Can I take laxatives if I'm trying to conceive?

Doctor's Answer

Photo of Dr Jarrod Lee
Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

Pregnancy is a risk factor for constipation. Many of our patients with constipation complain that it worsens with pregnancy. In these cases, they may have to take laxatives to help with the constipation symptoms.

Usually, we choose simple and safe laxatives that stay only in the gut and do not enter the body per se. for example, a stool softener like lactulose. Simple lifestyle measures are crucial, including adequate water and fibre intake, and regular exercise.

Senna and other laxatives do not affect fertility. Senna appears to be safe and does not appear to harm the fetus in animal studies. However, there are no human studies to verify its safety. Hence, it is not our preferred laxative in pregnancy.

You may want to consider a formal consultation with a gastroenterologist regarding constipation. It may be useful to understand the type of constipation you have so that the lifestyle measures can be more precise.

Regards

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox