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Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy
1Division of Primary Health Care, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, UK. david.jewell@bristol.ac.uk
Background:
Circulating progesterone may be the cause of slower gastrointestinal movement in mid and late pregnancy.
Objectives:
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of different methods for treating constipation in pregnancy.
Search Strategy:
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Medline (1987 to 1997).
Selection Criteria:
Randomised trials of any treatment for constipation in pregnancy.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Trial quality assessments and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers.
Main Results:
One trial of 40 women was included. Fibre supplements increased the frequency of defaecation (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.67), and lead to softer stools.
Reviewer'S Conclusions:
Dietary supplements of fibre in the form of bran or wheat fibre are likely to help women experiencing constipation in pregnancy.