title: Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Constipation is a common problem in late pregnancy. 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. Date of last search: January 2001.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomised trials of any treatment for constipation in pregnancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trial quality assessments and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two suitable trials were identified. Fibre supplements increased the frequency of defecation (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.67), and lead to softer stools. Stimulant laxatives are more effective than bulk-forming laxatives (odds ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.61), but may cause more side effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dietary supplements of fibre in the form of bran or wheat fibre are likely to help women experiencing constipation in pregnancy. If the problem fails to resolve, stimulant laxatives are likely to prove more effective.
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*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D004043:Dietary Fiber