Even if a woman did not experience any difficulties with bowel movement before pregnancy, while waiting for a baby, she may have a rather delicate problem - constipation. It can be caused not only by the changed diet and eating habits of the expectant mother, but also by other factors, including hormonal changes, increased uterine tone and a significant load on the large intestine due to fetal growth.
In the fight against constipation during the period of carrying a baby, preference is given to safe means that are unable to harm the baby. One of them is Mikrolax.
Features of the drug
"Microlax" is produced in the form of microclysters in plastic tubes containing 5 ml of medication. The drug itself looks like a colorless, slightly viscous liquid. It contains three active ingredients. The first of them is 70% sodium lauryl sulfoacetate solution, the dosage of which per 1 ml is 9 mg (in terms of the active ingredient).
The second active ingredient is a 70% sorbitol solution. Its amount in terms of pure sorbitol per 1 ml of the drug is 625 mg. And the third active ingredient is sodium citrate... Each milliliter of solution contains it in a dose of 90 mg. Sorbic acid, purified water and glycerol are inactive substances added to the contents of the tube to give the desired consistency and long-term storage.
The packaging of the product is convenient for introducing the solution into the rectum, since each tube has a tip that is slightly narrowed towards the edge. Since the product is portioned, each micro enema has a protective seal that can be removed before use. It protects the solution from deterioration during the entire shelf life of 5 years.
Microlax pharmacies sell 4 tubes in one box without a prescription. Their average price is 300-340 rubles. There are also boxes with 12 microclysters, which cost 650-750 rubles. Storage of the drug at home is permissible at room temperature. Wherein the medicine should be hidden from young children.
Operating principle
Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate present in "Mikrolax" promotes the dilution of feces, therefore under the influence of this ingredient, the contents of the intestines become less dense. Thanks to the addition of sorbitol to the composition of the solution, more water begins to flow into the intestinal lumen at the same time, which further dissolves the feces. Besides, sodium citrate displaces water from digested food, which is associated with it. As a result of the combined action of these three substances, feces soften, therefore emptying comes quickly and is fairly easy.
Is it allowed during pregnancy?
"Microlax" helps expectant mothers who have difficulties with bowel movements and too tight stools. Although there are no deep clinical studies of the effect of the active substances of the drug on expectant mothers, this medication is classified as a safe medication that can be used while the child is waiting. This is primarily due to the low absorbability of the solution, which excludes its entry into the uterus and a negative effect on the fetus.
Usually microclysters are used at a later date, since indications for the use of "Mikrolax" in the 3rd trimester occur especially often. However, the drug is not prohibited for expectant mothers who have 1 or 2 trimester of gestation.
At the same time, a woman should remember that this is an emergency aid, which is best coordinated with the attending physician. It is not recommended to use Microlax while waiting for a child.
When is it prescribed for expectant mothers?
The main reason for using Mikrolax during pregnancy is constipation. It is detected in almost half of expectant mothers, which is associated with both hormonal levels and displacement of internal organs. As already noted, this problem is especially often found in the third trimester, when the uterus becomes significant in size and presses on the intestines.
Due to irregular emptying, a pregnant woman develops such uncomfortable symptoms as decreased appetite, increased fatigue, a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, flatulence. Besides, harmful substances are not excreted from the body, but are retained in the intestines, which can lead to intoxication.
No less serious problems that cause constipation are anal fissures and enlarged hemorrhoids. Also, if it is difficult for a woman to empty herself, she can try to do it for a long time, which is fraught with an increase in the tone of the uterus and premature birth.
All these factors force us to try to get rid of constipation as soon as such a problem arises. And therefore, expectant mothers should not hesitate, but they should immediately consult a doctor and act in a complex way - change their diet and try to soften the stool with safe means, which include "Microlax". As a result, the problem will be solved without any harm to both the pregnant woman and the baby in her tummy.
In addition to constipation, microclysters can also be prescribed for women in position in case of preparation for an endoscopic examination of the digestive tract. If the expectant mother is diagnosed with constipation, then the drug can be used before a scheduled ultrasound examination. In addition, Mikrolax will help facilitate emptying in situations where it is necessary, for example, in case of exacerbation of hemorrhoids or in case of trauma to the rectum. Some doctors prescribe a micro enema shortly before childbirth so that the intestines are naturally cleansed before labor begins.
Contraindications
Microlax should not be used in patients with hypersensitivity to any of the components of the solution. In addition, such a drug contraindicated in case of damage to the anus or rectal mucosa. The manufacturer does not indicate other prohibitions for the use of microclysters.
Side effects
Some women notice discomfort in the anus or lower abdomen after the administration of the drug. In rare cases, Microlax can provoke pain in the small intestine or stomach, and also cause allergies. Sometimes the remedy is too strong, so the stool becomes liquid and diarrhea begins.
For any side effects that occur during the use of microclysters, it is recommended to contact your doctor.
Instructions for use
Microlax is intended for rectal administration. The remedy is usually prescribed once and used in adults according to such instructions.
- First you have to wash your hands and open the seal on the package, then squeeze the tube slightly until a drop of solution appears. It will serve as a kind of lubricant for the tip, making it easier to insert.
- Staying in a supine position it is necessary to insert the end of the tube into the anus for the entire length of the tip. Next, you should squeeze the package, as a result of which the solution will fully enter the rectal lumen.
- While continuing to squeeze the tube, you need to remove it from the anus, and then discard it after washing your hands. A woman can give such an enema on her own, but in the later stages it can be difficult, so you should ask for help from a loved one.
- After using the product the effect develops within 5-15 minutes. One package of the drug is used for one procedure, repeated use is permissible the next day.
The duration of use of microclysters for each expectant mother is determined individually. In most cases, Mikrolax is used only once or for several days in a row.
With excessively long use, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract may deteriorate, therefore, it is impossible to prescribe a remedy for yourself for a longer period than the doctor recommended.
Reviews
There are mostly positive reviews about the use of Mikrolax during childbearing. According to women, the effect of the drug is observed after 5-10 minutes. It is very convenient to use it at home, the tube opens with ease, the tip is inserted painlessly.
Among the advantages of "Mikrolax" they also mention it safety, since the action of such a multicomponent agent is directed only to the contents of the intestine. For this reason, side effects during the use of microclysters are very rare.
The cost of the medication is called affordable, and a package of 4 tubes is convenient and economical... Many women even after pregnancy buy this remedy for their home medicine cabinet, because it helps out with constipation in young children and can be used from birth.
Analogs
Drugs for constipation, which have the same composition as Mikrolax, are not yet produced, therefore, if necessary, replace microclysters with an analogue, doctors choose among drugs that have a similar therapeutic effect.
- Duphalac. Such a sweetish syrup containing lactulose breaks down in the rectum and raises the osmotic pressure, which leads to an increase in the volume of the intestinal contents and a change in its consistency. Thanks to the use of "Duphalac" not only the rhythm of emptying is improved, but also the disturbed balance of the intestinal flora is restored (the drug has the properties of a prebiotic). This remedy is considered safe during pregnancy, so it can be used even in the early stages.
- "Glycelax". These glycerin-based rectal suppositories cause a reflexive contraction of the intestine, making emptying faster. In the 1st trimester, such a medication is prescribed only to expectant mothers who do not have uterine hypertonicity. The second trimester is not a contraindication for the use of "Glycelax", but at a later date (from 30 weeks), this medication is used with caution because of the increased risk of early birth.
- Forlax. This powder contains macrogol 4000. If you dissolve it in water, you get a sweetish white liquid with a citrus smell, which is taken orally. In the lumen of the intestine, the drug retains water, due to which the food lump increases in volume and liquefies, which stimulates emptying.
Macrogol is unable to be absorbed in the digestive tract, therefore it does not pose a danger to the fetus, which allows the use of Forlax at any stage of pregnancy.
