Healthy Living

Constipation in the puerperium. What to do? Midwife’s advice

Constipation (or constipation) is one of the discomforts, even painful, that can accompany women in the puerperium. Suffering from constipation is common to many postpartum women and is not something to be underestimated.

What are the reasons for constipation after childbirth?

Physical change

The physical changes create more space for all the organs in the abdomen. The intestine takes up to 2 weeks to cope with this change and to find the “right place” in the abdomen. Furthermore, the lower physical activity in the puerperium also affects the intestine.

Hormonal changes

Due to the hormonal change that has taken place in your body, your intestines are generally very sluggish and don’t work as effectively as they did before pregnancy. Your body has become accustomed to the exceptional hormonal situation during the months of pregnancy, so changes now take some time.

Dehydration

Due to birth, increased sweating in the puerperium and due to breastfeeding, there may be a lack of fluids, which also promotes the onset of constipation.

Birth injury and cesarean scar

Many women are afraid of the first bowel movements after birth. Birth injuries such as vaginal abrasions and a possible episiotomy or caesarean section scar can still be very painful and the fear that the suture may reopen is present in many women’s heads. Therefore, dear mothers, take as much time as you need.

Hemorrhoids

In a spontaneous birth, hemorrhoids can occur , often causing pain in the genital area in the puerperium. Hemorrhoids often appear before birth, during pregnancy. This also makes removal difficult and triggers worries and fears for many moms. Most of the time, however, postpartum hemorrhoids regress spontaneously.

What to do in case of constipation?

The body needs some time to recover after birth. The organs have to find their place in the abdominal cavity and the frequency of intestinal activity also changes. Therefore, it may take up to 2-3 days after your baby is born before you are able to have a bowel movement for the first time. If after this period it didn’t work, you should support your digestion a little with some tricks at the table and beyond.

10 tips on how to stimulate intestinal activity

  • A warm glass of water in the morning
  • Drink plenty of fluids (2-3 liters a day)
  • Getting regular exercise, short walks (they don’t have to be long and strenuous) are good for the body and can keep the intestines working
  • Prefer a diet rich in fiber
  • Flaxseed or wheat bran
  • Dried fruit, such as prunes
  • A stimulating abdominal massage (massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction with light pressure).
  • Early pelvic floor exercises can stimulate intestinal activity
  • Yogurt with lactic ferments inside
  • Acupuncture

I hope these tips help you and that you can fix the problem soon.

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

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