Colace (docusate) in pregnancy has not been recommendation by FDA during pregnancy. Colace during pregnancy increases risk of birth defects. Colace is a recommended stool softener used to treat stubborn constipation. The benefits of using Colace during pregnancy are unknown. It is yet unknown if Colace can affect breast milk. If you plan on breastfeeding and using colace for constipation then also consult with your health care provider regarding possible risk involved.
Colace is better known as stool softener as it promotes easy faeces expulsion without straining. Colace is known to absorb fat and water in the intestine and mixes with faecal matter to form soft stool. Colace is better known to suitable for people who had recent rectal surgery, heart problems, high blood pressure, haemorrhoids, or hernias, and women who just have delivered.
Colace is also known in the form of micro enema which is used occasionally to relieve constipation for short-term relief only, unless your doctor prescribes you for longer duration. Colace is not an immediate relief for constipation during pregnancy. It can take 24 hrs to 48 hrs for this to start acting as laxative. Some people may even need to wait 4 or 5 days to see it effect.
Two main versions of Colace, i.e. Ex-Lax Overnight work in 6 to 12 hours & Colace Micro enema starts working in 2 to 15 minutes. Ex- Lax Stool softener is bitter in taste and so, colace liquid can be taken in half a glass of milk or fruit juice or with 1 big glass of water. Another way to take Ex-Lax Stool Softener is to add it to a retention or flushing enema. Colace Micro enema can be inserted into the rectum through nozzle insertion by lubricating the tip of the nozzle. Generally, Ex-Lax Stool Softener can also go side by side only as needed.
Colace is although widely accepted but also known to have bitter taste, throat irritation, and nausea even rash is reported after its use. Ex- Lax softener have produced side effects like abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, in cases where you have taken without your doctor advice. Mineral oil is a contraindication with colace ex-lax. It is also not advisable in those cases where the bowels have been irregular for almost fortnight.
If you see any rectal bleeding or no change in your bowel movement even after using this product, stop using it and call your doctor as he might require reviewing your problem and taking any other best alternative treatment instead of Colace in Pregnancy.