Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking senna

If you're pregnant you may try and treat constipation without taking a medicine. You can try 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 commonly used during pregnancy.

Senna is occasionally used in pregnancy, and there is no evidence that it causes harm. However, it's better to try other types of laxative first because there is more information to say that they're safe.

If your doctor or midwife says your baby is healthy you can take senna while you are breastfeeding.

Only tiny amounts pass into breast milk which are unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby.

Although you could try treating constipation without taking a laxative, or taking a different laxative such as lactulose or Fybogel, it's important that you take the medicine that works for you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist who will help you decide what's best for you.

If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or has diarrhoea, then talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor.

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

Tell your doctor if you're:

• trying to get pregnant
• pregnant
• breastfeeding