*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Pregnancy Breastfeeding And Fertility While Taking Lactulose

NHS medicines information on lactulose and whether you can take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lactulose and pregnancy

Lactulose can be taken during pregnancy and is not harmful to your baby.

Lactulose and breastfeeding

If your doctor or midwife says your baby is healthy, it's OK to take lactulose while you are breastfeeding.

Lactulose does not pass into breast milk so it's very unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. However, it is always better to treat constipation without taking a medicine first.

If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or has diarrhoea, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, then talk to your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor.

Lactulose and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking lactulose should cause any fertility problems in either men or women.

For more information about how laxatives can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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