Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take laxatives without first consulting a physician. Stronger laxatives and chloride channel activators have the potential to harm a pregnant woman or a developing fetus. For example, castor oil, a stimulant laxative, is known to sometimes cause early labor. The lubricant laxative mineral oil can interfere with a woman’s ability to absorb nutrients and vitamins A, D and K, and long-term use has been associated with severe bleeding in newborn infants. Bulking agents and stool softeners may be safe to use during pregnancy.

Laxatives are usually considered safe to use during breastfeeding. However, some ingredients may pass into breast milk, causing diarrhea in infants.