What Are The Uses And Side Effects Of Laxatives?

Is it safe to use laxatives once a week. I feel bloated alot of the time and sometimes don't have a bowel movement for 2 weeks and for the past 2 weeks, i've used laxative twice which seems to help and clean me out real good but I don't know if they are safe to use once a week especially if you plan to have a baby in the near future