Constipation, a common symptom of late pregnancy, has many pregnant women perusing the pharmacy shelves for laxatives. Senna leaf, a part of the senna plant that has stronger effects than the fruit, according to MedlinePlus, has laxative effects and is approved as a non-prescription drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to relieve constipation. Ask your doctor before taking any drug, including herbal preparations, during pregnancy
Uses
As many as 50 percent of all pregnant women experience constipation at some point in pregnancy, according to Baby Center. Several factors cause constipation, including the increased levels of the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscle found in the gastrointestinal tract. Late in pregnancy, the pressure of the uterus on the intestines and rectum may cause constipation. Because your body absorbs very little senna, it's considered safe for short-term use in pregnancy, eMed TV states.
Possible Side Effects
Senna leaf has a laxative effect, which increases intestinal peristalsis. This can cause uncomfortable abdominal cramping accompanied by loose stools or diarrhea. The increased movements within the intestines can also stimulate uterine contractions could possibly start labor. Senna leaf has weaker effects than castor oil, a common folk remedy sometimes suggested as a way to stimulate contractions and start labor late in pregnancy.
Studies
Studies have shown no negative effect when using senna during pregnancy. A study conducted by the Hungarian Semmelweis University, School of Medicine and reported in the July 2009 issue of "Reproductive Toxicology" found that women who took senna leaf to treat constipation during pregnancy did not have a higher incidence of birth defects, even when they took the drug in the second and third month of pregnancy, when birth defects most often occur.
Considerations
The American Herbal Products Association recommends that pregnant women do not take this product without talking to their medical provider first and warns against long-term use of senna leaf, but not senna fruit. Trying other methods of relieving constipation first, such as increase fiber and fluid intake as well as increasing your exercise levels may give better and gentler results. Do not use senna leaf to induce labor, since it may have unpredictable effects.
References
- MedlinePlus; Senna; November 2010
- eMedTV; Senna and Pregnancy; Kristi Monson, Pharm.D.; April 2009
- "Reproductive Toxicology"; Senna Treatment in Pregnant Women and Congenital Abnormalities in their Offspring--A Population-Based Case-Control Study; N. Acs, et al.; July 2009
- WHALE; The Case Against Inducing Labour; Nancy Griffin, M.A.
- Baby Center; Constipation During Pregnancy; February 2011
