Relieving the Strain During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to constipation during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional. It’s common, but uncomfortable, to experience constipation when pregnant – in fact, it’s the 2nd most common gastrointestinal complaint about pregnancy! …
The Baby Blog: Constipation
Exercise
This sheet talks about exercise in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. Is exercise safe for all pregnant women? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women without medical or pregnancy complications consider at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days, if not all, days of the week. You may not be able to exercise while pregnant if you …
Docusate Sodium
This sheet talks about using docusate sodium in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is docusate sodium? Docusate sodium is the main ingredient in some stool softeners such as Colace® and Surfak® which are used to treat constipation. Constipation affects the number of bowel movements a person usually has, and can cause gas and bloating. Docusate sodium is also found in many drugs and …
Laxatives
This sheet talks about using laxatives in a pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What are laxatives? Laxatives are medications used to treat constipation. Laxatives come in different forms. This sheet discusses over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. For information about the prescription laxative prucalopride (Motegrity®), please see the MotherToBaby Fact Sheet: …
Prucalopride (Motegrity®)
This sheet talks about exposure to prucalopride in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. What is prucalopride? Prucalopride is a medication used to treat adults for chronic idiopathic constipation. It comes in tablet form and is taken orally (by mouth). It is sold under the brand name Motegrity®. Other forms of constipation may be treated by over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives. For more …
