Methylcellulose, commonly known as Citrucel is a bulk-forming laxative. It is one of the naturally occurring fibres in foods that are encouraged during pregnancy. The use of Citrucel for constipation during pregnancy as a supplement although have shown success still it is advised to be discussed with your physician as per recommended by FDA.

Citrucel helps in relieving even severe form of constipation as it absorbs fluid while passing through the intestines and helps in making a bulky, softer stool which will be definitely easier to evacuate by the constipated pregnant women and also to maintain regularity. Methylcellulose has soluble properties that will gradually take water. Although it is present in the intestines yet it is not going to absorb itself. This type of fibre is not a laxative which FDA uses as the term for manufacturers to be used on their labels.

Eventually, the success of Citrucel in pregnancy depends on how carefully it is followed according to the physician’s instructions. The prescribed dosage for it is the said dose of this powder in almost 8 ounces of cold water. Take this mixture as per frequency and dosage and it should be followed by more water at regular intervals. Citrucel is generally prescribed for minimum 2 days to assess its complete action and benefit. One needs to take care of the storage of this formula at room temperature in a airtight jar to protect it from humidity.

Not necessarily same formula might be suitable to someone else who is pregnant, the quantity, dosage and suitability should be and can be decided only by ones physician or health care provider. This fibre is very safe and in general has no known interactions with any foods or drinks. As a common feature additional diet rich in fibre, regular exercise, and drinking good amount of fluids will trigger the bowel regularity Also, there is no interference with other drugs as per FDA yet as a common rule less number of drugs will bear less number of drug interactions.

Some physician feels that Methylcellulose does not increase stool bulk like fibre but can soften hard stool pellets. When that is the only problem, this fibre has no parallel competition.

There is sometimes possibility of some side effects of Citrucel like bloating or flatus. It is due to the multiplication of bacteria in certain food; this is beneficial and is less in compared to other fibre supplements used. So, for this reason it is advised consume more insoluble fibres like wheat cereals which won’t produce this side effect. Intestinal gases can be further avoided by taking lot of fluids.

Some other minor side effects of Citrucel can be diarrhoea, rumbling sounds, nausea, mild abdominal cramps. It is recommended to avoid Citrucel in those who have difficulty in swallowing as there are chances for rupture of oesophagus in such cases. Always contact your physician if constipation persists for more than a week even after use of Citrucel for constipation during pregnancy or if rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, vomiting occurs. It will be better to change over to some other safe remedies for constipation during pregnancy.