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Evidence summaries

Interventions for Treating Constipation in Pregnancy

Dietary supplements of fibre in the form of bran or wheat fibre may help women experiencing constipation in pregnancy. Level of evidence: "C"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 2 studies with a total of 180 subjects. Fibre supplements increased the frequency of defecation (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.67, n=40), and lead to softer stools. Stimulant laxatives are more effective than bulk-forming laxatives (odds ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.61, n=140), but may cause more side effects.

    References

    • Rungsiprakarn P, Laopaiboon M, Sangkomkamhang US et al. Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(9):CD011448.[PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords