Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking or using docusate

Docusate is occasionally used in pregnancy.

There's no evidence to suggest it will harm your baby. However, other types of laxative are usually tried first because there's more information to say that they are safe.

If you're pregnant, you can try to treat constipation without taking a medicine. This involves eating more fibre and drinking plenty of fluids. It may also help to do gentle exercise.

If diet and lifestyle changes do not work, your doctor or midwife may recommend a laxative such as lactulose or Fybogel. These laxatives are quite often used during pregnancy.

If diet and lifestyle changes, such as eating more fibre, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising, do not help your constipation, it's OK to take or use docusate if you're breastfeeding. Always take or use it for the shortest time needed.

Drinking plenty of fluids is also important to help with breast milk supply.

It's not known how much docusate gets into breast milk, but it's only likely to be a tiny amount. It should not cause any side effects in your baby.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor, midwife, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

There's no evidence to suggest that docusate affects fertility in men or women.

Tell your doctor if you're:

• trying to get pregnant
• pregnant
• breastfeeding