Are enemas safe during pregnancy?

What are the benefits of enemas?

An enema refers to a procedure, in which liquid is administered into your colon and rectum, through the anus. People use an enema to cleanse their bowels, especially if they are suffering from constipation. There are several different types of enemas that you can use such as a coffee enema, tap water enema, yogurt enema, fleet enema, barium enema and soap suds enema to name a few.

The advocates of this procedure claim that there are different benefits of enemas, like flushing of the colon to remove the feces, dead tissue, parasites or any other debris. This is believed to restore regular bowel movements and improve overall health. There are claims that some of the other health benefits of enemas include:

• Clearing up of the skin
• Combatting irritable bowel syndrome
• Improving sexual viability
• Reducing the severity and frequency of common colds
• Reliving psychological ailments like anxiety and depression
• Stimulating the pressure points, by massaging the colon
• Strengthening the immune system

However, there are no clinical studies to support such claims

Though there are a few benefits of enemas, most people prefer to use alternatives to this procedure for relieving constipation. This could be because of the side effects that have been associated with enema, some of which include dependence on the process, cramps, infections, rectal bleeding and perhaps even colon damage.

Therefore, in case you decide to go in for an enema, make sure that you first get an approval from your doctor. You also need to make sure that the enema is sterilized and administered properly or else the side effects could be a lot more severe.

Submitted by N on October 19, 2012 at 12:59

Are fleet enemas safe during pregnancy?

A fleet enema is a saline-based enema, which pulls water from your body, into the bowels, so that your stools are softened, making it easier for you to have a bowel movement. People all over the world use fleet enema as a measure for constipation. Since constipation is one of the signs of pregnancy, many women check with their doctors if it is safe for them to use a fleet enema during pregnancy.

Unfortunately, there are many side effects that can be experienced after using a fleet enema during pregnancy such as, rectal bleeding, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain and swelling, to name a few. Therefore, the use of a fleet enema during pregnancy could be strictly avoided.

It is believed that the use of fleet enema during third trimester of pregnancy could lead to premature labor. In fact, when you do go into labor, your health care provider will probably administer an enema so that you can clear your bowels before delivery.

Why don’t you try natural methods, instead of using an enema during pregnancy? First of all, increase your intake of fiber, as it will soften your stools, making them easier to pass. Include a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, whole grains, beans and legumes in your diet. Also make sure that you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water during the day. There are several foods that worsen constipation and it is important for you to avoid them during pregnancy. Stay away from junk food, processed food, refined food, sweets and caffeine as they aggravate constipation. Also make sure that you exercise for half an hour each day for improving your bowel movements.

In case you feel that there is no other option but to use a fleet enema during pregnancy, make sure that you get approval from your doctor before doing so.

Submitted by N H on March 13, 2012 at 03:45

What is the best enema for constipation?

Enema is a simple method you can use for treating different colon-related health problems, including constipation. In this method, you need to introduce water into your rectum by passing it through the anus. At times, you could mix other substances into the water too to enhance the effectiveness of an enema. While there is no best enema for constipation as such, there are several different types of enema that you can choose from, which include:

• Soap enema
• Coffee enema
• Epsom salt enema
• Milk and honey enema
• Lemon juice enema
• Phospho-soda enema
• Fleet enema
• Yogurt enema
• Tap water enema
• Barium enema
  

There enema recipes for constipation may vary and many of them are easily available through various resources. However, you need to make sure that you the recipe you use is from a reliable source and the enema consists of the right ingredients or else, you could suffer from serious side effects. You may want to try using a plain water enema first, to gauge its reaction on your body, before trying the different types of enema. You also need to ensure that the enema is sterilized properly before it is used, to avoid any serious infections. In case you suffer from rectal bleeding, irritation, inflammation or other similar problems, you need to inform your doctor about it right away.

Submitted by P T on September 21, 2011 at 07:41

Enemas In Pregnancy

Pregnancy often causes severe constipation, diarrhea, acidity and heartburn. These gastrointestinal conditions are brought on by the fluctuations of hormones within a pregnant woman’s body. Very often women resort to medications to treat these problems but as the medications are very strong they may only end up aggravating their problems. Women who are constipated may opt for strong drugs which would definitely help to treat the problem but which may cause them to suffer from bouts of diarrhea instead. This often leads to a vicious cycle wherein several medications are necessary every few days which can have a tremendous impact on both her health and the health of her unborn baby. This is why doctors generally recommend home remedies for constipation in order to treat this condition. It is only when these remedies are not effective that the doctor may recommend an enema. An enema generally causes excessive straining which in turn could have serious effects and can even cause early contractions and may force the woman to prematurely go into labor. Make sure that you do not use an enema unless your doctor specifically tells you to use one.  

Home remedies for constipation during pregnancy would include natural remedies that help to bulk up the stools so that they can be easily eliminated from the body. Foods, especially fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber and high-fiber cereal are also re commended. Carrots, romaine lettuce, broccoli, beetroot and cucumbers are only some of the vegetables that are considered to be high-fiber vegetables. Fruits like apples, peaches, and melons should be included in a pregnancy daily diet plan. Unpolished rice is another healthy option as it contains water-soluble fibers that help to form a gel like substance which allows fecal mater to pass easily through the intestines. Iron supplements can also cause constipation but make sure that you do not discontinue any supplements without first consulting your doctor as you could land up doing more harm than good. Drink plenty of water throughout your day and have plenty of fruits throughout the day as this will provide you with plenty of nutrients, fibers and fluids which will help to prevent constipation. Prune juice is another excellent natural cure for constipation and so you can have a glass of prune juice every morning to help prevent and treat constipation. Psyllium husk is an excellent bulking agent that you can use as it is a completely natural product that contains several types of fiber.   

If you are going to use an enema during pregnancy, make sure that you do not choose one without consulting your doctor first. Certain enemas may contain ingredients that may be harmful to either you or your child. Even herbs such as mistletoe and sassafras can have serious and lasting effects on your child’s health.
 

Submitted by P T on May 27, 2010 at 01:25

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