Can i take metamucil while pregnant

Metamucil, or psyllium, is a bulk-forming laxative that works by drawing water into stools, making them softer and easier to pass. Although psyllium works well for occasional constipation, it can also be habit-forming.

In other words, you may become dependent on Metamucil to produce a bowel movement if you take the medication for an extended period of time.

Metamucil has a category B classification for pregnancy, which means that there were no adverse effects found in animal studies, but no controlled studies exist for pregnant women. Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent constipation from occurring or treat it if you are already experiencing it: Eat a high fiber diet: Ideally, you will consume 25 to 30 grams per day of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, breakfast cereals, whole-grain bread, prunes, and bran.

This helps ensure bulkier stools that are easier to poop. Drink a lot of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, particularly when increasing fiber intake helps ensure softer stools. Drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids each day. It is the combination of a high fiber diet and plenty of liquids that best help you eliminate your waste.

Exercise routinely: If you are inactive, you have a greater chance of constipation. Walking, swimming and other moderate exercises will help the intestines work by stimulating your bowels.

Schedule exercise three times a week for minutes each. Over-the-counter remedies: There are over-the-counter products such as Metamucil Category B which may help soften your bowel movements and reduce constipation. Always speak to your health care provider before using over-the-counter medications.

Reduce or eliminate iron supplements: Iron supplements may contribute to constipation. Good nutrition can often meet your iron needs during pregnancy.

Taking smaller doses of iron throughout the day rather than taking it all at once can reduce constipation. Talk to your health care provider about checking your iron levels and recommendations to manage iron intake during pregnancy.

Check with your health care provider, however, before taking any medication — including stool softeners and other types of laxatives — to treat pregnancy constipation. Keep in mind that pregnancy constipation can often be prevented with lifestyle changes.

For example:. If you take iron supplements, mention the constipation to your health care provider. Although iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy, too much iron can contribute to pregnancy constipation.

You might have to take a stool softener if you are taking an iron supplement. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you. If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. When she developed painful hemorrhoids as a result of straining, Hedrick knew it was time to put some serious effort into softening her stools.

The result, though, is harder stools that are more difficult to pass. And there are plenty of natural ways to curb constipation before it gets to that point—prevention, says Wong, is key.

What to do if you get constipated The best line of defense, according to Calgary registered midwife Nicola Strydom, is threefold: a high-fibre diet , plenty of fluids and moderate physical activity. Often something warm first thing in the morning, like herbal tea or hot lemon water, is enough to get things going. As for exercise—a to minute walk a day can be enough to stimulate digestion.