constipation...

I know that constipation is a common issue after surgery, but it hasn't been an issue for me. Now that I'm taking prenatals I have had more problems. I'm guessing it's the extra iron. What can I take to help. Will colace or miralax be okay while pregnant?

The active ingredient in Colace is a category C drug. Wouldn't recommend it unless your OB says take it. Miralax is also a Category C as well. Here's some info I pulled off a site for ya:

How can I prevent or treat constipation during pregnancy?

Prevention and treatment of constipation involve much of the same thing. Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it:

• Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole grain breads, prunes and bran.
• Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly with your increase of fiber. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and lots of liquid that best help you eliminate your waste. Sweat, hot/humid climates, and exercise may increase your need for additional fluids.
• Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels. Schedule exercise three times a week for 20-30 minutes each.
• Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil (Category B) which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications.
• Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy. Taking smaller doses of iron throught the day rather than taking it all at once can reduce constipation. Talk to your health care provider about checking your iron levels and recommendations to manage iron intake during pregnancy.

What remedies should not be used for constipation during pregnancy?

Laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration.

Mineral oils should NOT be used during pregnancy because there is an increased reduction in nutrient absorption.

My OB will only allow me to try to drink extra water, eat more fiber, and exercise. If that doesn't cure it, she wants me to do a water pill enema? It works in three hours. She said she will only approve medications after all those are being done and only if it is really bad. 

Traci

I've been having a lot of problems with that too.  My dr told me drink water and plumsmart light prune juice (8ozs daily).  I'm also allowed to use milk of mag.....but the plumsmart seems to be working pretty good.

I just took Mag citrate and I read the lable to make sure it didn't say anything about being preggers. It didn't say anything about not taking it. I am in my tww but I am cautious since I lost one in July.

Just an FYI in case you used it or might use it, Mag citrate is a category C drug.

"This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. This medication is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding." (http://www.medicinenet.com/magnesium_citrate-oral/article.ht m)

 Really?

lol, well yeah, according to the info I found.

My dr said Surfak was okay and I my OB specialized in high risk pregnancies. All it does is soften the stools, also she said to take Citracal daily. Sometimes I had to use suppositores because it was so painful i would be in tears the best thing is to prevent the problem and get regular they actually make prenatals that have colace in them!

Nothing is safe during pregnancy its either not safe at all or maybe not be safe or should be safe  etc. Nothing is "safe" But you being miserable or getting a bowel obstruction will not be good for you or the baby!

Good luck!