BACKGROUND: Circulating progesterone may be the cause of slower gastrointestinal movement in mid and late pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of different methods for treating constipation in pregnancy. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Medline (1987 to 1997). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of any treatment for constipation in pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality assessments and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS: One trial of 40 women was included. Fibre supplements increased the frequency of defaecation (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.67), and lead to softer stools. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Dietary supplements of fibre in the form of bran or wheat fibre are likely to help women experiencing constipation in pregnancy.
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