Microlax enema during pregnancy: method of application, price, analogues, reviews from pregnant women

One of the common problems that can arise in a woman carrying a baby is gastrointestinal disorders.
At this time, the endocrine, nervous systems, hormonal levels and circulatory system of a woman undergo enormous changes. Naturally, in one way or another they affect other organs and systems, including the digestive system. A pregnant woman often experiences abdominal pain, heartburn, flatulence, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, and constipation. All these conditions require treatment, since they negatively affect the baby, because improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract leads to the child not absorbing nutrients, and with constipation, toxins accumulate in the mother’s body, which negatively affect both herself and the baby.

We will talk about how to help a woman with irregular bowel movements, and about the peculiarities of using the drug Microlax during pregnancy.

• Indications for use
• Safety of the drug for the fetus
• How to use: instructions
• Impact speed
• How many times a day can you use
• Contraindications

Indications for use

Constipation can occur in an expectant mother due to natural processes, since the uterus enlarges several times leads to the fact that it compresses the intestines. Thus, its normal peristalsis is disrupted.

Another reason for delayed bowel movement is an increase in the level of progesterone in the blood of a pregnant woman, a hormone that reduces the motor activity of the uterus. Simultaneously with this action, it provokes a decrease in intestinal activity.

Constipation can also be caused by a sedentary lifestyle, taking medications, or poor diet.

this problem :

• drinking plenty of water a day (at least two liters), including a glass of warm water on an empty stomach;
• introducing into the daily diet foods that have a good effect on the gastrointestinal tract, especially those rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, herbs), fermented milk products;
• physical activity, daily light physical exercise;
• excluding incompatible products from the menu;
• not consuming products containing dyes, preservatives, flavorings, canned food, spicy and smoked foods, semi-finished products, carbonated drinks.

If a woman knows about her problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then she should undergo diagnostics and treat them at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Important! If any, even minor, problems with the gastrointestinal tract appear during pregnancy, you must notify your gynecologist about it. Having collected the necessary information, he will decide on a possible consultation with a gastroenterologist.

If, after following the above recommendations, the problem does not go away, the doctor may recommend
taking special laxatives . One of these remedies is Microlax, which is often recommended for pregnant women. It is prescribed for constipation, as well as to cleanse the colon before medical procedures and before childbirth.

The mechanism of action of microenemas is to break down solid feces using special substances - peptizers (sorbitol, sodium citrate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate) and remove them out. As a result of the use of the drug, the contents of the intestine are liquefied, the necessary water enters it, peristalsis is stimulated, and defecation is facilitated.

Eating foods rich in fiber will help get rid of constipation: grapes, apples, pears, oranges, lemons, parsley, beets, grapefruits, apricots, strawberries, peaches, dried fruits.

Despite the fact that there is no clear opinion among doctors as to whether a pregnant woman needs to do an enema immediately before giving birth, if a woman makes such a decision and is advised by a doctor, then Microlax is just suitable for this procedure. It is administered before contractions.

However, today, bowel movements are only mandatory if a woman is prone to constipation , since dense stool can make it difficult for the baby to pass through the birth canal when it enters the pelvic area. An enema is also recommended for pregnant women who are prescribed a cesarean section.

However, a woman must understand that during contractions and when she pushes, the emptying process will occur 100%. Therefore, if possible, it is still better to prepare and empty your bowels in advance. This can be done immediately after the plug comes out, the abdomen subsides, or the first contractions occur, but before the amniotic fluid breaks.

Did you know? The largest human internal organ is the small intestine - its length is four times the average human height.

Can Microlax be used by pregnant women?

In most cases, the effect of using the drug is very quick. On average, the therapeutic effect occurs within 5-15 minutes, sometimes longer. Everything is individual. If 20-30 minutes after the administration of the enema there is no urge to defecate, either the drug did not work or it was administered incorrectly.

In principle, both drugs can be used during pregnancy. In glycerin suppositories, the active ingredient is glycerin, while Microlax has a more complex composition. The cost of glycerin suppositories is almost 2 times, and sometimes more, cheaper than microenemas. Microlax acts faster - within 5-15 minutes, while suppositories can act from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

To eliminate constipation, it is necessary to introduce fermented milk products into the diet, increase the volume of fluid consumed, do household chores and exercise.

If the above methods are ineffective, doctors resort to drug therapy. If Microlax is not suitable or is contraindicated for a woman, the gynecologist should prescribe another medicine that will also not be absorbed into the intestinal walls and will not increase its peristalsis. As a rule, microenemas are replaced with rectal suppositories or tablets.

Microlax has no structural analogues, however, doctors resort to replacing the medicine with the following drugs:

• Transipeg. It retains water in the intestines and helps dilute stool. The drug is produced in the form of powders, which must be dissolved in water before use. Its positive aspects include the lack of influence on the fetus and the ability to be absorbed into the intestinal wall. However, the drug begins to act only after a few days, often causes diarrhea, and has many contraindications.
• Defenorm. This is a preparation based on plantain. It is available in capsules and tablets, the effect occurs after six hours, causing the stool to expand and soften. Its disadvantages include a slight irritating effect on the walls of the rectum. This medicine does not affect the fetus.
• Softovak. This is another herbal drug, but there is no data on its effect on a pregnant woman.
• Glycerax. Rectal suppositories contain glycerol, which activates peristalsis. On the advice of a gynecologist, it can be used during pregnancy.

Constipation can be eliminated by using folk remedies that have a mild laxative effect, reduce abdominal pain, and relieve spasms. The use of any means, especially herbs, must be agreed with a gynecologist. Under the supervision of a doctor, pregnant women can take infusions of flax seeds, chamomile decoctions, and castor oil. Patients can eat lemon balm, mint, motherwort, plantain, dill, ginger, currant and blueberry leaves, and prunes.

Safety of the drug for the fetus

Of course, constipation has a negative impact on the baby’s condition. Firstly, it causes inconvenience to the expectant mother, and, accordingly, her poor health directly affects the child. Secondly, as we have already said, it can be poisoned by toxins that linger in the mother’s body for a long time.

Thirdly, if a woman has to push frequently during bowel movements, this can lead to uterine tone, which is dangerous for the course of pregnancy and can lead to premature termination. In addition, the development of hemorrhoids is possible.

Therefore, constipation definitely needs to be eliminated and treated . And Microlax is one of the most harmless drugs that helps to empty the intestines. This is, in particular, written in the instructions for use: during pregnancy, it can be used according to the doctor’s decision.

The safety of the drug is also evidenced by the fact that it can be used during lactation, without the need to stop breastfeeding. The drug has an effect only in the intestines, it does not penetrate into the blood.

Analogs

Knowing how Microlax is used during pregnancy, we can name the two analogues closest to this drug - Forlax and Fitomucil.

The first drug, Forlax, is a powder consisting of an active substance - macrogol - and auxiliary components. This is a laxative that helps retain water molecules and liquefy stool. The drug is used orally (inside), it is necessary to dilute the powder in a glass of water. The main restriction on use is that the drug should not be taken by children under 8 years of age. The medicine is not contraindicated during pregnancy; its safety has been proven. But, at the same time, there is evidence that after discontinuation of the drug, the intestines “refuse” to work independently for some time.

The average price for the drug is 350 rubles.

The next analogue, Fitomucil, is a herbal preparation. Its active components are the shell of plantain seeds and plum pulp. It contains a large amount of dietary fiber and is completely free of dyes and additives. The drug is administered orally, one or two sachets per day. There are no age restrictions for use: children under three years of age, older children, adults and the elderly are allowed to drink. Diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal diseases are also not contraindications. Use is allowed in any trimester of pregnancy. This medicine acts somewhat milder than Microlax due to its herbal origin, but its effectiveness is lower for the same reasons. Its price ranges from 200 to 250 rubles.

How to use: instructions

"Microlax" is a microenema in the form of a tube, the contents of which are administered rectally. The drug contains 5 ml of a special solution in the form of a thick liquid.

Before insertion, you must thoroughly wash your hands and clean the anus. Take the tube in your hands and remove the seal from its tip. Then squeeze the tube slightly with your fingers so that one drop of solution flows out of the tip. The drug should completely lubricate the tip - this will make it easier to slide when inserted into the anus.

After this, the tip is completely inserted into the colon - the entire length of 5 cm. The contents of the tube are squeezed out by squeezing.

Important! After squeezing out all the contents, you should not loosen the tube. It is removed from the colon without stopping squeezing

.
After using the drug, you should wash your hands. Dispose of the tube by throwing it in the trash.

Preventing constipation in pregnant women

Simple recommendations will help pregnant women get rid of constipation, namely:

1. Normalization of lifestyle. After going on maternity leave, women face the problem of physical inactivity. Lack of physical activity and basic walks negatively affects the functioning of the intestines.
2. Water balance. It is important to maintain a drinking regime, drinking 1.5 liters of fluid per day will help a woman prevent constipation.
3. Prevention of stress. Constipation occurs not only due to physical inactivity; stress can provoke indigestion.
4. Nutrition. Eating monotonous food leads to gastrointestinal disease. The diet should be balanced; each day’s menu should include a combination of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and juices. Avoid consumption of salty and fatty foods.

Attention! Compliance with the described rules will prevent constipation and eliminate the use of laxatives. These rules will help avoid constipation in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Impact speed

According to the instructions and reviews, after using Microlax, emptying occurs within 5-15 minutes. Very rarely the effect should wait up to 40 minutes.

Often women in an interesting position are plagued by pain in the lower back, tailbone, swelling and dizziness.

Frequency of use of Microlax during pregnancy

It is worth noting that there are not so many medications intended for the treatment of constipation that women can take during pregnancy. Therefore, Microlax is rightfully one of the best products approved for use by pregnant women. But this does not mean that you need to resort to its use immediately after you experience constipation. In fact, Microlax relieves a person of stagnant feces, and it acts temporarily. That is, the medicine is not able to relieve you of constipation forever. It can only temporarily relieve the body and facilitate the emptying of the rectum. In addition, repeated and uncontrolled use of Microlax can be addictive.

The best way to relieve constipation is naturally. For example, move more, play sports and eat more easily digestible foods.

Updated: 11/01/2017 18:16 Source: malysham.info

How many times a day can you use

If you are concerned about how often you can use Microlax, then you need to understand that this drug does not eliminate the problem and does not help with chronic constipation. It can only be used occasionally to have a bowel movement once a day. For treatment, other means will be needed, and most importantly, establishing the main cause of the delay in emptying and its elimination.

Microclysters should not be used regularly, as this can cause constipation to become chronic. Other negative consequences for the course of pregnancy are also possible.

Microenema "Microlax": composition and properties of the drug

The instructions for the drug indicate that it can be used during pregnancy.
And doctors themselves often prescribe it to their patients with such a delicate problem. The drug has an exclusively local effect, is not absorbed into the bloodstream, and does not in any way affect the tone of the uterine muscles or the fetus itself. Therefore, it is prescribed both in the early stages and in the later stages. Microlax is used to eliminate single or chronic constipation, as well as to cleanse the intestines immediately before childbirth. There is nothing easier than doing a Microlax enema; the only way to use it is to administer it at the destination. The drug has an effect only in the lumen of the rectum. For one enema, 1 tube of the drug is used. The tube is equipped with a special tip so that it can be inserted immediately. There is no need to use a regular enema separately.

It is no secret that before giving birth, a woman is given an enema to empty her intestines of feces. It is prescribed instead of an enema. In some maternity hospitals, enemas are now not given, and women are immediately told to give themselves an enema with Microlax as soon as the first contractions appear. But most doctors are against such enemas, because they soften the stool, and the intestines may not be completely cleansed.

Before giving birth, it is better to do a classic enema to thoroughly cleanse the intestines of feces.

Although women's doctors generally have a negative attitude towards the use of an enema during pregnancy, many of them still allow and even recommend that patients use the Microlax microenema. It comes in the form of a clear solution filled with small beads of oxygen. Its structure is characterized by viscosity. Microlax is sold in a tube with an extended tip. One microenema contains 5 mg of solution. The package contains from 4 to 12 enemas.

When it gets into the stool, the drug softens it and stimulates bowel movements of the expectant mother. The use of the solution not only speeds up the act of defecation, but also helps eliminate pain after it. The effect of using microenemas is observed after 5–10 minutes.

The drug is approved for use to relieve constipation in women carrying a child due to its safe composition. The active ingredients of Microlax help moisturize and irritate the rectum, thereby stimulating the urge to defecate. Auxiliary components of the solution are water, sorbic acid, glycerin.

The active components of Microlax include:

• Sodium citrate. Displaces water contained in feces, promoting their excretion.
• Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. Liquefies feces.
• Sorbitol. Stimulates the flow of water into the intestines.

Studies have shown that Microlax during pregnancy does not affect either the mother or the child, since its active substances do not enter the blood. In isolated cases, individual intolerance to the components of the solution is observed.

In the early stages of pregnancy, women often experience constipation (more in the article: constipation in early pregnancy). They occur due to changes in hormonal levels and weakening of the functions of intestinal smooth muscles.

Gynecologists advise patients during this period only to follow a diet - exclude fried and fatty foods and enrich their diet with foods rich in fiber. Physical activity is another way to get rid of an unpleasant problem. If both methods do not have the proper effect and become ineffective, doctors resort to the use of microenemas.

At later stages, that is, at the end of the second and throughout the third trimester, there is an increase in pressure on the intestines due to active weight gain of the fetus. Constipation during pregnancy can also be caused by certain medications that gynecologists prescribe to maintain the patient’s condition, for example, medications that reduce uterine tone and contain calcium and iron.

Side effects

Like any other medicine, Microlax can cause side effects. Although this is very rare, it is generally well tolerated by those taking it. Occasionally it can provoke :

• burning in the anal area (as a rule, this happens if there is damage to the mucous membrane);
• allergic reactions (itching and rashes).

Did you know? The largest cell in the human body is the egg - it can be seen with the naked eye. Its diameter is 130 microns. The smallest cell is the sperm. Its length is 55 microns.

Enema: benefits and harms

At first glance, an enema seems like a lifeline that will help in a delicate situation and relieve painful discomfort. To some extent, this is true, since cleansing enemas soften stool, gently rid the intestines of them and prevent poisoning of the body with toxins and wastes.

However, such a procedure is an emergency method to solve the problem, only a temporary measure that does not solve the main problem. If the enema is carried out as prescribed by a doctor, then you can expect positive results. Those who abuse enemas may encounter the following problems:

• “Lazy bowel” syndrome develops, which loses the ability to independently push out feces.
• An enema not only cleanses, but also washes away beneficial bacteria, resulting in the development of dysbacteriosis.
• Under the influence of an enema, the muscles are weakened and the intestinal walls are stretched, the recovery of which will take a lot of time.

The benefits and harms of an enema depend entirely on the frequency of the manipulation. If you approach this event wisely, then the risk of complications and adverse reactions is minimized.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications to the use of the drug, the instructions indicate only one - the presence of an individual intolerance to the components of the drug . There are no contraindications for the use of Microlax during early pregnancy.

Of course, all pregnant women want every time they carry a baby to feel good and not face health problems.

However, often the successful course of pregnancy largely depends on the behavior of the expectant mother: lifestyle, proper and balanced nutrition, psychological attitude, timely planned visits to the gynecologist, following his recommendations and taking tests.

The expectant mother needs to listen to changes in the body and promptly report negative ones to the doctor. Only he has the right to prescribe medications, including Microlax. Self-medication during pregnancy is unacceptable.

Pregnancy Medicines Health

Causes of constipation during pregnancy

Constipation (constipation) is difficult and irregular bowel movement. In pregnant women, constipation is explained by the peculiarities of their position and can occur due to the following reasons:

• an increase in the body of a pregnant woman in the amount of a hormone such as progesterone, which can relax the intestinal walls and reduce its peristalsis;
• an increase in the size of the uterus due to the growth of the embryo in it and its compression of internal organs, including the intestines (while the intestines cannot fully get rid of feces);
• active intake of drugs based on iron and calcium;
• decreased physical activity (due to medical conditions, excessive weight gain, etc.);
• reducing fiber-containing foods in a pregnant woman’s diet, since many expectant mothers eat exclusively tasty and not healthy foods;
• increasing the amount of food consumed, since many women in this position try to eat for two;
• insufficient amount of fluid in the body, which can be explained by limiting the amount of drinking during edema, as well as loss of fluid due to vomiting during toxicosis or gestosis.

Consequences of the problem

What danger does constipation pose to pregnant women? So, they:

• contribute to the development of hemorrhoids and the appearance of rectal fissures;
• feces that leave the body untimely release toxins that poison the bodies of the mother and baby;
• microbes that multiply in these feces can provoke dysbiosis in the baby, since its intestinal microflora is formed against the background of the mother’s intestinal microflora;
• with severe constipation and excessive straining, uterine tone may occur, and in the later stages, premature birth may even occur;
• constipation can also cause thrush, various inflammations in the rectum, etc.

List of all approved drugs

Regardless of the trimester, only a few laxatives for pregnant women can be used during pregnancy:

• Duphalac;
• Phytomucil;
• Senade;
• Microlax;
• Glycerin suppositories.

Other medications are selected only by the attending physician, based on the condition of the woman, the fetus, the presence of contraindications and concomitant diseases. Here is the main list of drugs, laxatives:

• Lactovit;
• Lactulose;
• Inulin;
• Dufalak;
• Normaze;
• Forlax;
• Magnesium sulfate;
• Exportal;
• Sodium sulfate;
• Laxomag;
• Carlsbad salt;
• Morshyn salt;
• Kafiol;
• Regulax;
• Picolax;
• Guttalax;
• Bisacodyl;
• Defenorm;
• Norgalax;
• Laminaride;
• Angiopax;
• Fiberlex;
• Transipeg;
• Mucofalk.

Anti-constipation pills allow you to get rid of feces before intoxication begins. There is no need to save money and buy an inexpensive, cheap laxative.