Difficult chapters after childbirth: causes and how to overcome them

Quite a number of new mothers who feel constipation, aka difficult to defecate after normal delivery or cesarean section. The feeling of passionate happiness when finally meeting your baby can certainly be disturbed by the presence of annoying constipation symptoms.

So, why does difficult defecation occur after childbirth and how is it safe to deal with it? Come on, find out the answer in the following review.

The cause of difficulty defecating after normal and caesarean delivery

After giving birth normally, you still have to struggle with a variety of body changes that are quite drastic during the puerperium.

Apart from experiencing puerperal bleeding (lochia), another thing that may also happen is a change in bowel pattern or habits.

If in the past you might be able to defecate about three times a day or three times a week, now you probably won't "go back" for about 2-3 days.

This causes a buildup of feces in the intestine which then hardens and dries up, making it difficult to pass.

Constipation after giving birth is not something that can be underestimated.

For some people, constipation can be a nightmare because the first time having a bowel movement after giving birth may be very painful.

Even so, there are also some mothers who feel fine when they have to defecate.

Apart from the natural changes in the body after childbirth, the causes of constipation in new mothers actually remain the same.

Lack of fiber intake and water intake, either before or during normal childbirth, can be a cause of constipation.

In addition, some women also experience hemorrhoids after going through the delivery process.

This of course will make it more difficult for you to defecate smoothly.

Hemorrhoids after childbirth can be caused by the pressure caused by straining during childbirth.

If you have a previous history of suffering from constipation or hemorrhoids, your risk of having difficulty defecating after giving birth is also higher.

Symptoms of difficulty defecating after normal delivery and cesarean delivery

The symptoms of postpartum constipation are not much different from the symptoms of constipation at other times.

The mother may feel bloated and tight (full) and have difficulty passing stools.

It's just that, the intensity of the abdominal pain that may be the difference in symptoms of constipation after childbirth and at some other time.

Mothers who have recently given birth and are experiencing constipation will usually feel the pain that is more intense.

This is caused by a tear in the vagina and hemorrhoids (swelling of the blood vessels in the anus) which makes bowel movements painful and difficult.

A vaginal tear can occur when your baby's head or shoulders pass through the vagina.

In addition, the doctor may also perform an episiotomy when deemed necessary during childbirth, causing a tear in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus).

The stitches and wounds that you get after giving birth can indeed cause pain, making it difficult to defecate.

That is why, it is important to apply care after normal delivery as well as after cesarean section.

This includes the care of the perineal wound in the vagina and the treatment of the C-section wound in the section of the caesarean section scar.

How to deal with difficult bowel movements (constipation) after childbirth

You don't have to worry that the stitches (if any) will tear when trying to get the stool out of the anus.

The stitches you get have been made to withstand the immense pressure.

You don't need to worry because there are many treatment options for dealing with difficult bowel movements after (post) normal delivery and cesarean section, including:

1. Drink lots of water and eat foods rich in fiber

Water not only prevents dehydration, it can also help soften hard stools.

This is why drinking lots of water can be a way to deal with difficult bowel movements after (after) normal delivery and cesarean section.

This treatment will be more effective if you also increase your intake of fibrous foods into your food choices after giving birth.

You can enjoy fruits for constipation, such as pears or apples, vegetables, peas, or whole grains.

Enter the list of BAB smoothing foods as your breakfast, lunch, and healthy snack menu.

You can also add probiotic-rich foods, such as low-sugar yogurt, for better digestive health.

Adjust your eating hours to be more regular so that bowel movements are also more stable and bowel movements become smoother.

Eat small portions but often so as not to worsen the condition of your bloated stomach.

Interestingly, it turns out that chewing gum is considered to be able to smooth bowel movements after childbirth, especially delivery by caesarean section.

According to Journal of Clinical Nursing, chewing gum can help support the work of the digestive system to make bowel movements easier.

In detail, chewing gum can seem to "trick" the body into thinking that you are eating by mimicking the actual eating process.

Chewing without having to swallow something can still get saliva flowing in your mouth.

Furthermore, the brain helps send signals to the intestines that "food" is coming so it is ready to start moving again.

2. Do not hold back CHAPTER

The more tense you are, the more panicked you will be and the more difficult it is to have a bowel movement.

The longer you delay and hold your bowel movements, the more difficult it will be for you to defecate comfortably.

Holding on to defecate after giving birth can actually make the stool harder to pass.

You are also not advised to push because it can cause irritation or injury.

3. Try to squat

The bowel movements usually get smoother when your knees are raised.

In times of constipation like this, squat toilets can be a way to deal with difficult bowel movements after (after) normal delivery or cesarean section.

However, if the toilet you are using is a toilet seat, try supporting your legs by placing a stool or stacking books under your feet.

4. Soak in warm water

For those of you who have difficulty defecating due to hemorrhoids after giving birth, soak in warm water for 3-10 minutes.

Warm water can help relieve hemorrhoids so that your bowel movements can be smoother.

The pain intensity due to vaginal tearing can be lighter.

5. Take laxatives

Taking constipation medication is the last way you can also deal with difficult bowel movements after (after) normal delivery or cesarean section.

This is because certain drugs may have side effects.

Therefore, it is better if you try to launch a natural bowel movement first.

If natural remedies are not effective, then you should consider medical constipation drugs that are sold in pharmacies and drug stores.

Remember, certain medicinal ingredients can flow into breast milk and enter the body.

Therefore, choose laxatives that are safe for pregnant women to drink. If necessary, consult a doctor, to make it safer.

When to see a doctor

After giving birth, your bowel movements should feel easier and smoother as time goes on.

However, if it's been weeks and you still find it difficult to defecate after giving birth, there's nothing wrong with seeing a doctor.

In some cases, difficulty defecating after childbirth can lead to anal fissures where there are cracks or injuries in the anus.

The doctor will prescribe medication so that the tense muscles can relax more and allow you to pass stool smoothly.

x