Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking macrogol - Brand names: Movicol, Laxido, CosmoCol, Molaxole

Macrogol and pregnancy

Macrogol can be taken during pregnancy. Constipation is more common at the end of pregnancy and just after having a baby.

If you're pregnant, your doctor or midwife may advise you to first try to treat constipation without taking a medicine.

You can do this by eating more fibre (like potatoes, high-fibre cereals, wholemeal bread, brown rice or wholewheat pasta, fruit and vegetables) and drinking plenty of fluids. You'll also be encouraged to do gentle exercise.

If dietary and lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor or midwife may recommend a laxative such as macrogol.

Macrogol and breastfeeding

It is always better to treat constipation without taking a medicine first. If diet and lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor or midwife may recommend a laxative.

You can take macrogol while breastfeeding. It does not pass into breast milk so it's very unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

If you have any concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor.

Macrogol and fertility

There's no good evidence to suggest that taking macrogol reduces fertility in either men or women.

Find out more about how laxatives such as macrogol can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.