Every third woman complains of stool retention after childbirth and 2/3 during pregnancy. But many of the patients perceive the manifestation of this unpleasant symptom as the norm in this period of life. Under no circumstances should this be done! This article will discuss what causes constipation during pregnancy and how to properly treat it with glycerin-based rectal suppositories.
Constipation often becomes a “faithful” companion for pregnant women. Even if a representative of the fair sex leads an active and healthy lifestyle and monitors her diet, problems with bowel movements may arise from time to time. In such cases, doctors recommend using special glycerin suppositories.
Pregnancy and constipation are almost related concepts, since many women suffer from constipation during this period
Symptoms of constipation during pregnancy
Each person has a different frequency of bowel movements. Some people have bowel movements several times a day, and some have bowel movements every 2 days – there’s nothing wrong with that. If there is no stool for 5 days, you can start talking about constipation or a more serious pathology - intestinal obstruction. In any case, the best way out of the situation is to consult a doctor who will prescribe qualified treatment.
Symptoms of constipation:
- stool retention;
- a small amount of feces;
- change in the consistency of stool;
- feeling of incomplete bowel movement.
Possible side effects
The drug, according to reviews, may have side effects, regardless of whether it is used rectally or externally.
When used externally to reduce symptoms of dry skin, the substance may cause the following side effects:
- irritation of the skin surface;
- allergy to the components of the drug.
With systematic rectal use as a laxative, the occurrence of side effects is also possible:
- local allergic reaction, which may manifest itself in the form of burning or itching;
- bowel irritation;
- decreased tone of the rectum, with disruption of the function of natural bowel movement.
Treatment with glycerin suppositories: indications and contraindications
Indications for the use of this medicine are severe, prolonged constipation in expectant mothers.
The drug should not be taken:
- in early and late pregnancy;
- with proctitis or paraproctitis;
Glycerin suppositories during pregnancy help eliminate constipation and restore normal bowel function
- with intestinal obstruction;
- with renal failure;
- in case of loose stools;
- in case of sensitivity to components and allergic reactions.
Rectal glycerin suppositories are often prescribed to expectant mothers because they act quickly and effectively without causing any negative effects on the fetus. However, some doctors still recommend abandoning this drug, as they consider its action to be too aggressive, which can even lead to the threat of miscarriage.
Side effects: itching and burning in the anus, hyperemia, possible weakening of the physiological process of defecation (with long-term use).
Indications for the use of glycerin suppositories
Glycerin suppositories are a laxative approved for use during pregnancy.
Suppositories with glycerin are prescribed by a doctor to solve the problem of constipation. Suppositories should be used if there is no stool for 1–2 days. The product is safe for use during pregnancy, but not the most gentle. Glycerin irritates the intestinal walls, causing it to contract.
Increased peristalsis can negatively affect the tone of the uterus, relaxing it. Therefore, the use of suppositories is not recommended in the early stages of pregnancy, in the first trimester, as well as in the later stages - from 30 to 32 weeks of pregnancy.
Before starting use, you need to consult a doctor who will determine how much suppositories need to be used in each specific case.
The Vaseline contained in the composition softens stool, promoting emptying. Glycerin enhances intestinal contractions, quickly normalizing stool.
Suppositories with glycerin during pregnancy: instructions
During pregnancy, suppositories should only be used once. The daily dose for an adult is 2.11 grams. Method of administering the medicine: 15 minutes after eating, lie down on your side and slowly insert the suppository into the lower passage of the rectum. Stay in this position until the drug is completely dissolved. The effect of using the medicine will occur in about 30 minutes.
Like any drug, they must be used strictly in the indicated dosage and no longer than the recommended time.
Contraindications
There are a number of contraindications for the use of glycerin suppositories:
- abdominal pain of unknown etiology;
- acute appendicitis;
- bleeding and intestinal injury;
- acute form of hemorrhoids;
Glycerin suppositories cannot be used for acute hemorrhoids. - allergy to glycerol or other ingredients of the drug;
- renal failure;
- loose stools;
- proctitis is an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the final intestine;
- paraproctitis - suppuration of the subcutaneous fat layer around the rectum;
- postpartum injuries;
- intestinal cancer.
Reviews about the effectiveness of glycerin suppositories
According to doctors, suppositories have a large number of positive properties:
- speed of impact;
- long lasting effect;
- do not lead to dehydration of the body;
- allowed for adults, children, nursing, elderly people;
- affordable price category (important for buyers).
The high effectiveness of glycerin suppositories is written mainly by women, for whom their use has become the only way to have a good bowel movement.
Olga, 23 years old
Constipation appeared from the very beginning of pregnancy. I tried everything I could: I did enemas, drank syrups, ate prunes and dried apricots. None of this helped. I once found an article on the Internet about a drug for constipation called glycerin suppositories. I decided to try it, but first consulted with my doctor. The effect is great!
Alina, 36 years old
I suffer from constipation quite often, the situation especially worsened at 25 weeks of pregnancy. I consulted my gynecologist, who advised me to try rectal suppositories. Glycerin suppositories are good for constipation. The stool returned to normal almost immediately. Now I don't suffer from this problem!
Glycerin suppositories as a medicine
Glycerin is a drug that belongs to the category of laxatives and is available in the form of suppositories for rectal use, that is, intended for insertion into the anus. The medicine does not have a specific color, since much depends on the batch and manufacturer. As a result, candles may appear clear or slightly cloudy, or have a yellowish-brown tint. The drug does not contain toxic components and is absorbed into the bloodstream in minimal quantities. Glycerin suppositories are available without a doctor's prescription, but this does not mean that they can be used without prior consultation with a specialist, especially when it comes to pregnancy.
Composition of the drug:
- glycerol;
- stearic acid;
- sodium carbonate dehydrate;
- polyethylene oxide
Glycerin suppositories have a laxative effect and also eliminate pain and irritation.
The modern pharmaceutical market offers Glycerin suppositories for adults and children. The difference between these two drugs is the different content of the active substance - glycerol: 2.11 mg and 1.24 mg, respectively.
Features of the use of Glycerin during pregnancy
What is the essence of the action of glycerin suppositories? The fact is that they irritate the intestinal and rectal mucosa, thereby stimulating their contractile function, which has a beneficial effect on the “pushing out” of feces. Moreover, glycerol “attracts” fluid and mucus into the intestines, which helps soften stool and facilitate its painless excretion. The suppositories are removed through the anus along with the waste products of the body.
According to the instructions, Glycerin is not contraindicated for use by pregnant women . Since the medication acts locally and is practically not absorbed into the blood, it does not penetrate the placenta, which means, if used wisely, it cannot in any way harm the mental and physical development of the baby. But its use is strictly contraindicated during gestation without consultation with a gynecologist. Although the drug does not in any way affect the fetus itself, its use may negatively affect the course of pregnancy . This is explained by the fact that glycerol increases the tone of not only the intestines, but also the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, experts advise abandoning these suppositories in the first trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, the use of the drug in all trimesters of pregnancy is possible only as prescribed by a doctor, when a pregnant woman cannot go to the toilet for three days.
How does glycerin work in suppositories?
Glycerin is the active component of rectal suppositories. They have a double effect:
- The suppository itself, inserted into the rectum, irritates the walls and thereby eliminates hypotension of smooth muscles, promoting its contraction and the movement of feces.
- Glycerin in the composition of the drug makes stool softer, which simplifies its movement and exit.
Suppositories containing glycerin are prescribed during pregnancy with virtually no fear. The active substance does not have a toxic effect and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the effect of the drug on the child.
Instructions: how to use and how long does it take to work?
It is advisable to use candles 20-30 minutes after meals.
- It is necessary to wash your hands thoroughly, lie on your side and bend your knees.
- You need to take the candle in your hands, open the package and carefully insert it into the anus, as deep into the rectum as possible.
- After this, you need to lie down for a while so that the candle completely dissolves. Usually this takes no more than 20-30 minutes.
- The woman can then continue with her business, wearing a sanitary pad over her underwear to prevent leakage.
It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, preferably drinking 1.5-2 liters of water during the day.
If excessive dryness is present, external use is acceptable. To do this, you should hold the candle in your hand for a while so that it begins to melt, and treat the area of the skin near the anus.
As a rule, you don’t have to wait long for the drug to take effect : the shell instantly dissolves and the active substance begins to act on the intestines and feces. Within half an hour you will feel the urge to visit the toilet.
In rare cases, when constipation is very severe, this will take longer, but you should not go outside after inserting the suppository.
We invite you to watch a visual video on how to correctly insert a rectal suppository:
Positive aspects of using glycerin suppositories
If a woman in labor experiences pain due to constipation, this aggravates an already difficult situation. In addition to natural postpartum pain in the lower abdomen, a woman may be bothered by recently placed stitches. Glycerin suppositories after childbirth are indispensable helpers. They act quickly, which is exactly what is needed in such a situation. Glycerin is easily absorbed by mucous membranes, but is not absorbed by the skin.
During childbirth, there is a lot of pressure on the hemorrhoids. If feces accumulate in the intestines, the load increases, and this can lead to an exacerbation of the problem. The use of glycerin suppositories after childbirth helps cleanse the intestines and thus prevents blood stagnation, which will subsequently protect against thrombosis.
After childbirth, hemorrhoids may worsen. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to use candles.
