title: Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Circulating progesterone may be the cause of slower gastrointestinal movement in mid and late pregnancy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this review was to assess the effects of different methods for treating constipation in pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Medline (1987 to 1997).
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised trials of any treatment for constipation in pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trial quality assessments and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dietary supplements of fibre in the form of bran or wheat fibre are likely to help women experiencing constipation in pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Primary Health Care, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, Whiteladies Road, Bristol, UK. david.jewell@bristol.ac.uk
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Jewell
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber