The long-awaited joy of motherhood is sometimes overshadowed by the deterioration of a woman’s well-being. In the first days after the baby is born, the mother’s body is too weakened and vulnerable. Many women experience difficulty defecating in the first months after childbirth. At the same time, constipation and hemorrhoids develop regardless of what kind of birth a woman had. This is why there is a need to use medications. One of these is glycerin suppositories. Let's learn in detail about their use.
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.
Prescription during pregnancy
In pregnant women, difficulty with defecation is most often associated with changes in hormonal levels. An increased level of progesterone relaxes the muscle tissue of the uterus, and at the same time the walls of the intestinal tract, disrupting the motility of its parts. Later, the enlarged uterus begins to put pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, changing their usual location, preventing the natural fulfillment of biological needs.
In turn, the overcrowded digestive organ resists with no less zeal, squeezing the uterus, causing nagging pain. Toxins accumulated during constipation enter the bloodstream and poison the biological system. Any problem in the mother’s body negatively affects the development of the fetus.
The pregnant woman’s condition requires emergency stabilization with glycerin suppositories if the following symptoms are present:
- defecation delayed for more than 2 days;
- pain during bowel movements;
- flatulence, bloating, feeling of fullness along the gastrointestinal tract;
- hard segmented (bean-shaped) feces during defecation, a feeling of incomplete emptying after;
- a feeling of blockage of the contents of the colon during strong prolonged efforts.
In case of severe violations of the evacuation regime, a delicate problem is associated with: nausea, headache, insomnia, and bad breath.
Glycerin suppositories during pregnancy cleanse the intestines, help relieve swelling and reduce pressure in the hemorrhoidal veins. Their characteristic features allow you to gently get rid of unnecessary pressure on the reproductive system.
Restrictions on use for different periods
But every medal has a downside, and the fear of expectant mothers using glycerin suppositories during pregnancy is not without foundation. The healing effect of suppositories on a woman’s well-being can result in a threat to the fetus. In gynecological practice, the 2nd trimester is considered a relatively safe period of pregnancy, when prescribing a laxative does not cause concern.
In the early stages, until the embryo is securely attached to the uterus, it is better not to use glycerin suppositories for constipation. The drug not only increases the tone of the smooth muscles of the intestines, causing the urge to defecate, but also reflexively stimulates the contractility of the myometrium.
In the later stages, especially in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, uterine hypertonicity poses an even greater danger. Excessive excitability of the reproductive organ is fraught with bleeding, fetal hypoxia, termination of pregnancy, and the onset of premature birth.
Exercise for Constipation
Often, intestinal function is disrupted due to weakening muscle tone after childbirth. In this case, you cannot do without physical exercise. You need to walk as much as possible, if the birth took place without complications, you can begin to do light physical exercises in the first days. Kegel exercises help with loss of pelvic muscle tone. There is also a special set of exercises to prevent constipation.
The health of a young mother is the key to the well-being and proper development of the baby. Every woman after childbirth should especially carefully monitor her condition. Since ancient times, people have known that movement and a healthy diet are the key to health and longevity. Modern mothers, unfortunately, ignore the centuries-old experience of their ancestors and themselves provoke the development of many diseases. Remember that now you are responsible not only for yourself, but also for your baby and simply do not have the right to get sick.
Method of use
Instructions for use during pregnancy are not difficult. The ideal time to cleanse the intestines is in the morning, 20 minutes after the first breakfast. Before the procedure and upon completion, you must thoroughly wash your hands and the anal area. It is recommended to use medical gloves or a fingertip as an aid.
Next, you need to perform the following steps step by step:
- take a horizontal position, turning on any convenient side;
- bend your upper leg at the knee;
- relax as much as possible so that when introducing the suppository you do not damage the mucous membrane of the colon;
- slightly spreading the buttocks, slowly and carefully insert the candle with its pointed end into the anal passage, pushing your finger through the muscular sphincter;
- Squeezing your buttocks, wait a few seconds.
Doctors advise pregnant women to remain in a lying position after the manipulations until a strong desire to defecate appears.
Once the functional ability of the intestine is restored, treatment of constipation with glycerin suppositories is completed. Therapeutic measures are limited to a 7-day course. Do not use more than 2 suppositories per day.
To ensure that glycerin suppositories are easily removed from the shell and do not leak, it is better to store them in the refrigerator.
Important! When used, suppositories should not be treated with any substances, so as not to reduce the medicinal properties. If the introduction of a suppository with glycerin is accompanied by a strong burning sensation in the anus, stop using the drug, and the discomfort is eliminated with an oil enema.
Use after childbirth
Due to safety reasons, nursing mothers are prescribed glycerin suppositories if they have hemorrhoids along with constipation. Of course, if a woman who has given birth experiences constipation for more than 2-3 days, it is unlikely that she will be able to do without a laxative or an enema. However, for short-term constipation, the most effective and simple remedy is glycerin-based suppositories. The drug promotes mild stimulation of bowel movements.
The use of glycerin suppositories is extremely simple: the suppository is removed from the package and inserted into the rectum. According to doctors, it is most effective to carry out the procedure about half an hour after a meal, and even better - after breakfast, especially considering that after another half an hour you will need to empty your bowels.
Use in the postpartum period
Pregnant women who are preparing to become mothers for the first time prudently take glycerin suppositories for constipation after childbirth with them to the maternity hospital. The remedy becomes almost an essential item, especially if during the delivery process it was necessary to resort to a caesarean section. The reason is an overwhelming feeling of fear of pushing after a complicated birth. Fear provokes psychological stress, which makes you involuntarily refrain from defecation.
Positive aspects of using glycerin suppositories
If a woman in labor experiences pain due to constipation, this aggravates an already difficult situation. In addition to natural postpartum pain in the lower abdomen, a woman may be bothered by recently placed stitches. Glycerin suppositories after childbirth are indispensable helpers. They act quickly, which is exactly what is needed in such a situation. Glycerin is easily absorbed by mucous membranes, but is not absorbed by the skin.
During childbirth, there is a lot of pressure on the hemorrhoids. If feces accumulate in the intestines, the load increases, and this can lead to an exacerbation of the problem. The use of glycerin suppositories after childbirth helps cleanse the intestines and thus prevents blood stagnation, which will subsequently protect against thrombosis.
After childbirth, hemorrhoids may worsen. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to use candles.
Use for hepatitis B
Mothers are afraid to use glycerin suppositories when breastfeeding, fearing the risk of drugs entering the baby’s body. Pharmacists claim that all components used to make glycerin suppositories are non-toxic and completely safe. There are drugs with small dosages intended for newborns.
Suppositories for constipation during breastfeeding cannot harm the baby, since during use glycerol is converted into carbon dioxide and water. Only 14% of the pure substance remains unchanged, which is excreted by the urinary system.
The bulk of the active elements act locally: they are not redistributed into the systemic bloodstream and breast milk. Therefore, if a woman has no contraindications to the prescription, the use of suppositories with glycerin during breastfeeding is quite acceptable.
Basic rules for taking and using laxatives
When taking absolutely any drug, rules must be taken into account, compliance with which will minimize negative consequences, side effects and achieve the desired result:
- mandatory consultation with a doctor to make a diagnosis,
- careful reading of the abstract,
- admission in short courses,
- changing (alternating) drugs during forced long-term use to avoid addiction,
- combination of drug treatment with non-drug treatment to achieve the fastest possible effect of therapy,
- compliance with dosages,
- personal hygiene before using rectal suppositories and microenemas,
- careful monitoring of your well-being during therapy,
- for nursing women - monitoring the condition and reactions of the child during treatment.
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.
Treatment of constipation in a nursing mother
Physical activity
It is important to restore the body after the ordeal of pregnancy and childbirth, to restore tone to the muscles of the pelvis and intestines. To do this, it is recommended to include physical activity in your daily routine. Swimming in the pool has a good effect on the success of treatment; you can include a set of special exercises or light morning exercises. It is better to avoid running at the initial stage, as it can cause prolapse of weakened pelvic organs. For the same reason, it is better to avoid exercises on the “upper” press, that is, lifting the upper body. But the “lower” press, that is, the “bicycle”, leg raises in a lying position, “scissors” and other similar exercises will be very useful.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a significant role in the formation of difficult bowel movements, including a lack of fresh fruits, vitamin-rich berries and vegetables in the diet. Heavy fatty and protein foods, devoid of fiber and essential dietary fiber, can provoke constipation.
In this state, you should exclude the following products from the menu:
- nuts;
- fatty fish;
- milk of animal origin;
- products rich in tannins - strong green and black teas, grapes, winter pears, natural coffee, pomegranate juice and quince;
- components that increase the possibility of gas formation - beans, black bread, cabbage and peas;
- dishes made from ingredients that reduce intestinal performance - cocoa, rice and gelatin;
- foods that increase the tendency to constipation - pasta, white bread, crackers and pastries;
- ingredients high in fat;
- foods that provoke irritation of the intestinal walls - radishes, onions, radishes and garlic.
The best option would be to build a diet from products such as:
- lean meats;
- dairy products;
- vegetables;
- liquid soups;
- cereals;
- vegetable oils;
- fruits;
- wholemeal bread;
- berries.
Dried fruits, namely prunes, deserve special attention. Prunes help mothers on breastfeeding to quickly eliminate constipation and reduce discomfort during bowel movements. The effectiveness of dried plums has been tested by more than one generation of women - a quick effect and a gentle effect on the body are noted. In addition, the fruits do not affect the composition of breast milk at all.
A woman’s drinking regime is also important. The need for fluid increases during this period, because some of it goes to the formation of breast milk. It is worth consuming enough water, juices, chicory, weak tea, uzvar and compotes. Decoctions of rose hips and gooseberries, and uzvar of dried cherries, berries and apples have a good effect on the functioning of the intestines.
It is recommended to combine proper nutrition for constipation in combination with long walks in the fresh air, the absence of stressful conditions and competent medical treatment under the supervision of a specialist.
Laxative for breastfeeding
There are many drugs that are prohibited for mothers to take during lactation. But, many pharmaceutical companies have presented products suitable for women undergoing breastfeeding, namely:
- “Fitomucil” is produced in the form of a soluble powder with a high content of homemade plum and plantain fruits in the composition. The drug eliminates irritation of the intestinal walls and has a gentle effect on the body. Contraindications include inflammation of the intestinal walls, obstruction, allergies to individual components of the drug, and sensitivity to the components.
- Duphalac is sold in the form of a syrup that contains water and lactulose. The drug does not give an immediate effect, but it acts extremely gently and delicately on the digestive system. Such a laxative for nursing mothers will not harm the baby’s body and will eliminate the problem with bowel movements. It is not recommended to drink syrup for diarrhea, flatulence, diabetes, lactulose intolerance, abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction.
- “Forlax” is produced in the form of a powder of a soluble formula, containing essential oils - grapefruit and orange. It helps the next day. Contraindicated for use in case of colitis, flatulence, ulcers, allergies to the components of the drug, obstruction, nausea, sensitivity to the drug and vomiting.
- “Mikrolaks” - are produced in a solution for microenemas of a viscous consistency with an effectiveness of 10 minutes. Not applicable for irritation and sensitivity to components.
These pharmaceutical medicines perfectly relieve constipation in a nursing mother, acting gently and carefully towards the body of the woman and child.
Candles for constipation for nursing mothers
The products recommended for use during lactation include suppositories. Due to their specific composition, such drugs do not pass into mother’s milk and have absolutely no effect on the baby’s body. The most optimal are:
- Glycerin suppositories for constipation - this drug is effective during breastfeeding, safe and absolutely harmless. The product is a laxative and suitable for both nursing and pregnant women. Not applicable for burning in the anus, acute hemorrhoids, anal fissures and intestinal inflammation.
- Sea buckthorn suppositories are marked with a natural herbal composition and are effective for any constipation. Prohibited for use if there is a burning sensation in the anus or allergies to sea buckthorn berries.
- “Evacue” suppositories are a good alternative to an enema and have an immediate effect in just five minutes. Not recommended if you are allergic to the components of the candles.
These suppositories perfectly eliminate constipation of any severity, but require consultation with a doctor before use. If the condition does not go away and persists for a long time, a visit to a proctologist and related specialists is required, since constipation often provokes the formation of hemorrhoids.
Knowing about such effective remedies and methods for eliminating constipation in nursing mothers, you can quickly and optimally get rid of the problem - carefully and gently. First of all, you should turn to a balanced diet, and then include treatment in the form of laxatives and rectal suppositories.
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