Can you take NULAX Fruit Laxative During Pregnancy?

Constipation is very common in pregnancy. It is thought to be triggered by the change in hormones in the body and does not cause any harm to mother or baby. Though it is uncomfortable, you don’t need to worry too much about constipation in pregnancy.

Most pregnant people will be advised to eat more fibre and drink more fluids before turning to laxatives. If you have already tried this and it hasn’t worked, you may be looking for a natural laxative to ease your discomfort.

Many doctors prescribe a change in diet first, but laxatives are safe to be used during pregnancy because the active ingredient isn’t absorbed by the gut.

What is NULAX Fruit Laxative?

NULAX Fruit Laxative is a natural and organic laxative formed of senna along with fig and dates. All ingredients are known to support healthy bowel movements and NULAX has been a trusted Australian brand for decades.

NULAX offers a few different products to support healthy bowel movements, including the NULAX Fruit Laxative Block and the NULAX bar. 

What is senna?

Senna is a natural laxative derived from the fruit of the senna plant and has been used to treat constipation for years. It is the active ingredient in NULAX Fruit Laxatives and takes about 8 hours to work. It  is best to take it before bed to allow it to work overnight.

Is NULAX Fruit Laxative safe during pregnancy?

There is some debate as to the safety of NULAX during pregnancy due to it containing senna. Senna may not be safe during pregnancy as, unlike with other laxatives, some senna is absorbed by the gut.

NULAX offers a supplement specifically targeted at pregnant people which is completely safe during all three trimesters. This product combines whole green kiwifruit and prune powder as well as seawater magnesium and probiotic fibre.

If you are unsure as to whether you can take NULAX Fruit Laxative during pregnancy, it is always best to speak to your doctor who can advise the best treatment for your body. 

What other laxatives can I take during pregnancy?

A number of natural laxatives are safe during pregnancy, including lactulose and fybogel. As with most medications, you should always speak to your doctor if you are pregnant and unsure of the safety of the medication you’re planning on taking. 

Which natural laxatives are safe during pregnancy?

A number of natural laxatives are safe during pregnancy. These include: 

• Prunes. The most well-known of laxatives is safe, and recommended, during pregnancy. Prunes provide a lot of fibre and contain a sugar known as sorbitol. Sorbitol cannot be properly absorbed by the body and so draws water into the intestines, inducing a bowel movement.
• Magnesium citrate. A powerful natural laxative, magnesium citrate brings water into the intestines as it is absorbed, causing a bowel movement.
• The readily available fruit is high in fibre and contains pectin, a soluble fibre that can act as a laxative.
• Several varieties of berry are very high in fibre. Berries contain soluble fibre, which draws water into the intestines and loosens stool. They also contain insoluble fibre which moves through the body intact and induces a bowel movement. 

Remember to always seek medical advice before trying anything new during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Though NULAX Fruit Laxatives are well-known and trusted laxatives, there is some concern that they are not safe to take during pregnancy. This is because senna, the active ingredient in NULAX tablets, is partially absorbed by the body.

Several other laxatives are completely safe to use during pregnancy, including some natural alternatives. NULAX also offers a pregnancy safe option to keep the bowels moving during pregnancy. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What laxatives are safe for pregnancy?

A range of different laxatives are safe to take during pregnancy. Both fybogel and lactulose are safe to take during pregnancy. Some natural alternatives are also safe. These include prunes, apples, magnesium citrate and berries.

Before prescribing any laxatives, your doctor or midwife may recommend you make dietary changes, drink more water, and get in some light exercise before taking any medication. 

Can you take a natural laxative while pregnant?

Yes. Most natural laxatives are safe during pregnancy. Always speak to your doctor before taking any supplements or laxatives to make sure it is safe for you to do so. 

What will happen if you take a laxative while pregnant?

Laxatives are effective at treating constipation in pregnant people and work in the same way as they would a non-pregnant person. Many laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines to loosen stool and induce a bowel movement. 

Is Nulax laxative safe?

NULAX Fruit Laxatives are safe to take. The ingredients are completely natural and safe for human consumption. The tablets are made up of senna, dates and fig, with senna being the active ingredient. Senna is a natural laxative and will promote a bowel movement.