Can I use enema in late pregnancy?

Pregnant women are prone to constipation in the late stages of pregnancy because the fetus gradually grows larger and will compress other tissues and organs of the pregnant woman, which can easily lead to constipation. Pregnant women can use enema appropriately to relieve the symptoms of constipation. Of course, they must also be careful not to abuse it excessively to avoid dependence, which may have an adverse effect on the health of the fetus. Let's take a look at this aspect.

Can I use enema in late pregnancy?

Pregnant women can use enema, but not frequently, as this can easily lead to dependence and affect the health of the fetus. It is okay to use it once or twice when pregnant women have severe constipation, but improving constipation still needs to start with daily conditioning. Relying solely on enema is not a solution, as it only treats the symptoms and not the root cause. There are two common preparations of enema, one is glycerin preparation, and the other is mannitol and magnesium sulfate preparation.

The two preparations have different ingredients, but the principles are basically the same. They both use the high concentration of glycerol or sorbitol, that is, the hyperosmotic effect, to soften the stool, stimulate the intestinal wall, and reflexively induce a defecation reaction. In addition, its lubricating effect can make the stool easier to excrete. If pregnant mothers use enema, it is recommended to use glycerin enema, which is safer.

How can pregnant women improve constipation without using enema?

1. Regular bowel movements in the morning First, take a small spoonful of honey with warm water in the morning to treat and relieve constipation and increase nutrition. The colon's propulsion movements are more active after breakfast, making defecation easier, so about an hour after breakfast is the best time to defecate. Do not ignore the urge to defecate, and do not force yourself to endure the inconvenience. More importantly, you should not squat on the toilet for too long, as this will not only increase abdominal pressure, but also make it difficult for blood circulation to return to the lower limbs. Note that it is best to use a sitting toilet for defecation, and use a no-squatting butt wash basin to clean the perineum and anus after defecation. This is both hygienic and avoids squatting for long periods of time to increase intra-abdominal pressure.

2. Pay attention to drinking water skills. Remember to drink more water every day, but also pay attention to drinking water skills, otherwise even if you drink water, it may not have any effect. If you drink water at a fixed time every day, you should drink in big gulps, but not binge drinking, so that the water can reach the colon as quickly as possible instead of being quickly absorbed into the blood by the intestines. This will make the stool softer and easier to excrete from the body.

3. Appropriate activities. More activities can enhance gastrointestinal motility. Sufficient sleep, a good mood, and relief from mental stress are all good ways to relieve constipation. Take a 40-minute walk every evening, and clap your hands while walking, with your arms spread as wide as possible without any effort. Spread out your five fingers and clap your hands until your arms feel a little sore and your palms feel warm and slightly numb. Clapping can stimulate the acupoints on the palms, promote blood circulation and dredge the meridians.