Pregnancy can be a tough time for the digestive tract – the hormonal changes and increased pressure on the bowels from your growing baby puts you at higher risk of constipation, loose stools, abdominal pain and increased bloating. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may make this more pronounced. Mild symptoms will not put you or your growing baby at increased risk, but it may feel uncomfortable. As always, you should take care to avoid any food you know brings on IBS symptoms. Keeping well-hydrated is key, and gentle exercise can help regulate bowel movements and reduce stress. If you feel you need medication, there are options. One of our pharmacists will go through what’s safe. Pregnancy is a time of great change, and anxiety plays a part for most women. IBS sufferers will know that stress and anxiety can make IBS symptoms worse. So, it’s important to keep yourself calm. Think of techniques that have helped in the past and start them before any flare-up. Or consider putting aside 20 minutes a day for something you find relaxing – reading, music, gentle yoga or putting a mindfulness podcast on.

Acid reflux is a very common problem that most people suffer with from time to time, and some people are prone to flare-ups on a regular basis. Many people can think of things in their recent lifestyle choices that cause it and discontinuing these is all they need to do to allow it to settle. Others may need medication to improve their discomfort. Acid reflux occurs when digestive acid rises up from the stomach, burning the sensitive lining of the esophagus (food pipe or gullet). It usually happens about half an hour after eating and can cause a bitter taste in the mouth, halitosis (bad breath), burping, bloating, nausea, a long-standing dry cough and pain on swallowing hot drinks. It can also sometimes cause a sore throat when you first wake up. It can feel quite uncomfortable, typically as a burning feeling in your tummy or chest going up towards the neck – it’s known as ‘heartburn’ for good reason although it has nothing to do with the heart – but in most cases it's mild and gets better on its own. If you suffer reflux regularly, it helps to have a few medications at home that you know work for you, so let’s talk you through the treatment options. It's also a good idea to consider any lifestyle factors you can modify, like obesity, alcohol excess, smoking, stress and certain foods, like those that are spicy or fatty. Bending forward a lot during the day can also make it more likely.

Esomeprazole is a medication used in the treatment of heartburn and stomach ulcers. It also protects your stomach lining from medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Esomeprazole can come in many different formulations; however, tablets are the most common, and small amounts can be purchased from a pharmacy, shops, and supermarkets.

Gaviscon is a common, over-the-counter medicine used to treat heartburn and indigestion. Available forms include tablets, chewable tablets, oral liquids, and oral liquid sachets. These products are suitable for anybody aged 12 years and above. Children under 12 should only use Gaviscon products if they are under supervision by a doctor. Gaviscon products are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Gaviscon Infant Sachets are available over the counter for children under 2 years but should only be used under the recommendation of a healthcare professional. They are used to treat gastric reflux (heartburn) and regurgitation. This happens when stomach contents move up the food pipe (esophagus), which can cause your child to feel uncomfortable. This is common in infants, as they can have an undeveloped muscle that prevents movement of the stomach contents back up the food pipe. This product is not available in the US. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about an appropriate alternative. Gaviscon Infant Sachets contain a powder mixture; the two active ingredients are sodium alginate and magnesium alginate.

Glycerin suppositories are a form of laxative, used to help relieve constipation. Laxatives come in different forms. There are tablets, liquids, sachets, and suppositories. Suppositories are not to be swallowed and are placed into the rectum, where they work locally to help relieve constipation.

Imodium is a branded version of the medication loperamide, which is used to treat diarrhea. Loperamide works by slowing down the natural muscle contractions (peristalsis) that occur in the intestines. This, in turn, gives your body more time to absorb fluid and electrolytes. Imodium can come in different formulations, such as caplets, softgels, and liquids. The "multi-symptom relief" versions also contain the medication simethicone, which helps relieve trapped gas.

Lactulose is an oral solution used to treat constipation on prescription only. It comes as a sugar-like syrup and is suitable for adults and children.

Laxatives play a vital role in the treatment of constipation, a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. As a pharmacist, I present a guide to help you understand the various types of laxatives, their mechanisms of action, recommended usage, precautions, and potential side effects, especially for children and during pregnancy, as these situations can be most challenging. By providing reliable information from trusted sources, this guide aims to empower you with knowledge for informed decision-making about laxative use.

Loperamide is a medication used to treat diarrhea, and is commonly found as the branded version Imodium. Loperamide works by slowing down the natural muscle contractions (peristalsis) that occur in the intestines. This, in turn, gives your body more time to absorb fluid and electrolytes. Loperamide can come in different formulations, such as capsules, softgels, and liquid. The "multi-symptom relief" version of Imodium also contains the medication simethicone, which helps relieve trapped gas.

Maalox is a widely used antacid medication specifically formulated to address the discomfort of indigestion. This oral suspension is readily available without the need for a prescription, making it accessible for individuals aged twelve and above. The active antacid components in Maalox consist of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. For individuals seeking enhanced relief, Maalox Plus offers a similar product with the addition of simethicone. This oral suspension combines the effectiveness of aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone to alleviate symptoms related to trapped gas.

Helminths are parasitic worms that can cause gut infection, and mebendazole is an anthelmintic medicine designed to kill them. It’s available by prescription for adults and children to treat threadworm (pinworm), which causes an intense itch around the anus, especially in children under 10 years old. Mebendazole can also be used to treat other parasitic worm infections such as roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm. These infest the gut and are usually picked up from travel to certain countries.