Dulcolax for constipation in pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones, reduced activity, pressure from the growing uterus, iron supplements, and changes in eating or drinking can slow bowel movements. Constipation may mean hard stools, straining, or passing stool less often than is normal for you.

Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative. It can cause abdominal cramping or loose stools, and it may not be suitable when pain, vomiting, or possible bowel blockage is present. Other causes of constipation include dehydration, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, or an underactive thyroid.

Speak with your obstetric or primary-care clinician before starting, stopping, or changing a laxative. Unless your care team has restricted fluids or activity, gentle movement, regular fluids, and fibre-rich foods may help. Nutrition counselling can provide pregnancy-appropriate advice. Review iron or other medicines with the prescriber rather than stopping them yourself.

Contact your maternity team promptly for constipation with severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, blood in the stool, fever, or inability to pass gas. Seek urgent help for fainting, marked weakness, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine and intense dizziness.

Ask whether Dulcolax is appropriate for you, what dose and duration are advised, and whether another medicine or your iron supplement could be worsening constipation.