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. 2000;2001(2):CD001142.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001142.

Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy

D J Jewell  1 , G Young
Affiliations

Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy

D J Jewell et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000.

Update in

Abstract

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Effect of additional dietary fibre, Outcome 1 No increased frequency of defecation.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Comparison of stimulant laxatives with bulk‐forming laxatives, Outcome 1 Effect on constipation not resolved.
2.2
2.2. Analysis
Comparison 2 Comparison of stimulant laxatives with bulk‐forming laxatives, Outcome 2 Treatment not acceptable to women.
2.3
2.3. Analysis
Comparison 2 Comparison of stimulant laxatives with bulk‐forming laxatives, Outcome 3 Effect on side effects.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

References to studies included in this review

Anderson 1985 {published data only}
    1. Anderson AS, Whichelow MJ. Constipation during pregnancy: dietary fibre intake and the effect of fibre supplementation. Human Nutrition: Applied Nutrition 1985;39:202‐7. - PubMed
Greenhalf 1973 {published data only}
    1. Greenhalf JO, Leonard HSD. Laxatives in the treatment of constipation in pregnant and breast‐feeding mothers. Practitioner 1973;210:259‐63. - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Browne 1957 {published data only}
    1. Browne JCM, Edmunds V, Fairbairn JW, Reid DD. Clinical and laboratory assessments of senna preparations. British Medical Journal 1957;23:436‐9. - PMC - PubMed
Gregersen 1985 {published data only}
    1. Gregersen E. Constipation during pregnancy. Treatment with Dumovital fibre tablets [translation]. Ugeskrift for Laeger 1985;147:91‐3. - PubMed

Additional references

Clarke 2000
    1. Clarke M, Oxman AD, editors. Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook 4.1 [updated June 2000]. In: Review Manager (RevMan) [Computer program]. Version 4.1 Oxford, England: The Cochrane Collaboration, 2000.
Rungsiprakarn 2015
    1. Rungsiprakarn P, Laopaiboon M, Sangkomkamhang US, Lumbiganon P, Pratt JJ. Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 9. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011448.pub2] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
West 1992
    1. West L, Warren J, Cutts T. Diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhoea in pregnancy. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 1992;21(4):793‐802. - PubMed

References to other published versions of this review

CDSR 2001
    1. Jewell DJ, Young G. Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy (Cochrane Review). The Cochrane Library 2001, Issue 1. - PubMed
Jewell 1995
    1. Jewell MD. Treatments for constipation in pregnancy. [revised 30 April 1993] In: Enkin MW, Keirse MJNC, Renfrew MJ, Neilson JP, Crowther C (eds.) Pregnancy and Childbirth Module. In: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database [database on disk and CDROM]. The Cochrane Collaboration; Issue 2, Oxford: Update Software; 1995.

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