Postpartum Bowel Movement: Why it hurts and what you can do

In the nine months leading up to birth, moms-to-be steel themselves, knowing that, at the end of their pregnancy journey, they have to endure all the pain and discomfort that comes with bringing a baby out into the world.

Once they get through labor and delivery, they feel a sense of relief, but wait…there’s more. They have to overcome another unexpected hurdle: their first bowel movement. Many moms would agree that the first trip to the bathroom after giving birth can extremely hurt, even more than labor and delivery.

What can you read in this article?

• Poop after giving birth
• How to poop after giving birth with stitches
• Perineum care after birth

Poop after giving birth, painful? 

You may have experienced ripping, sutures, or surgery in the form of a C-section following the delivery of your child. Whatever the case, you’ll have deflecting hormones, a weakened pelvic floor, and a perineum that’s been pushed to its breaking point.

The notion of having a bowel movement after delivery can be frightening, yet most individuals have one within 2–3 days.

Delaying or repressing bowel movements will not make the first one go more smoothly. It can even have the reverse effect. People should strive to have a bowel movement as soon as they feel the desire after giving birth.

1. You have been constipated for days

After birth, it will take a while for your body to heal and resume its normal processes, including metabolism and digestion. Medication intake and dehydration also play a role in postpartum constipation. In moms who delivered via Cesarean section constipation can be a common problem, especially as the anesthesia wears off.

2. You most likely neglected stool softeners

The importance of stool softeners after birth is often overlooked, but it can greatly help ease bowel movements.

3. You may have experienced vaginal tearing

Many women who deliver through normal vaginal delivery have to undergo an episiotomy, or the surgical cutting of the area between the vagina and anus to widen the birth canal. Tearing of the vulva and perineum can also happen spontaneously during labor.

4. You may have swelling

Even if a new mom did not experience vaginal tearing, she might still have some rawness and swelling down there.

5. Your stitches are still raw

After tearing or episiotomy, doctors stitch up the cut to allow healing. This can last for days or weeks. Even in moms who delivered via Cesarean section, the stitches can still feel tender.

Painful poop after birth: Difficult and large bowel movements after childbirth

Postpartum poop stuck: is it constipation?

Constipation is frequent in women during the postpartum period, which occurs after giving birth. The first six weeks following giving birth are known as the postpartum phase. During this time, your body begins to mend and adjust to the fact that you are no longer pregnant.

Your bowels should return to normal within a few days of giving birth to your baby. Constipation causes you to have inconvenient and infrequent bowel movements. This is when you pass firm, dry poop in small quantities. Constipation is the most frequent digestive system problem.

How to poop after giving birth with stitches

It may be beneficial to place a sterile cloth or pad over the sutures or wounded region, but the most essential thing is to avoid straining. It’s unlikely that you’ll break your stitches or open up the cut or rip again if you’ve got stitches.

If you have persistent constipation, see your midwife or doctor. A little laxative may be beneficial.

READ MORE: 

Postpartum must-haves: 7 items you absolutely need after giving birth

Postpartum recovery after 6 months, what you need to know!

What is postpartum bleeding or Lochia and is it normal?

Postpartum bowel motions can be made simpler with the following practices:

• Consuming adequate amounts of water and other hydrating fluids
• Eating a well-balanced diet high in fiber-rich foods like whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables
• Attempting to incorporate dried fruits into the diet, such as prunes and figs
• Gentle and regular exercise
• Gently cleanse the anal area with warm water.
• Avoiding repressing bowel motions
• A stool softener, such as Colace, will almost certainly be provided by the hospital or birthing center, and is safe to take in recommended doses even if you’re breastfeeding.
• Keep your attention on your breathing. Inhale deeply, then begin a slight push while breathing out slowly. You must use extreme caution here, especially if you have stitches. Also, only go when you feel compelled to!
• Poop like a kid. Get a tiny step stool and sit on it to relax your feet. Lean forward with your elbows on your knees. The closer you are to a hunch position, the better. Toilets are amazing, but sitting upright on them goes against how we’re supposed to eliminate waste in nature.

Perineum care after birth

Between the vagina and the anus is the perineum, which is made up of skin and muscle. These skin and muscle layers thin and stretch at the conclusion of your labor to allow your baby to be born. If you’ve suffered perineal or vaginal tears, or if you’ve had an episiotomy (an incision made into your perineum to widen your vaginal opening), the following tips will help you heal and feel better.

• Shower every day to keep the perineum clean.
• Change your sanitary pads at least every four hours to help prevent infection.
• If you have a rip or stitches, avoid sitting with your legs crossed or in any other position that permits your labia to gape open. This helps to relieve pressure on your perineum and stitches.
• On each hour, do several but very gentle pelvic floor “pulses” without attempting to “hold.” This aids in the reduction of edema and the promotion of recovery.
• Avoid stifling your muscles, holding your breath, or carrying anything heavy.
• If possible, lie down for 20–40 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours to help minimize swelling and speed up healing. If you have low back discomfort, lying on your side is generally more comfortable than lying on your back.
• For the first several days, or while it still seems effective, use ice on a daily basis, leaving it on for 10 minutes at a time and reapplying every hour as needed. Ice packs can be inserted in the inside lining of a sanitary pad or wrapped in a tiny piece of wet cloth and placed on the perineum.

How can new moms ease the pain?

Consult your doctor for the right medication to manage your discomfort. Ibuprofen, cooling creams, and stool softeners can help. Applying counter pressure is one measure to manage pain during bowel movements.

You can make use of a frozen diaper or maternity pad and press it lightly against your vagina. Avoid cheese or stool-hardening foods like white bread, white rice, pasta, and eggs. Go for fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid the canned kind. Fatty and processed foods are also a no-no.

If the pain does not subside with each bowel movement, consult your doctor in order to determine what causes to further address to help you on your road to recover, in order to truly enjoy the first few months of motherhood.

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.