TREATMENT OF CONSTIPATION IN PREGNANT-WOMEN

Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy. It is essential to relieve the condition without putting the developing child at risk or further stressing the mother. The fact that lactulose is not absorbed in the small intestine is of great significance when treating constipation during pregnancy, as it presents no threat to the foetus. Lactulose also does not appear in breast milk so that the treatment can also be continued during nursing. The present study was an open base-line controlled study to show the efficacy safety and acceptability of dry lactulose (Duphalac(R) Dry) in pregnant women suffering from chronic or occasional constipation. It was a multi-center study in 12 gynecological practices. 62 women aged between 19 and 40 years were treated during 4 weeks with lactulose. 34% had chronic constipation and the remaining 66% constipation due to the pregnancy. The main criteria for efficacy were frequency of defecation and consistency of stools. There was overall judgement of the efficacy by patients and doctors.