as a permanent remedy for constipation. If you use them too often and for a long time, the physiological process of defecation may weaken (that is, the drug will become addictive, and without stimulation the intestines will not empty).
You should not overuse suppositories with glycerin - they are addictive (lazy bowel syndrome).
Features of therapy for hepatitis B
After the examination, the specialist will explain how to get rid of constipation after childbirth without harm. He will recommend which foods during breastfeeding will not harm the baby, but will help to cope well with the disorder. Suppositories will also be prescribed for constipation after childbirth during breastfeeding, which do not change milk.
How to improve bowel movements after childbirth without consequences for the newborn:
- a safe laxative is selected for a nursing mother;
- suppositories for constipation after childbirth during feeding are used on a natural basis;
- products for breastfeeding are selected with a nutritionist;
- you can use some alternative medicine;
- laxatives for constipation in tablets are prescribed by a doctor;
- the diet should not contradict the nutritional characteristics of breastfeeding.
Herbal medicine
Medicinal herbs for constipation will help a nursing mother if there are no allergies or other contraindications. Herbal remedies are safe, at the same time they increase tone and improve a woman’s immunity without harming the child.
Natural laxative after childbirth - popular folk recipes:
- Gooseberry. A spoonful of herbs is poured with 200 ml of boiling water. The solution is infused for 15 minutes. Take 50 ml on an empty stomach and during the day before meals. You can add fruit for taste.
- Figs with milk. Two spoons of figs are steamed in 200 ml of hot milk. The cooled solution is taken several times with a large spoon. If you are intolerant to dairy products, you can use plain water. The product is safe for infants, and at the same time replenishes the deficiency of microelements and vitamins.
- Fennel, cumin, anise. Two tablespoons of raw material are poured into 500 ml of boiling water. After infusion, the product is taken half a glass 2-3 times.
Each herbal recipe must be used with caution, as there is a high risk of allergies to plants that have not been used before. After nursing birth, any unknown remedy for constipation should be discussed with your doctor.
Drugs safe for hepatitis B
The laxative after childbirth should be mild and not affect the quality of milk in any way. Medicines should be taken only as directed. It is possible to use Slabicap drops, Lactulose syrups, Duphalac for constipation, Forlax, Fortrans powders.
Regulax, Bisacodyl, Guttalax, Dulcolax are strictly prohibited during lactation.
What laxative can a breastfeeding mother use:
- Duphalac. Do not take if you are intolerant to the main component or have severe pain in the intestines.
- Lactulose. Begins to take effect within 24-48 hours. Such a laxative after childbirth is contraindicated in case of intolerance, flatulence, or bleeding.
- Phytomucil. Includes plantain and plum. Not used for inflammatory processes or allergies to substances.
Laxative tablets after childbirth are far from the only treatment. Suppositories have worked well for constipation during breastfeeding. The body is also gently affected by the Microlax microenema, which begins to act within 15 minutes.
Safe suppositories after childbirth for constipation, which will help eliminate severe constipation:
- suppositories for constipation on glycerin - cannot be used for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, burning and pain;
- Evacue suppositories are a gentle alternative to enemas, act quickly - 10 minutes, are not used for allergies, severe inflammation, intolerance.
Postpartum suppositories for constipation are good because they give an effect almost immediately, when many tablets and solutions require more than 24 hours.
It is better not to combine a laxative during breastfeeding for a mother with suppositories, as adverse reactions may occur, including diarrhea syndrome.
An enema that directly affects the large intestine, softening the stool in it, will also help a nursing mother with constipation. It can be made from flaxseed. Several treatments may be required per day.
Diet change
There are useful foods for constipation during breastfeeding and unacceptable ones. The list is compiled in such a way that it does not affect the baby.
After giving birth, nursing mothers can eat such healthy foods as:
- oatmeal;
- kefir;
- beet;
- bran (not wheat);
- vegetable stew.
There are a number of prohibited products, they should be completely excluded:
- White bread;
- currants, strawberries;
- beans;
- Tea coffee;
- blueberry;
- cheese;
- pear;
- slimy soups.
It is recommended to maintain a drinking regime. A woman can drink a lot of water, compotes, milk, yoghurts, herbal decoctions, laxative tea. Carminative infusions from chamomile, nettle, calendula, raspberries, strawberries, mint, hawthorn, and anise will be useful.
Special exercises
To normalize motor skills and restore stool, the following exercises will be useful:
- On your back, arms straight, legs bent. Take a deep breath, then hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale with full force.
- Standing, legs apart. Turn your torso to the side, lift your arm, and inhale. Repeat with the other hand.
- On the back. As you inhale, raise your right arm and left leg, and as you exhale, lower it. Repeat with each limb.
- On the back. As you inhale, lift your pelvis, hold it for a few seconds, and lower it.
Such exercises will help not only improve bowel function, but also get back in shape after childbirth. It is recommended to perform them every day if you feel well.
How to use glycerin suppositories correctly
Suppositories are used rectally. The most suitable time is 15–20 minutes after eating (preferably after breakfast). The standard dosage for adults is 1 glycerin suppository 2.11 g or 2 suppositories 1.24 g per day.
Before using the suppository, you should wash your hands well with cold water and soap - your fingers will then be cool and the candle will not melt. If your fingernails are long, it is better to cut them so as not to injure the intestinal mucosa. An unopened candle can be put in the refrigerator for half an hour or kept under running cold water for a short time. This will make it hard and easier to insert. You cannot lubricate the candle with any oils (mineral liquid or solid).
Colorless candle, rounded torpedo-shaped
You need to take a comfortable position, the optimal one - lying on your left side, while pulling your right leg towards you, open the package, take out the suppository. If desired, you can use disposable gloves or a fingertip (this is especially recommended if long nails are not cut). With one hand you need to spread the buttocks and hold them, with the other hand you need to insert the candle into the anus, to a depth of at least 2.5 cm, behind the sphincter. The muscles should be extremely relaxed. Bring your buttocks together, squeeze tightly for a short time. It is recommended to remain in the side position for a few more minutes. After this, remove gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
All manipulations must be carried out very carefully and at the same time quickly, otherwise the candle will melt and it will not be possible to insert it.
It is recommended to cool the glycerin suppository before use, and keep your hands cool.
The effect of the suppository begins almost immediately; after a few minutes the urge to have a bowel movement may appear. If this does not happen (for example, there was prolonged constipation), then re-administration of the drug is possible after a day.
If normal intestinal motility has been restored, suppositories no longer need to be used.
Release form and cost
The drug is produced by Russian pharmaceutical companies in the form of rectal suppositories, slightly yellowish in color and slightly translucent, in the form of standard suppositories. Glycerin gives them a slightly oily consistency and a barely perceptible specific odor.
Packed in polymer cells of 10 pieces per package. Suppositories are available in pediatric and adult dosages, 1.24/2.11 g of purified glycerol, respectively.
The cost of candles is quite affordable for any consumer - prices range from 140-240 rubles. per package, depending on the dosage and the distributor’s markup.
How can you replace suppositories with glycerin during pregnancy?
Glycerin suppositories cope with their task quite successfully, but there are cases when they cannot be used, at the moment it is not possible to purchase this drug or it does not have the desired effect. Then other medications come to the rescue to combat constipation.
Important: before using any medications, consultation with a doctor is required! It will help you choose the right product approved for use during pregnancy.
There is no absolute guarantee that glycerin suppositories will help, so your doctor will select the remedy that is right for you
I would like to note that before trying to get rid of constipation with the help of medications, a pregnant woman should try to improve her diet, drink more, and change her lifestyle. After all, it is often in the violation of these points that the causes of many health problems are hidden.
When talking about the treatment of constipation in pregnant women, it is necessary to mention preparations based on senna, a herb with a weak laxative effect. It acts on the muscles of the intestine, causing it to contract. But the plant also has an effect on the uterus and can provoke the appearance of tone and contractions, which can lead to miscarriage. Senna is contraindicated for expectant mothers at any stage of pregnancy.
Constipation medications allowed for pregnant women - table
| Drug name | Release form | Active substance | Contraindications | Side effects | Use during pregnancy |
| Glycelax | rectal suppositories | glycerol (glycerin) |
| In case of long-term use:
| During pregnancy, it can be prescribed according to indications. |
| Dinolak | emulsion for oral administration |
|
| Long-term use may cause water and electrolyte imbalance:
| |
| Lactulose | syrup | liquid lactulose |
|
| |
| Microlax | solution for rectal administration |
| Increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. | Very rarely:
| Possibly, but there have been no strictly controlled studies in pregnant women. |
| Mukofalk | granules for the preparation of suspension for oral administration | psyllium seed hull powder |
|
| There are no restrictions or contraindications. |
| Regulax Picosulfate | drops for oral administration | sodium picosulfate |
|
| Contraindicated in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, use can be carried out only after a thorough assessment of the need and risks, since there is not enough information about the safety of the drug for expectant mothers. |
| Forlax | powder for solution for oral administration | macrogol 4000 (ethylene glycol) |
|
| No negative impact is expected. |
Medicines for constipation during pregnancy - photo gallery
Glycelax - suppositories with glycerin prescribed for pregnant women
Dinolak - a combination of simethicone and lactulose to prevent constipation and normalize intestinal microflora
Lactulose syrup and its analogues are effective and safe preparations for expectant mothers
Microlax is a microenema often used by pregnant women.
Mukofalk - a herbal remedy for constipation
Regulax Picosulfate - drops that save you from problems with bowel movements
Forlax - powder for dilution in water, which helps with difficulties with bowel movements
Nutritionist Petra Fricke on digestion in pregnant women - video
Causes of irregular bowel movements
Problems with the intestines after childbirth are one of the main ones, since they are more related to changes in diet and the subsequent reaction of the body.
Often, women in labor themselves provoke the formation of constipation (including diarrhea) after the birth of a child by abusing the consumption of small amounts of permitted foods. But this is far from the only reason for the presented confused problem:
- The first reason is a psychological factor - a woman is simply afraid to go to the toilet, or rather to strain. The cause of fear is the pain that occurs immediately after childbirth, even if it passed without complications - stitches in the perineum, and even more so a caesarean section.
- The second reason is nutritional disorders. And we are talking not only about eating a meager diet, but also about not considering the menu. So, women in labor who are now determined to breastfeed their baby should pay attention to the menu in the maternity hospital. Based on the proposed dishes, they are guided in the future. Immediately after childbirth, it is important to exclude prohibited foods, dishes and drinks - most of the prohibitions contribute to the stagnation of feces.
This is important: Proper nutrition after childbirth is necessary for improved lactation, intestinal function, and the health of the child. The diet of a nursing mother includes only healthy foods rich in fiber, vitamins and microelements.
Clinical manifestations
How does constipation manifest in a nursing mother? This is the lack of regular bowel cleansing, the problem of moving feces through all departments. When breastfeeding, this may include heaviness and bloating in the abdomen, and a feeling of incomplete bowel cleansing. Due to all this, the nursing mother’s appetite is completely absent or reduced. And as a result, pain in the abdomen, headaches, sleep disturbances, decreased ability to work, mood lability (increased nervousness and aggressiveness) of the nursing mother. In this case, the feces are hard, reminiscent of sheep feces, and their quantity is sharply reduced. There may be an unpleasant odor from the mouth, the tongue is covered with a white coating. The skin becomes flabby, inelastic and dry, acquiring a yellowish tint. All this negatively affects both lactation and the well-being of the newborn.
Reviews from mothers about suppositories with glycerin
Glycerin suppositories are a very common means of combating constipation in pregnant women. Expectant mothers use this drug and then share their impressions of its effectiveness.
Positive reviews
Glycerin suppositories helped immediately and the effect lasted for 2 days.
Karina https://www.babyblog.ru/user/SunLady/387379
In the last month of pregnancy, it was the only thing that saved her.
It didn’t cause a burning sensation, it acted gently, there was no addiction. After childbirth, when everything hurts - first aid. dommel-kummel https://irecommend.ru/content/oni-deistvitelno-pomogayut-no-stoit-li-polzovatsya-imi-chasto-i-kak-zhe-eshche-pomoch-kishec
I was saved by them.
You can have them, but not regularly! Lenusya M https://www.babyplan.ru/blog/12582/entry-154876-svechi-s-glitserinom/#ixzz4OtN9L2gr
Suppositories with glycerin are a THING!!! And it’s safe for pregnant women, but don’t overuse it, otherwise the intestines will stop working on their own! They have been helping me throughout my pregnancy, so I also keep them at home all the time.
