Milk of magnesia or magnesium hydroxide is a laxative that helps prevent constipation, indigestion, and an upset stomach. It is safe to consume milk of magnesia during pregnancy if prescribed by your doctor (1). It is an osmotic laxative, i.e., it softens the stool by drawing water into the intestines (2). Some expecting mothers may experience pain and discomfort due to gut disturbances when consuming these laxatives. Hence, inform your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms after consuming milk of magnesia. Read on to learn about the types, dosage, benefits, safety, side effects, and efficacy of milk of magnesia during pregnancy.
Safety Of Milk Of Magnesia During Pregnancy
The over-the-counter medications are safe for short-term use during pregnancy. However, prolonged use of milk of magnesia during pregnancy may have some side effects. Seek a doctor’s advice before taking it, and if the constipation symptoms do not improve for three consecutive days of consuming it ((1). It is advisable not to take milk of magnesia if you have any of the following health issues (1).
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Kidney disease
On a low-magnesium diet
Allergic to magnesium or other constituents of the laxative
Blockage in the gastrointestinal tract
Fecal impaction
Appendicitis
Types And Dosage Of Milk Of Magnesia During Pregnancy
According to Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), you can orally consume the milk of magnesia for constipation, stomach upset, and indigestion (1). The dosage is different in each case, and you should adhere to the dosage as prescribed by the doctor. IOverdosage is not advisable. The laxative is available in chewable tablets and concentrated liquid forms. The chewable tablet requires chewing before swallowing, and you can take the concentrated form along with milk or water. There are limited studies on the dosage regime of milk of magnesia consumption during pregnancy. The doctor will suggest you the dosage as per your requirement. The general dosage recommendations include.
For constipation: An adult can take 30-45ml (6-8 times in a dosing cup) as a single dose at bedtime.
For other digestive issues: An adult can take 5-10ml (1-2 times in a dosing cup) as a single dose. In a day, a maximum of 60ml is suggested.
Benefits Of Taking Milk Of Magnesia During Pregnancy
Milk of magnesia has several health benefits. During pregnancy, it is normal to get magnesium deficiency. You may take it in case of the following conditions upon doctor’s consultation (2):
Heartburn and acid indigestion
Chronic constipation
Magnesium deficiency
Stomach upset
Indigestion
Side Effects Of Milk Of Magnesia During Pregnancy
Milk of magnesia may cause the following side effects (1),(3)):
Bloating
Flatulence
Electrolyte imbalance
Diarrhea or watery stools
Stomach and abdominal pain
Complications Of Milk Of Magnesia Consumption During Pregnancy
The milk of magnesia should not be consumed exceeding its dosage regime during pregnancy. An overdose may increase the risks of side effects and associated complications. The following are the complications associated with the regular use of milk of magnesia during pregnancy (3), (4), (5).
Magnesium poisoning or hypermagnesemia
Those having kidney disease or diabetes may be prone to electrolyte imbalance
Remedies For Constipation During Pregnancy
Constipation can occur during pregnancy in response to hormonal changes. Some measures that help ease constipation during pregnancy are (6), (7), (8), (9), (10):
Diet: Increase fiber intake in your diet by including more vegetables and fruits auch as apple, lentils, and bananas.
Probiotic: Include probiotics, such as yogurt to help relieve constipation.
Fluid intake: Consume lots of water, fruit juice, and rehydration supplements.
Physical activity: Walking and having a regular exercise routine could help.
Laxatives: Soluble fiber (psyllium) or osmotic agents (milk of magnesia, polyethylene Glycol (PEG), and lactulose) help treat constipation.
Medications: The doctor may prescribe medication in case of severe constipation if the benefits outweigh the risks. Tegaserod is an FDA-approved medication in category B type. There are no human trials on the adverse effects of the drug. However, animal trials suggest it might harm the fetus.
Biofeedback therapy: Neuromuscular stimulation can help improve bowel movement Training with visual and auditory signals can treat pelvic floor muscle weakness and bowel movements.
Enema: Rectal enema might help relieve constipation during pregnancy and childbirth.
Don’t forget to stay active. Along with boosting mood, regular physical activity can reduce constipation.
Seeking Doctor’s Advice
After consuming the milk of magnesia, pregnant women may note the following signs of discomfort and seek medical attention.
Prolonged loose and watery stool
Blood in stool
Unable to pass a stool after six to twelve hours of consumption
Unable to get relief after consuming the laxative for three consecutive days
Can Milk Of Magnesia Cause Congenital Disabilities?
The FDA does not approve milk of magnesia for consumption during pregnancy. You can only take it under doctor’s advice. It is not known to cause any congenital disability or other risks to the fetus (11).
