Constipation is a common occurrence during pregnancy. The increasing size of the uterus puts pressure on the intestines and prevents the free passage of feces. Not all laxatives are allowed to be taken during this period, as they can harm the fetus or jeopardize the pregnancy. One of the safest products used throughout the entire period are rectal suppositories based on glycerin. They are used both during pregnancy and lactation. Let's consider the cases and method of use, side effects and contraindications for Glycelax suppositories with glycerol.
The principle of operation of glycerin suppositories
The active ingredient of glycerin suppositories is trihydric alcohol glycerol (glycerin). It is a viscous, colorless liquid without a distinct odor and is widely used in medicine, the food industry, and the cosmetics industry.
How do glycerol-based rectal suppositories work? They work in two directions:
- When introduced into the rectum, the suppository mechanically irritates its walls. Stimulation of nerve endings helps eliminate intestinal hypotonicity and enhances peristalsis. A person feels the urge to defecate, the intestinal muscles contract and push feces down.
- Due to its chemical properties, glycerin thins and lubricates feces. They soften, become less hard and come out easily.
Glycerol is metabolized in the liver. When the drug is broken down in the blood, the glucose level increases slightly. About 7-14% of glycerol is excreted unchanged in the urine.
pharmachologic effect
Suppositories are introduced into the body rectally and begin to act almost instantly. The active ingredients are absorbed by the body as the candle dissolves. They begin to quickly soften feces, irritating the intestinal walls.
While using these suppositories, the patient's intestines are filled with carbon dioxide and water, which appear due to the chemical reaction of active substances with feces. This provokes the urge to go to the toilet. Practice shows that the maximum effect is achieved within 30 minutes after application. Constipation can be treated immediately, but it is recommended to complete the entire course of treatment to avoid recurrence.
The medicine leaves the body along with bile in less than an hour. Therefore, it is completely safe to use and has almost no contraindications.
When used externally, no side effects occur if the body is not overly sensitive to glycerin and other excipients. The period of application is not limited.
How safe are glycerin suppositories at different stages of pregnancy?
Is it possible to use Glycelax while pregnant? This question worries many expectant mothers, because constipation is a common occurrence during pregnancy, but not all medications are allowed to be taken due to their negative impact on the process of fetal formation.
Glycerin is safe during pregnancy and does not harm either the mother or the embryo. However, suppositories must be used carefully.
What dangers do pregnant women face at different stages:
- The first trimester is from 1 to 13 weeks of pregnancy. In the early stages, use is allowed if there is no threat of miscarriage.
- Second trimester - from 14 to 27 weeks. During this period, the uterus begins to enlarge and put pressure on the intestines, causing the woman to experience constipation. It is allowed to use candles if there is no risk of miscarriage.
- Third trimester - from 28 weeks until birth. The use of suppositories in later stages should be treated with caution. The doctor prescribes them only if there is no likelihood of premature birth.
Suppositories with glycerol are often used before childbirth instead of an enema. They cleanse the intestines and have a stimulating effect on the muscles, helping the woman in labor.
Contraindications
Having monitored reviews of the use of glycerin suppositories in pregnant women and nursing mothers, the conclusion is quite optimistic. The drug is one of the few pharmacological products, the use of which during gestation and lactation does not threaten serious negative consequences. Glycerin suppositories are not prescribed if:
- intestinal obstruction;
- malfunction of the urinary system;
- acute hemorrhoids;
- abdominal pain of unknown etiology;
- inflammation of perirectal tissue;
- damage to the intestinal mucosa;
- tumor-like neoplasms;
- individual intolerance to the active ingredients.
Important! Laxatives should not be used frequently or for a long period of time. With systematic use, addiction develops, called “lazy bowel” syndrome. The effect of using glycerin suppositories is reduced, and without additional stimulation, difficulties with bowel movements worsen.
If constipation occurs in pregnant women with periodic regularity, this is evidence of an incorrectly chosen diet and drinking regimen, or hidden gastrointestinal diseases. In such a situation, glycerin suppositories are useless. The drug temporarily eliminates the symptoms of functional problems, but does not affect the cause of their occurrence.
Indications for use during pregnancy
When are Glycelax glycerin suppositories recommended for pregnant women? The doctor prescribes them:
- for constipation of various etiologies - due to poor nutrition, enlargement of the uterus and its pressure on the intestines;
- before childbirth for gentle bowel cleansing;
- for local softening of the skin and elimination of irritation (this is possible due to the softening effect of glycerol).
Is it possible to use suppositories after childbirth during lactation? Use is permitted, but only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Properties and action
According to their chemical structure, Glycerin (glycerol) suppositories are an organic compound of triatomic sugar alcohols. Contrary to their name, large molecular carbohydrates do not contain alcohol.
When entering the body, the pure active substance is oxidized in a short time and undergoes a transformation process, which leads to severe irritation of the intestinal mucosa. To minimize adverse reactions, suppositories include water and additional components.
After rectal administration, glycerin suppositories soften segmented fecal matter. By facilitating the movement of feces through the lumen of the colon, the substance prevents injury to its walls. Absorbed into the mucous membrane, the active elements cause contraction of smooth muscles, stimulating peristalsis of the lower intestinal tract.
How quickly suppositories act is determined by the physiological characteristics of the body and the degree of neglect of constipation. Usually the effect appears after 15 – 30 minutes. If the expected result is not obtained, the glycerin suppository is reintroduced.
How to use glycerin suppositories?
Suppositories are easy to use; use does not require special preparation. According to the instructions, it is preferable to light a candle in the morning, half an hour after breakfast. Before inserting the candle, you must wash your hands and perineum well and wipe dry. Then lie on your side and bend your knees slightly. Take out one suppository and carefully, slowly insert it into the anus.
How long to keep the suppository inside? The suppository dissolves within 10-15 minutes. After the suppository is in the rectum, you need to lie quietly for a while - until the intestines start working and the urge to defecate begins. This usually takes about half an hour, but it happens that the urge appears after a few hours. You need to be prepared for this and plan your day in such a way that you have constant access to the restroom.
The first urge to defecate may be false; you should not react to them and go to the toilet. You must wait until the moment when it becomes impossible to endure, and only then visit the restroom.
How to use glycerin suppositories correctly
It is very easy to use the drug. No special preparation is required. To get maximum effect, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Use preferably in the morning.
- Administer the suppository no earlier than 20 minutes after the morning meal.
- You need to insert the candle immediately after taking it out of the refrigerator.
It is not recommended to use the drug more than once a day.
How quickly do they work and how often can I use them?
Glycerol is an osmotically active substance; it dissolves quite quickly in the intestinal mucosa. After administration, the suppository begins to act within 15-20 minutes - much faster than other laxatives.
How often are glycerin suppositories allowed to be used during pregnancy? Constant use reduces the effectiveness of the drug. The body simply stops responding to the effects of glycerol. Doctors recommend administering suppositories only when independent bowel movements are impossible. The maximum frequency of using glycerin suppositories for constipation is 2-3 times a week. You shouldn't use them every day.
READ ALSO: how to get rid of constipation in early pregnancy?
In what cases can glycerin help?
As the instructions say, the main indication for the use of glycerin suppositories is constipation. It is difficult bowel movements or complete absence of stool that can be eliminated with the help of this remedy. Candles will help get rid of a problem that is caused by a variety of factors.
Glycerin suppositories may not be effective if there is no bowel movement for a long time.
Another reason for prescribing the drug to a woman who is expecting a baby is hemorrhoids. It is also a fairly common pregnancy companion. This is due to the mechanical impact of the fetus and impaired blood supply.
Candles help relieve pain and make bowel movements easier. This allows you to minimize the load on the rectum and avoid complications.
Possible side effects
The main side effect is the effect on the uterine myometrium. Glycerin increases the tone of not only the intestines, but also the uterus and can cause miscarriage or premature birth.
With regular and frequent use, suppositories do not cure constipation, but have the opposite effect. If you use them every day, the intestines will “forget how” to remove feces without external help, and constipation will only get worse. If glycerin suppositories stop working, it is recommended to temporarily replace them with other drugs or enemas.
Occasionally, an individual reaction to glycerol occurs - allergic itching or burning. This side effect is easy to eliminate; just stop using candles.
Application depending on the stage of pregnancy
Typically, the phenomenon of constipation begins to manifest itself closer to the middle of pregnancy. But in some cases they may appear at the very beginning. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the female body.
When using suppositories, you should take into account the fact that the action begins almost immediately after administration.
Glycerin suppositories are not prohibited for use in the early stages of pregnancy. However, one should take into account the fact that they can affect not only the muscle mass of the rectum, but also the uterus. This phenomenon can provoke the development of uterine hypertonicity, which poses a direct threat to the life of the fetus.
The second trimester is considered the safest and therefore at this time the list of drugs acceptable for use increases significantly. In the middle of gestation, the risk of complications is almost zero, which allows you to use suppositories without fear for the baby’s health.
Starting from the 32nd week, the doctor prescribes all medications only after weighing the likely risks and threats. At this time, the risk of premature birth or uterine bleeding increases. Nevertheless, even at this stage, glycerin suppositories are not contraindicated, but they must be used under the strict supervision of the treating doctor.
Contraindications for use
Like any pharmacological agent, rectal suppositories with glycerol have contraindications. The use of suppositories is prohibited for the following diseases and conditions:
- renal failure (glycerol is excreted from the body through the kidneys);
- inflammatory processes in the rectum (suppositories have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane);
- exacerbation of hemorrhoids, although in the chronic form, glycerin, on the contrary, can be useful;
- anal fissures, ruptures, intestinal bleeding;
- malignant and benign tumors of the rectum.
Examples and analogues of suppositories with glycerin
Suppositories with glycerin have the same active substance - polyhydric alcohol glycerol, but different trade names: “Glycerin suppositories”, “Glycerin”, “Suppositories with glycerin”.
These drugs have identical indications, contraindications, and mechanism of action. The most popular are rectal suppositories with glycerin “Glycelax”.
This drug, when used adequately, is safe for the fetus and the expectant mother; it can be used in the treatment of constipation in babies from three months of age. Self-prescription of the drug is prohibited, as it has a number of contraindications.
Effective means in the fight against constipation are Lactulose preparations (Duphalac, Normaze, Goodluck, Portalac). They have a mild laxative effect, helping to thin stool and increase intestinal motility. Their additional positive effect is to stimulate the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and the death of pathogenic microorganisms. Lactulose preparations can be used only according to indications and after consulting a doctor.
An analogue of glycerin suppositories is the Microlax enema.
The drug is easy to use, does not have a systemic effect, and is safe for the fetus. The drug effectively liquefies stool and promotes bowel movements. Before using Microlax, consult a doctor.
Reviews
Most people note that the effect of Glycerin suppositories is good.
. But if you go to the toilet right away, only a candle will come out.
You need to try to hold the candle longer so that it dissolves and softens all the feces. Many people speak disapprovingly of this stage, saying that it is difficult to hold back, and as a result the candle comes out without having had time to do much.
But patients who have used suppositories for long-term severe constipation are very satisfied. At the end of the article you will read reviews from real people describing situations. Many people say that they changed the adult dosage of suppositories to a children's dosage, the suppository remains in the intestines longer, and the effect is no worse.
Most mothers speak positively about baby candles. The translucent and non-solid candle can be easily cut with a knife. After cutting, sharp edges are smoothed with water or a finger and you can put a candle on the child. Usually, after the suppository, babies immediately poop and empty their intestines.
What to do if your baby suffers from constipation?
Conclusion
Glycerin suppositories are a local laxative. They are used for any constipation, and are allowed during pregnancy (with caution), and during breastfeeding, and for small children. One candle is placed once a day, the effect usually follows within half an hour.
https://youtu.be/JS8Yk743zP0
The peculiarity of suppositories is that the active ingredient glycerol works in a complex way: it softens and lubricates feces and stimulates the intestines to contract. For people who feel irritation and a rapid urge to defecate after inserting a suppository, doctors advise trying a children's dosage.
Gastroenterologist, Therapist
The doctor conducts a general diagnosis of internal organs. Draws conclusions about disorders in the gastrointestinal tract based on the results of the examination and prescribes appropriate treatment. Among the diagnoses that the specialist deals with are: stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, dysbacteriosis, etc.
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Tags: pregnant, glycerin, constipation, possible, suppository
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Laxatives prohibited for pregnant women
There are laxatives that expectant mothers are strictly prohibited from taking. Therefore, it is necessary to select a laxative for pregnant women only under the supervision of a doctor.
Stimulants
This group of laxatives acts on the nerve endings in the intestines within 6-12 hours after administration, stimulating peristalsis. As a result, stool passes quickly. However, it is not recommended to take this kind of laxative during pregnancy, as it provokes uterine spasms and is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. Some doctors believe that stimulant laxatives are not only too aggressive, but also exhibit teratogenic properties, and therefore should not be used during pregnancy or in any other cases.
This group includes the following tools:
- Dulcolax, Bisacodyl, Guttalax, Phenolphthalein, Laxabene, Sodium Picosulfate, etc.;
- herbal remedies based on senna leaves, rhubarb root, buckthorn bark, Senade.
Lubricating laxatives
Drugs of this type are not absorbed by the digestive system themselves, but can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The most famous representative of this group is castor oil.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Since constipation is unsafe for the health of the mother and fetus, you need to quickly deal with the problem. Otherwise, decay products will be absorbed into the blood, poisoning 2 organisms at once.
For treatment, women use local methods of control - suppositories that are not absorbed into the bloodstream. But they must be prescribed by a gynecologist. He knows better than anyone which laxatives are allowed during pregnancy and which are not.
The indication for prescribing suppositories is stool retention, not accompanied by pain in the intestines. The dosage form helps if constipation lasts no more than 2 days. Otherwise, an examination is required to find out the causes of the violation.
For pregnant women, natural-based suppositories with oil are approved for use. It will mechanically soften the stool and facilitate its removal. More often than others, glycerin suppositories are prescribed, with sea buckthorn oil or Ferroplex.
Before using the product, you need to study the instructions for contraindications. Usually pregnant women receive special treatment. The doctor evaluates all possible factors that may affect the child and the condition of the expectant mother.
Despite this, only the woman herself is responsible for her health. If the instructions for the medicine indicate that bearing a fetus is a contraindication, then you need to consult a doctor and clarify this point.
The official instructions do not describe any restrictions on the use of the drug for constipation during breastfeeding and pregnancy, which is, in principle, confirmed by numerous reviews of women using this remedy during these periods.
However, some gynecologists do not recommend using glycerin suppositories during early pregnancy, since at this time the uterus is quite close to the rectum and the relaxing effect of the drug can also affect its tone. During late pregnancy, the above-described contraindications and the threat of miscarriage may limit the use of this medication.
Glycerin suppositories cannot penetrate the placental barrier, so this drug is completely safe during pregnancy. However, it is not recommended to prescribe it yourself.
It is better to consult a doctor before use. During lactation, they can also be used without harm to the mother and baby. Active substances cannot pass into breast milk.
There is a risk of increased uterine tone. Glycerol affects the intestines, but can separately affect the uterus.
In order for suppositories with glycerin to bring you benefit and not harm, you need to remember a few simple rules:
- Do not use more than one candle per day.
- Be sure to eat fifteen to twenty minutes before use.
- Keep in mind that the drug does not always act immediately, so calculate your time so that after taking it you have about three free hours. This will help you avoid getting into funny situations.
- Do not use suppositories on a regular basis - this may harm your health. After solving the problem, try to monitor your diet and take natural stool softeners, such as vegetable oil or beet juice.
Suppositories should be inserted into the anus lubricated with oil or baby cream, after washing your hands with soap. Make sure that the candle goes in completely, otherwise it may accidentally come out. After taking it, it is recommended to lie down for a while so that the drug begins to act faster and better. Usually, the first urge to have a bowel movement occurs within the first thirty minutes, but, depending on the body and the hardness of the stool, this time can last up to one and a half to two hours.
You can read all the details about the drug glycerin suppositories for constipation in another article, also located on our website.
If you have any questions about this topic, be sure to leave them in the comments and we will be happy to try to help you.
Suppositories for constipation - an ideal solution to problems during pregnancy
If a pregnant woman is unable to regulate bowel movements by changing her diet and increasing fluid intake, she can help herself using additional means. The safest way to relieve constipation in pregnant women is rectal suppositories. Their action is aimed at irritating the receptors of the walls of the rectum. Auxiliary components included in some suppositories help promote the movement of feces in the rectum, and then their natural excretion.
But not all pregnant women can use suppositories for constipation, since contraction of the walls of the rectum can cause uterine tone and even provoke a miscarriage. Therefore, a specialist should prescribe the drug to prevent possible negative consequences. Let's look at what suppositories for constipation are prescribed during pregnancy.
What can replace the product?
If necessary, glycerin suppositories can be replaced with other suppositories with a similar effect.
Name | Active substance | Release form | Contraindications |
Glycelax | Glycerol | Rectal suppositories |
|
Candles with sea buckthorn oil | Vaseline, sea buckthorn oil. | Rectal suppositories |
|
Microlax | Sodium citrate | Microclysters for single use | Increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. |
Analogue drugs in the photo
Microlax
Rectal suppositories with sea buckthorn oil
Glycelax
Step-by-step guide to using glycerin suppositories for constipation during pregnancy
How to use a glycerin suppository for constipation during pregnancy
- Hygiene. Before inserting the rectal rod into the anus, it is necessary to disinfect your hands using any hypoallergenic soap, preferably baby soap or Miramistin.
- Preparatory activities. The suppository is placed in a cool place for a short time (the rods melt quickly). When in contact with warm hands, the rod loses strength, so the skin of the hands requires preliminary cooling.
- To avoid deformation of the rod, it is necessary to carefully release it from its original packaging. To do this, the rod must be moved down to the base and the top of the container must be cut off with scissors. Depending on the dosage regimen selected by the gynecologist, the suppository is cut with a knife or other sharp object.
- The rod is inserted while lying on your side. The leg on the bottom should be straight. The top one needs to be bent at the knee and slightly pulled to the side. With clean hands, squeeze the stem out of the container and grasp the suppository by the base with one hand. Second, lift the buttock, loosen the sphincter and lubricate the anus with any Vaseline-free lubricant or warm water. Insert the rod. Depth – not 5 cm.
- The buttocks are held together for 15-20 seconds - this avoids the rod falling out. You cannot stand up for 5-7 minutes after inserting the rod. The used factory container must be disposed of. At the end of the procedure, hands are wiped with a disinfectant solution. In the same way, the medicine is administered from the squatting position.
The instructions for use for glycerin suppositories prescribe a relative dosage regimen that is safe for a pregnant woman - 1 suppository per day. Exceeding the daily norm on your own increases the risk of side effects. These include all kinds of allergic (cracking of the skin of the intergluteal folds) and local (burning, itching) reactions.
Suppositories with glycerin are not used to prevent constipation during pregnancy. If there is no proper therapeutic effect, the daily dose can be increased with the permission of the gynecologist.
Rectal laxative suppositories can be of the following types:
- Gas-forming. Prescribed for the treatment of proctogenic constipation.
- Laxatives. During pregnancy, it is recommended to choose suppositories containing lactulose.
- Glycerol. Providing a local effect, which is a positive factor especially during pregnancy. At the same time, glycerin suppositories can also be of several types. Only a proctologist and gynecologist can choose the best option, taking into account the characteristics of a particular woman’s condition.
Glycerin suppositories
Experts recommend using suppositories with glycerin for constipation in pregnant women due to the high level of effectiveness and the minimum number of contraindications. Glycerin is not absorbed into the circulatory system, therefore it is safe for both adults and children.
Once in the rectum, the main active ingredient begins to accumulate mucus, which, in turn, leads to the liquefaction and gentle removal of feces from the body.
According to the manufacturer's instructions, it is best to use the drug immediately after breakfast.
The main contraindications include inflammatory processes in the rectum, fissures, bleeding and the acute stage of hemorrhoids.
Glycerin has virtually no side effects. In some cases, itching and burning in the anus may occur if the recommended dose and duration of treatment is exceeded.
Sea buckthorn candles
Sea buckthorn suppositories for constipation during pregnancy are characterized by an excellent mild laxative and therapeutic effect. The product is recommended for use when other medications are contraindicated, for example, with anal fissures or inflammatory hemorrhoids. Sea buckthorn has a gentle effect on damaged mucous membranes, healing all wounds. Ultimately, it is possible to restore normal stool and eliminate the consequences of hemorrhoids.
The advantages also include the absence of allergic reactions, which allows the drug to be used at any stage of pregnancy. Unfortunately, the drug cannot cope with chronic constipation and is only suitable for the treatment of mild forms and diseases of the rectum.
Glycelax
Glycerin-based suppositories are recommended for pregnant women due to the absence of side effects. This group of drugs includes Glycelax, which activates the rectum, which in turn gently removes hardened waste products from the body. Suppositories have a local effect, so they are safe for adults and children.
The main active ingredients of the drug are glycerin and sodium docusate. The first element has a positive effect on the muscles of the rectum, forcing them to work actively, and the second increases the amount of fluid to liquefy hard stool.
According to the manufacturer, only a small part of the components can be absorbed into the circulatory system. Therefore, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications and side effects before using this drug. At the same time, the product is safe for the woman’s body.
The product is available in the form of separate tubes containing the required dose and immediately ready for use. The first positive effect occurs within a few minutes after using the product.
Mostly one tube per day is prescribed. The duration of treatment is selected individually, taking into account the health status of the individual woman.
This medicine contains only natural and safe elements that do not have a negative effect on organs and systems. The drug is approved for both pregnant women and children, and is also characterized by an excellent level of effectiveness.
So, the active ingredients, entering the rectum, begin to attract moisture, which, in turn, liquefies the hardened decay products and leads to their gentle removal from the body.
Before using a microenema, it is recommended to heat the tube in your hands so that the liquid reaches a temperature that is comfortable for the body.
Soap candles
Candles for constipation can be made at home from safe ingredients, such as soap. At the same time, soap should not contain dyes or flavors. It is best to choose natural or proven baby soap. Otherwise, allergic reactions may occur in the form of itching in the rectum.
You need to make a small candle with soap no more than 4 cm long and insert it into the anus.
Possible side effect
So, we have already found out that you need to use suppositories with glycerin only on the recommendation of a doctor and in strictly prescribed doses, however, the truth is that even in such cases, adverse reactions are sometimes possible. Therefore, if you have just started using suppositories, pay attention to whether you have any pain, a burning sensation in the stomach or nausea, which may not only be signs of pregnancy, but also indicate intolerance to the drug mentioned.
Frequent use of the drug can cause irritation of the rectum, which results in itching of the anus. If a woman has individual sensitivity to the components of the suppository, then it is possible that other allergic reactions will occur.
Reviews on the use of glycerin suppositories during pregnancy
I came across these candles during pregnancy. The gynecologist recommended them to me. The effect is good, but there is no harm. Good price. It is advisable to use the candle in the morning, 15 minutes after breakfast. Everything happens effortlessly. This is very important during pregnancy, because you can’t push. I also took candles to the maternity hospital, they became a real salvation.
Tatyana 2604
https://otzovik.com/review_791941.html
This is my third pregnancy. During the first and second periods I suffered greatly from constipation. Now there is a month left before giving birth, the intestines want it - it works, it doesn’t want it - it doesn’t work. To help, I took an old, third-generation proven remedy - candles with glycerin. Very easy to use. The candle itself is slippery, no Vaseline is needed. In just five minutes you will feel lightness and freedom!
Mvishenka
https://irecommend.ru/content/reshenie-dlya-zaporov-vo-vremya-beremennosti
Towards the end of pregnancy, almost on the eve of giving birth, I am always admitted to the hospital. It’s difficult to go to the toilet at this time at home, let alone in hospitals. I take glycerin suppositories with me. They act quickly, no side effects. I realized that it is best to apply it in advance. Using it in the evening helped me. And in the morning I could go to the toilet without difficulty.
Ablepiha
https://citykey.net/review/osobenno-aktualny-na-poslednih-srokah