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Glycerin suppositories in pregnancy

10.01.2023

2 min. Reading time

Constipation during pregnancy is a relatively common condition. There are many over-the-counter preparations on the market that offer temporary relief from this type of discomfort. These include glycerin suppositories. Can they be used safely during pregnancy?

Glycerin suppositories – mode of action

Glycerin suppositories, as the name suggests, contain glycerin in their composition. This is an active substance that is classified as a fatty substance. Thanks to its properties, it not only facilitates the movement of fecal masses in the colon and rectum, but also locally irritates the mucous membrane of the last section of the digestive tract. Due to their mechanism of action and the absence of a drug in their composition, glycerin suppositories are considered one of the safest laxatives, which can be used practically without restrictions. It is also a preparation that is available without a prescription.

Glycerin suppositories – are they safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a special time when the use of many medicines and supplements is prohibited due to possible or proven harmful effects on the pregnant woman or the developing fetus. For this reason, before using any preparation, it is important to consult your gynecologist, who can give you an answer to the question of safety of use based on his knowledge and your complete medical history.

Glycerin suppositories are considered one of the safest methods of treating constipation. However, their use by pregnant women regularly divides the obstetrician community. The vast majority believe that glycerin suppositories can be used by pregnant women without hesitation because they do not contain a drug and their effect on the colon mucosa is mainly mechanical. However, experts sometimes claim that such stimulation of the peristaltic wave may lead to further intestinal contractions, which is not advisable during this period. Therefore, it is necessary to consult your gynecologist before taking it.