What's the difference between...(med question)

[babycatcher12]

So I have a question about laxatives (weird I know)...
What's the difference between castor oil, mineral oil and a fleets enema?
Is one harsher than the others?

The reason I ask is because in the last day or two I've really had a going problem (as in I can't). It feels like there is a huge amount of pressure down there, but things just won't move. I've increased my fiber this entire pregnancy and been taking a stool softener regularly.

My practitioner said I could take a "mild laxative" to try to help. I have all three on hand, but am not sure which to take. We live way out in the sticks and only have one car so it's not like I can just run to the store and get something else. Any other suggestions?

[Jenne]

Okay, I take colace (which has another name that I can't think of) and know you can take up to 3 in 24 hours for relief. So, if that's your normal stool softener you could try upping the dose.

As far as the others...I don't know anything about them. I do know you aren't supposed to take laxatives which cause intestinal contractions because it can cause uterine contractions. I know people use castor oil for induction so I wouldn't use that...I don't know about mineral oil or enemas. Sorry! Hopefully someone else will weigh in...

Good luck!

Jenne

[BlackSheepPDX]

An enema just introduces saline into the rectum, stretching it out a little and stimulating the urge to eliminate. Probably the gentlest of the three choices you were asking about.

Castor oil is taken orally, and is NOT gentle. As PP said, it can also be used as an induction aid, so I wouldn't approach that one.

Mineral oil is also taken orally, but I don't think it does anything to actually STIMULATE, but rather just to literally lube things up a bit from the inside out.

As suggested, an increase in the stool softener may also help.