Causes of Difficult Defecation After Childbirth and How to Overcome It

Constipation or constipation can happen to everyone, including those of you who have just given birth. Actually, not defecating a few days after giving birth is a normal thing to happen. However, difficulty defecating after giving birth in a long time cannot be considered trivial. Maybe you think that the stitches you have will be torn or broken, when you push hard when defecating. But if you delay defecating after giving birth, it can cause problems later on.

Causes of Difficult Defecation After Childbirth

Either giving birth normally or through a caesarean section, you may experience constipation after giving birth. Here are some possible causes of this condition:

• Stomach is empty when before delivery.
• Get an enema or have a bowel movement just before giving birth to a baby.
• High levels of the hormone progesterone in your body during pregnancy and some time after giving birth, can cause constipation.
• When giving birth, the performance of your digestive system slows down.
• Side effects of certain painkillers during labor can slow down your intestinal work.
• Dehydration.
• Weakened pelvic muscles.
• Anal problems, such as wounds or hemorrhoids.
• Iron in prenatal supplements can also cause you to have difficulty defecating after giving birth.
• Perineum (the part between the vagina and anus) that is painful, or undergoes an episiotomy during childbirth.

How to Overcome Difficult Defecation

To overcome the problem of constipation after giving birth, then there are some things you must do, including:

• Move

You are advised to move a lot to overcome constipation after giving birth, because a lot of sitting or lying down for a long time can create a higher risk of constipation.

• High fibrous food consumption

In addition, you are advised to eat high-fiber foods, such as whole grains or whole grains, brown rice, nuts, fruits, and vegetables every day. Apple juice and grapes can relieve constipation, because these two fruits are rich in sorbitol, which is a natural laxative that can overcome constipation.

• Drink warm water

Drinking warm water can also overcome the problem of constipation. You can mix warm water with lemon juice, herbal tea, or chamomile tea. Drink plenty of water can make your stool softer and easier to remove.

• Avoid stress

Rest and relaxation after childbirth are important things to do. Stress and anxiety can make it harder to bowel movements.

If you have tried a number of simple methods above but it is still difficult to defecate after giving birth, chances are the doctor will give you a laxative to facilitate the removal of waste. Difficulty defecating after giving birth is generally not a serious matter. However, sometimes this complaint can also be a sign of interference that needs to be watched out for. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience bloody bowel movements, mucus or pus in the stool, hemorrhoids, and experience severe constipation accompanied by severe abdominal pain or fever.