What suppositories can be used safely during pregnancy? Why are they administered? Do they have any side effects? If all these questions are niggling in your mind, then this article will definitely help you out.
A woman’s body undergoes several changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes give rise to disorders ranging from minor to severe. Constipation, abdominal cramps, back pain, nausea, and vomiting are the common symptoms of alteration in hormonal levels. If problems become serious, external medications or hormonal shots are administered which are known as suppositories. The most common suppositories during pregnancy are progesterone and glycerin.
Glycerin Suppositories
Glycerin suppositories are an effective remedy for severe constipation during pregnancy. Glycerin suppositories are hyperosmotic laxatives that irritate the lining of the stomach to increase the amount of fluid. Presence of fluid lubricates the intestine, thereby allowing smooth bowel movement. Glycerin suppositories are also used for other purposes under strict medical supervision. Sometimes constipation becomes so severe that oral laxatives fail to eliminate the fecal matter, which in turn becomes painful for a pregnant woman.
The dosage of glycerin suppositories is clearly indicated on the label of the pack. After unwrapping the suppository, you need to moisten it with lukewarm water. Lie down on your side over bed and push the suppository inside the rectum with your finger. You shall get relief within 10 – 15 minutes. The heaviness and bloating felt during pregnancy gradually disappear once your bowels are regularized. However, getting dependent on suppositories for constipation is not advised by doctors.
Progesterone Suppositories
Sometimes there’s a drop in progesterone levels in early pregnancy. This triggers certain imbalances in body during the gestation period. If progesterone levels are normally low in a woman’s body and it gives rise to difficulty in conceiving, then these suppositories enhance the levels of the hormone for safe conception. Endometrin is the common name for progesterone suppository. This is generally used to induce menstruation and to prevent overgrowth of the uterus lining after menopause. Progesterone suppository is also administered during the gestation period to step up progesterone levels. Some women are not able to sustain pregnancy due to low progesterone levels and this makes them vulnerable to miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and preterm labor. Therefore, external implementation of progesterone becomes mandatory for undergoing safe pregnancy. This can be done with the help of progesterone suppository. It also forms an effective treatment for infertility and performing IVF. The suppositories help in development of the endometrial lining of the uterus which ensures proper fetal implantation.
Endometrin comes as a prescription cream capsule, which is inserted in the vagina. You must take necessary advice from doctors and read the instructions mentioned on the pack before inserting it. During fertility treatment, such suppositories are used by doctors. Therefore avoid using without consulting your doctor.
Are Suppositories Safe During Pregnancy?
Suppositories during pregnancy are safe only if you take them in moderation and strictly under the guidance of a doctor. Excess amount of glycerin and progesterone show certain side effects which could be detrimental for a pregnant woman. Discuss with your doctor if you are under any other medication. Vaginal suppositories may interfere with progesterone suppositories, thereby increasing chances of side effects. Medications for yeast infections should never be taken along with progesterone suppositories. The most common side effects of progesterone suppositories are fatigue, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and headaches. It also causes mood swings, breast tenderness and uterine contractions. Prolonged use might lead to vaginal bleeding and urinary tract infection.
You should never use a glycerin suppository if you are allergic towards glycerin, have rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and appendicitis. In case you are suffering from cramps and other health disorders, present the reports of previous treatment before your doctor and follow his advice. The most common side effects of glycerin suppositories are irritation and burning around the rectum. Heavy dose gives rise to frequent urge to clear bowel. Bloody stools and severe diarrhea might also result from overdose of glycerin suppository. The results of induced laxative dependence can also cause severe constipation after withdrawal.
Suppositories are beneficial only for short-term. You should never get dependent on glycerin suppositories for clearing the discomfort of constipation. However, the duration of administration of progesterone suppositories is strictly determined by doctors in order to normalize progesterone levels during pregnancy.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purpose only. Do not use the information presented herein as a substitute for medical practitioner’s advice.
