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13 Natural Laxatives For Pregnancy That Really Work
If you are constipated during pregnancy, we have some natural laxatives for pregnancy that you can try right away. Many of these home remedies very effectively relieve constipation during pregnancy.
Well, pregnancy is a miraculous and blessed event, but it also comes with its challenges. A majority of pregnant women experience morning sickness, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. Constipation is a side effect that can happen when your body’s hormones change and when you change what you eat.
Our panel gynaecologist Dr Ankita Patel Tayal says that constipation is common during pregnancy, affecting 16–39% of people at some point. It can occur in all three trimesters, but is most likely to happen in the third trimester when the fetus is the heaviest. Constipation can sometimes continue for up to three months after birth.
Constipation during pregnancy can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, but with this list of safe and natural laxatives, you will have one thing less to worry about.
13 Natural Laxatives For Pregnancy That Really Work
Many factors contribute to pregnancy-related constipation, including shifts in hormone levels, reduced physical activity, increased intestinal water absorption, and the laxative effects of minerals like iron and calcium found in prenatal vitamins.
By the third trimester, your growing uterus may be putting extra strain on your colon, increasing your risk of constipation.
According to Dr Ankita Patel Tayal, MD OBGYN, laxative pills are NOT recommended for the treatment of constipation during pregnancy because they might stimulate uterine contractions and cause dehydration.
The first step in treating constipation during pregnancy is to eat more fiber, move around more, and drink more fluids. If these measures are ineffective, laxatives are the next step.
Following are thirteen potentially effective natural food laxatives for pregnancy
1. Apple juice
Pectin is a form of natural fiber found in apples. Pectin is a special type of soluble fiber with gelling properties. It facilitates digestion in numerous ways.
Pectin is rapidly fermented by bacteria in the gut into short-chain fatty acids, that soften stool and decrease gut transit time by pulling water into the colon1.
Also, apples are high in both dietary fiber and sorbitol, two substances that may help relieve constipation.
Apple juice can have a mild laxative effect. Apples are full of vitamins A and C and other nutrients that help a growing fetus. So it is one of the best options to take for constipation while pregnant first trimester. Blend an apple with hot water after dicing it. Drink it once a day.
2. Virgin coconut oil
Coconut oil is high in healthy fats, which can help relieve constipation. The oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids which give your intestines rapid energy, boost your metabolism, stimulate your bowels, and soften your stools. Because of its lubricating properties, it also facilitates easier bowel movements.
Virgin coconut oil has been hailed as the most effective remedy for this common digestive issue. It is one of the safest stool softeners for pregnancy.
To reap the benefits of virgin coconut oil, try taking a spoonful on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, or mixing it with your favorite beverage.
There are no negative health effects associated with using coconut oil during pregnancy. You can start with 1 teaspoon and increase up to 2 tablespoons per day if necessary.
3. Flax seeds
Research suggests that flaxseeds exhibit laxative properties. When flaxseed is steeped in water, the liquid thickens into a gel.
This can help you have a more pleasant bowel movement by coating and calming the large intestine. It is considered the best natural laxative for pregnancy.
A healthy amount of flaxseed consumption is between 1 and 2 tablespoons per day, despite the lack of official recommendations.
Within eight to twelve hours of taking the first dose, a pregnant woman with mild constipation may feel better. They can have flax seeds twice a day if they aren’t having regular, healthy bowel movements.
Take note: It is recommended that you get your doctor’s okay before incorporating any new substance into your regular routine. If you decide to add flax seeds to your diet, it is recommended that you also increase your water intake.
4. Probiotics
A person’s microbiome includes both the good and bad bacteria that live within their bodies, and probiotics are a component of that microbiome.
The term “probiotics” refers to a mixture of beneficial bacteria and/or yeasts that are already present in the human body. It’s good for your overall health and vitality.
A number of beneficial microbes may be present in probiotics. The most prevalent are yeasts like Saccharomyces boulardii as well as bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Probiotics have shown promising efficacy in recent clinical trials for the treatment of constipation. Due to their low risk and high efficiency, probiotics are a great supplement to a healthy diet for those who want to achieve or maintain regular bowel movements.
Probiotic meals may help people get more of these beneficial bacteria into their systems. Yogurt and kefir are only two examples of the many dairy products that contain probiotics. The probiotic bacteria found in sauerkraut may improve digestive health and ease constipation.
5. Prebiotics
To put it simply, prebiotics and probiotics are two different things. Prebiotics are a type of indigestible carbohydrate fiber that promotes the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. It is known for its laxative properties. Prebiotics include oligosaccharides and inulin.
The good bacteria in your gut ferment these indigestible food substances and get the energy they need to survive by breaking down the binders of the prebiotics.
In comparison to dietary fiber, which relieves constipation by increasing the stool’s bulk and consistency, prebiotics boosts digestive health directly, making them significantly more effective.
6. Citrus fruits
In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C also has laxative effects. There is a flavonoid called naringenin found in citrus fruits that has laxative effects.
This suggests that it has the potential to be effective against constipation. Constipation may be alleviated by eating citrus fruits and drinking citrus juices.
Oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins are just some of the citrus fruits that are rich in fiber and contain compounds that can help relieve constipation. The high water content of citrus fruits aids in keeping the digestive tract and feces soft and easily passed.
Bagasse (the pulp, rind, and seeds) is a rich source of fiber that helps the digestive process. Keep in mind that citrus juice has almost no fiber because the bagasse and peel are thrown away during the juice extraction process. Therefore, citrus in the form of juice is not a good laxative option.
7. Chia seeds
The high fiber content of chia seed allows it to retain as much water as 15 times its weight. The chia seed’s capacity to soak up the liquid in the digestive tract makes it an effective natural laxative.
Constipation severity and digestive tract activity should both be considered when determining the optimal dose of chia seeds. It is recommended to take 1–2 tablespoons in the morning, and if there has been little to no progress by the evening, to take another 1–2 tablespoons.
8. Psyllium husk
Psyllium is a fiber extracted from the seed coats of the Plantago ovata plant. It is a laxative that adds bulk to the stool by attracting water, which also has the effect of softening and loosening the stool.
Psyllium husk (isabgol) is a fiber that, when mixed with liquid, expands and creates more bulk, thereby encouraging the intestines to contract and hastening the movement of feces through the digestive system.
Psyllium is more effective than docusate sodium as a laxative and at softening stools because it increases the amount of water in the stool.
9. Coconut water
Coconut water is a popular hydration drink, even for pregnant women. The drink is a refreshing way to get electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Coconut water can be laxative if consumed in large amounts.
Coconut water’s laxative effects come from magnesium and potassium. In large quantities, like in several cups of coconut water, these minerals may have osmotic laxative properties.
Osmotic laxatives work by attracting water to the intestinal tract, which facilitates bowel movements.
Please take note that the single-serving sizes of coconut water typically found in prepackaged drinks are not sufficient to cause a laxative effect. For the mineral content of coconut water to be effective as a laxative, you’ll need to drink at least four cups.
10. Senna tea
Senna tea is a natural laxative. Senna is used as a laxative because it causes the intestinal muscles to contract, resulting in a bowel movement. Senna’s active chemical components are responsible for these constriction effects.
Senna may be safe for use during pregnancy if used in moderation and for no more than a few weeks. However, it is considered possibly unsafe for long-term use.
11. Cranberry Juice
When it comes to herbs, cranberry is right up there as one of the most popular choices for expecting mothers. The herb has been used for a long time to treat UTIs.
Cranberries are rich in dietary fiber, with approximately 3.6 grams per 100-gram serving. This is one of the factors contributing to its laxative effect.
The sour taste of cranberry juice comes from salicylic acid, or salicylate, which was found to increase the amount of a good strain of gut bacteria called Bacteroidaceae. This strain is thought to help keep the digestive system healthy.
Note: While cranberry juice can help those suffering from constipation, drinking too much of it can have the opposite effect and cause diarrhea.
12. Incorporate magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium is a crucial mineral for human health. Both the regulation of the contraction of all of our muscles and the movement of our bowels are under its purview.
Magnesium has an osmotic effect, which means it draws water into the intestine. It is an effective treatment for nearly all instances of constipation that can occur during pregnancy.
Adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet while pregnant. Magnesium can be found in abundance in whole grains like quinoa, wholemeal bread, inulin bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.
Leafy greens, nuts, and seeds like watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, etc. are also good sources of magnesium. Magnesium is responsible for the laxative effects of foods like legumes, whole grains, and fish like mackerel and sea bass.
13. Prune Juice
Not including this classic laxative would make this list incomplete. It has been known for a long time that prune juice is helpful in relieving constipation. Prunes contain a compound called sorbitol. This compound exhibits laxative properties.
The high fiber content of prune juice must be at least partly responsible for its laxative effects. This insoluble fiber supplies energy for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which promotes good digestion.
This suggests that prunes have great potential as a laxative. One cup of prune juice daily can help regulate bowel movements. It’s okay to eat prunes alone if your preference is to skip the juice.
Some Points To Remember
It’s hard to say which laxative will work better. Certain times of the day, like first thing in the morning or right before bed, are optimal for taking certain natural laxatives. Get a doctor’s opinion on the matter.
There are a few things to remember when using laxatives while pregnant:
- The efficacy of a given laxative varies from person to person, making it impossible to recommend one over another.
- Using laxatives on a daily basis to treat constipation is not only unnecessary, but also dangerous.
- You should only take laxatives occasionally and for up to a week at a time.
- Once your constipation has been alleviated, you should stop using a laxative.
- If a week of laxative use does not relieve your constipation, a trip to the doctor is in order.
- Some changes to your routine as follows may help you avoid future bouts of constipation.
- Taking in a lot of fluids
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet
Conclusion
When pregnant women have constipation, a common complaint, they often wonder if they can take laxatives. If the aforementioned natural laxatives don’t help relieve your constipation, your doctor may recommend a mild laxative.
Temporary use of the mild laxative Milk of Magnesia is considered safe during pregnancy. (source). A bulk-forming agent, such as Metamucil, may also be suggested by your doctor. Last but not least, your doctor may recommend a stool softener containing docusate to help with constipation.
FAQs
1. What are the types of laxatives?
There are four primary classes of laxatives. Osmotic laxatives pull water from the body into the bowel to soften poop. Bulk-forming laxatives increase poo weight, which stimulates the bowel. Stimulant laxatives help move poop to your back passage by stimulating gut muscles. Poo softener laxatives soften feces by allowing water to enter the stool.
2. Side effects of natural laxatives
Depending on the laxative you take, you may experience any number of side effects, including, but not limited to:
1. gassiness, flatulence.
2. stomach aches and pains.
3. Feeling nauseous.
4.Lightheadedness, headaches, and darker-than-usual urine are all symptoms of dehydration.
If you experience any severe or ongoing side effects while taking laxatives, consult your doctor. During pregnancy, there is no room for taking any unnecessary risks. Like other home remedies, natural laxatives can cause unpleasant side effects in some people.