Psyllium Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Warnings
Psyllium is also known as: Alramucil, Cilium, Fiber Capsules, Fiber Eze, Fiberall, Genfiber, Hydrocil, Konsyl, Konsyl for Kids, Konsyl-D, Konsyl-Orange, Laxative Natural, Laxmar, Maalox Daily Fiber Therapy, Metamucil, Metamucil Berry Burst Smooth Texture Sugar Free, Metamucil MultiHealth Fiber, Metamucil Orange Coarse Milled Original Texture, Metamucil Orange Smooth Texture, Metamucil Original Texture Regular, Modane Bulk, Perdiem Fiber Powder, Reguloid, Serutan, V-Lax
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2020.
What Is Safe To Take During Pregnancy
If lifestyle changes dont bring you relief, talk to your health care provider. They may suggest using over-the-counter stool softeners, such as Colace. Stool softeners, which are generally considered safe during pregnancy, add liquid content to the stool, making it easier to pass. Or they may recommend a fiber supplement, like Metamucil, to soften stool and ease constipation. Do not use any OTC product or medication during pregnancy without checking with your provider first.
While occasional constipation can cause abdominal pain, swelling and discomfort, this digestive problem isnt usually harmful to mom or baby. In rare cases, chronic constipation can be a sign of another health issue. Contact your health care provider if you have severe constipation with abdominal pain, constipation that alternates with diarrhea, or if you have mucus or blood in your stool.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Metamucil
Metamucil can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth, possibly making them less effective. If you take any oral medicines, take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take this medicine.
Other drugs may affect Metamucil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
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How To Care For A C
- Keep incision clean and dry
- Let water and soap run over the incision in the shower
- don’t scrub at the incision
- don’t soak in a bathtub
- pat the incision dry with a towel
- dry with your hair dryer on a low setting
Is Benadryl Safe During Pregnancy
Benadryl is considered to be safe during pregnancy. Doctors and nurses recommend this OTC medication to help relieve allergy symptoms, even while youre pregnant. Recent studies have found Benadryl to be safe. However, always remember that no medicine prescription or OTC is ever 100 percent safe during pregnancy.
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What Causes Constipation In Pregnancy
During pregnancy, developments happen from week to week. For example, between weeks one and eight, your embryo will develop arm and leg buds, which will become tiny webbed fingers and toes before the end of week eight.3
Your body responds by adapting to the changes that pregnancy brings. And sometimes, some of your bodyâs responses can cause constipation.
That doesnât mean you need to deal with uncomfortable bowel movements until you deliver your baby. The right fiber supplement can help, and Metamucil is the #1 recommended fiber supplement brand by ObGyns â¡.
Keep reading to learn about the causes and remedies for constipation in pregnancy.
Otc Medications For Constipation During Pregnancy
If these remedies arent working for you, you may need to talk with your doctor or midwife about trying a laxative or stool softener.
Here are some over-the-counter medications that are generally considered safe to take during pregnancy and your provider may suggest :
- Colace : Your doctor might have you try a stool softener, like Colace, first before turning to laxatives. The active ingredient in stool softeners is minimally absorbed by the body, so there is very little chance it could pass to or harm your baby in any way.
- Milk of Magnesia : This is a mild laxative you may need to try if a stool softener alone doesnt do the trick. Milk of Magnesia may have a yucky taste, but it works like a charm for many expecting moms.
- Metamucil : Metamucil is another safe option your provider may suggest. It is a bulk-producing laxative that draws water into the stools, making them softer and easier to pass. Its also used as a fiber supplement.
Bisacodyl and senna are both stimulant laxatives that have been found to be safe in pregnancy. Because they are stimulants, though, they can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea and can lead to dehydration. Some recommendations state that bisacodyl should be avoided during the first trimester. Senna should be taken with caution, and only if your doctor recommends it. . Always make sure to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any OTC medications during pregnancy.
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What Is Milk Of Magnesia Used For During Pregnancy
Milk of magnesia is often used to treat short-term constipation, which is a fairly typical pregnancy symptom. Blame pregnancy hormones like progesterone, which can slow down the passage of food and cause a build-up of waste in the GI tract. Iron supplements are another cause of constipation in pregnant women.
In some cases, magnesium hydroxide can be paired with other medications and used as an antacid, which helps relieve symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.
Your Position On The Toilet
Having a good position on the toilet can help when you are emptying your bowels.
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Psyllium: Because Sometimes You Do Just Need More Fiber
Psyllium is the active ingredient in all Metamucil products. The name, in fact, comes from the mucilaginous property of psyllium, the slimy soluble fiber effect youll also find in soaked flaxseeds, chia seeds, aloe, slippery elm and Sea moss.
The key to resolving constipation through fiber intake is taking in the actual fiber. And it works.
Psyllium is one of the most health supportive and powerful fibre supplements. It is like the great grand-daddy of the fibre world. Yes, it can be gag-inducingly awful to get down, but it is worth it.
Getting The Most From Your Treatment
- Sometimes it may take a few days before you feel the full benefit from a bulk-forming laxative such as psyllium husk. However, if after several days you do not feel that your symptoms are improving, or if they get any worse, you should speak with your physician.
- It is important to drink plenty while you are taking psyllium husk. Adults should aim to drink at least two liters of fluid per day. Most sorts of drink will do, but as a start, try just drinking a glass of water 3-4 times a day in addition to what you normally drink.
- Try to eat a balanced diet containing high-fiber foods such as wholemeal and wholegrain breads and cereals, fruit and vegetables, brown rice and wholemeal pasta. If you are not used to a high-fiber diet, it may be best to increase the amount of fiber you eat gradually.
- Keeping your body active will help you to keep your digestive system moving, so try to take some regular daily exercise.
- You may wish to include some foods that contain sorbitol in your diet. Sorbitol is a naturally occurring sugar. It is not digested very well and draws water into your bowel, which has an effect of softening stools. Fruits that have a high sorbitol content include apples, apricots, grapes , peaches, pears, plums, raspberries and strawberries.
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What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Psyllium
You should not take psyllium if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:
- stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- trouble swallowing or
- a sudden change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.
This medicine may contain sugar, sodium, or phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, phenylketonuria , or if you are on a low-salt diet.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.
Do not give psyllium to a child younger than 6 years old without medical advice.
Is Milk Of Magnesia Bad For Pregnancy
In general, milk of magnesia is safe to use during pregnancy. But, keep in mind that just like any other drug, there are still some risks. For instance, its possible for this laxative to interact with some of your other medications and supplements.
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Can You Take Dayquil While Pregnant
Medications to avoid during pregnancy
Decongestants like Sudafed and DayQuil are generally cautioned against after the first trimester and only in a limited amount. Avoid non-steroidal nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline. Dont take supplemental vitamins or herbal remedies without medical approval.
Could It Be A Sign Of Something More Serious
While most cases of constipation are not a sign of illness, sometimes there are complications such as haemorrhoids, faecal impaction or rectal prolapse. In rare cases, constipation can be caused by more serious conditions such as tumours.
Speak with your doctor if you are concerned, and especially if you notice blood in your stools.
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Is Constipation Normal In First Trimester
During pregnancy, high levels of the hormone progesterone slow down the muscle contractions that normally move food through your system. Add to that the extra iron youre getting from your prenatal vitamin, and the result is uncomfortable constipation and gas that can keep you feeling bloated throughout your pregnancy.
How To Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy
Of all the potential side effects, constipation in pregnancy can be one of the most irritating. Itâs believed that about half of all women experience constipation during pregnancy1, so if youâre feeling it, youâre not alone. This article will discuss how constipation and pregnancy are related, how to avoid constipation, and how to relieve constipation in pregnancy.
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Causes Of Constipation During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, elevated progesterone levels cause smooth muscle to relax, which slows the passage of food through your intestines. This increases water absorption from the bowel and results in constipation. Your rapidly growing uterus, which compresses your intestines and pushes your stomach upward, also contributes to the problem. Stress, lack of exercise and a low-fiber diet can make you constipated too.
Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy
If you find yourself having difficulty going to the toilet, you may need to try these ten pregnancy-safe remedies to get things moving again.
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Constipation: The Backlog Of A Nation
Up to 19% of the North American population are not pooping. So yes, we know constipation is a major issue. We also know the key contributing factors. They typically include :
- Lack of fiber intake in the diet
- Lack of water intake in the diet
- Too much sugar in the diet
- Too much fiber-free starchy carbohydrates
- Gut microflora imbalance
- Stress and anxiety
- Lack of exercise
Heres the thing with constipation it is completely avoidable with proper diet and lifestyle changes.
Heres the other thing about constipation sometimes, despite our best efforts, we are going to get bunged up.
How To Take Psyllium Husk
- Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about psyllium husk and how to take it. It will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.
- Take psyllium husk exactly as your physician tells you to, or as directed on the pack. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing a dose. For an adult, a dose of psyllium husk is taken once, twice or three times a day.
- The powder or granules should be mixed into a full glass of water or fruit juice before swallowing. Capsules should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.
- It is best if you take your doses just after a meal. Never take a dose at bedtime.
- If a physician has recommended psyllium husk for your child, check the label on the pack carefully to make sure that you give the correct dose for the age of your child. Remember to stir the powder or granules into a glass of water before giving it to your child.
- If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
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Can Constipation Be Harmful To My Baby
Constipation isnt usually a cause for concern during pregnancy, but occasionally it can be a symptom of another problem. Be sure to call your OB or midwife if you have constipation accompanied by severe abdominal pain, alternating with diarrhea, or if you pass any blood or mucus.
As long as youre not in labor, straining to pass a bowel movement should not hurt you or your baby. It could cause or worsen hemorrhoids, which are uncomfortable, but nothing to be overly concerned about.
This increase in pressure, like you feel like you have to pass a bowel movement, could be associated with contractions though.
Listen To Your Body
Guidance On Managing Constipation
The first-line treatment for constipation is increasing dietary fibre and fluid intake. Dietary fibre intake can be improved by eating more wholegrain foods, fruit and vegetables, or through wheat or bran fibre supplementation. Where fibre supplementation does not alleviate symptoms, laxatives may be helpful in the short-term, although they can cause adverse side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
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What Dosage Of Milk Of Magnesia Is Safe During Pregnancy
Milk of magnesia is usually taken as a single dose at bedtime, though it can also be split into two or more doses and taken throughout the day.
Some brands recommend taking 1 to 4 tablespoons of the liquid version of milk of magnesia along with an 8-ounce glass of water per dose.
Regardless of how you divvy up the doses, dont take more than the maximum daily amount in any 24 hour-period.
And remember, if youre pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking any dose, and follow your provider’s instructions as well as the directions on the label.
Increase Your Fiber Intake
A diet with high fiber content can help keeps your bowel movements regular. Eat foods rich in fiber daily, like the high-fiber foods on this list. Good sources of fiber include apples, bananas, lentils, raspberries, split peas, and whole grain pasta.
Record your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and go-to snacks in a journal. Keeping a food journal can help, once you have records of what youâve been eating, find out where you can substitute fiber-rich foods. Or add fiber-rich snacks to your diet, like Metamucil Chocolate Fiber Thins, that have 5 grams of fiber in each pack. Talk to your doctor about what fiber-rich foods are best to add during pregnancy.
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Constipation Relief During Pregnancy
The first step in finding constipation relief is to make sure youre drinking lots of water , consuming enough fiber and getting ample activity . If the constipation persists, Metamucil or a mild stool softener such as Colace can help. If youre taking iron supplements, these may be contributing to your constipationtalk with your doctor about possible alternatives. In general, mineral oils, oral laxatives, enemas and rectal suppositories should be taken only after talking with your doctor, because they may stimulate labor.
Drinking plenty of water and eating those fruits and veggies can help prevent constipation later in pregnancy. Staying active can help prevent constipation too.
What Other Pregnant Women Do When They Have Constipation
Ive had some constipation lately, and the only thing that seemed to ease it was Metamucil .
Ive been constipated on and off throughout this pregnancyits one of those symptoms that can be heavily influenced by what you eat. I take Colace to keep things moving when I start to feel a little constipated, but Ive also been eating apples daily to try to keep things moving naturally it really does help!
I had some severe constipation a couple weeks ago, and it is certainly not fun. I suggest getting a bottle of prune juice. Between drinking a glass of prune juice, eating an Activia yogurt and taking one Colace, my constipation has turned around.
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