- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
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Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
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Question
Pregnancy constipation: Are stool softeners safe?
Is it safe to take stool softeners to treat pregnancy constipation?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Stool softeners, such as Colace, moisten the stool and make it easier to pass. The active ingredients in these products aren't absorbed by the body, so they're unlikely to have an adverse effect on a developing baby. Check with your health care provider, however, before taking any medication — including stool softeners and other types of laxatives — to treat pregnancy constipation.
Often, pregnancy constipation can be managed with lifestyle changes. Consider these steps:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Aim for eight 8-ounce (237-milliliter) glasses of water a day. Fruit juice — especially prune juice — also can help.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Daily walks and other aerobic activities can help prevent and treat pregnancy constipation.
- Include more fiber in your diet. Choose high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains. With your health care provider's OK, try fiber supplements, such as Metamucil.
If you take iron supplements, mention the constipation to your health care provider. Although iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy, too much iron can contribute to pregnancy constipation.
If your health care provider approves stool softeners or other types of laxatives, be careful to use them as directed.
Next questionVaccines during pregnancy: Are they safe?
- Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/. Accessed March 20, 2009.
- Fit for two: Tips for pregnancy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/two.htm. Accessed March 20, 2009.
- Problems of the digestive system. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp120.cfm. Accessed March 20, 2009.
- You and your baby: Prenatal care, labor and delivery and postpartum care. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/ab005.cfm. Accessed March 20, 2009.
- What you need to know. March of Dimes. http://search.marchofdimes.com/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=6&page_id=11403520&query=constipation&hiword=CONSTIPATED+constipation+. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- Bianco A. Maternal gastrointestinal tract adaptation to pregnancy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2009.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 22, 2009.
