The first poop after birth can range from painless to uncomfortable to painful, depending on several variables. The first postpartum poop is something few people think about during pregnancy, but nearly everyone worries about in the hours and days after giving birth.
There are things you can do at home to make your first postpartum bowel movement (or really, the first few!) go more smoothly. Much of it starts with good self-care: Drink plenty of water to keep things moving, especially if you're breastfeeding. Eat high-fiber foods such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
Just when you thought the pain of childbirth was behind you, you're faced with the prospect of your first poop after birth. We're not going to lie—it might hurt. But probably not as much as you fear! And contrary to what anyone tells you, you won't burst your stitches either.
How long does it last? Constipation is most common in the first few days postpartum. But studies suggest that many women experience constipation for three to six months postpartum. In some cases it may even persist for up to 12 months following delivery.
That's because after you give birth, the perineum (the area between the bottom of the vaginal opening and the anus) is still sore and tender, especially if you have stitches. Don't wait or avoid going the bathroom, though.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, salad, wholegrain cereals and wholemeal bread, and drink plenty of water. This should make pooing easier and less painful. Try not to push or strain – this will make the piles worse. Let your midwife know if you feel very uncomfortable.
Wiping can be especially painful, so try to stick to the spray and blot method for at least a week after birth.
Gently wipe from front to back after you urinate or have a bowel movement. After wiping, spray warm water on the stitches. Pat dry. If you are too sore, just spray the area after urination and then pat dry without wiping.
However, if you're later in your labor or if you have an epidural and can't really feel things and you suddenly feel a ton of pressure, like you need to have a bowel movement, you need to call your labor nurse ASAP.
Keep the anus clean by wiping carefully after each bowel movement. Gently wipe from the front to the back. Baby wipes or hemorrhoid pads are usually more gentle than toilet paper.
When you're nursing, some of the water that would normally go straight to your colon—to help food keep moving—gets used for milk production. Without the water it needs, your colon soaks up the fluid left in your food waste, resulting in harder stools that won't budge.
Doctors began requiring women to fast during labor after it was documented in the mid-20th century that pregnant women who were put under general anesthesia had an increased risk for aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs. It can cause a severe inflammatory reaction or death.
Although you can apply ice, you shouldn't apply heat to the injection area after an epidural. Wait at least 72 hours to do this. A regular shower is fine, as long as you don't turn the temperature too high.
Most of the time, you can walk within a half hour or so of your epidural injection. However, you will not necessarily be walking normally at this point. Most clinics and hospitals monitor you for 15 minutes to an hour after an epidural injection. During this time, they will likely ask how you feel.
Stitches or staples.
If you have stitches due to a torn or cut perineum (see “Perineum soreness,” above), it will take 7-10 days to heal. The stitches will absorb over time. It is important that you keep the stitches from getting infected by gently cleaning them with warm water after each time you use the toilet.
Depending on which body part or parts the surgery involved, straining to have a bowel movement could compromise stitches or affect the body's healing processes. As the body is likely to be more sensitive or prone to damage than usual, it is best to use gentle constipation relief after an operation.
Those changes are typically due to uterine contractions, pelvic floor issues, and changing hormones. Some treatments, like laxatives, stool softeners, and pelvic floor therapy, may help. However, if postpartum bowel problems last or you develop symptoms of an infection, consult a healthcare provider right away.
Sitz baths (warm, shallow baths), regular baths, and showers are safe after vaginal delivery and can help with discomfort.
Avoid stairs and lifting until your doctor says these activities are OK. Don't take a bath or go swimming until the doctor says it's OK. Don't drive until your doctor says it's OK. Also wait until you can make sudden movements and wear a safety belt properly without discomfort.
How much weight do you lose after giving birth? Once baby has been delivered (along with their accompanying placenta and amniotic fluid), most women lose an average of 10 to 13 pounds. First week after delivery: You'll probably continue losing weight with the loss of retained fluids.
Put your feet on a stool to lift your knees further, while resting your elbows on your knees so you're squatting. This is better than the usual sitting position. See the image below for the best position. Try not to hold your breath to push, bear down or hurry it along – take your time and relax.
Our bodies are actually designed to eliminate in a squatting position. When pooping on the toilet with your feet flat on the floor, it actually creates a kink in your rectum and requires more straining. Even a small stool can help to correct this misalignment and reduce straining when having a bowel movement.
Doctors instructed their patients to avoid eating or drinking during labor to guard against the aspiration risks that accompany pregnancy and general anesthesia. General anesthesia is the medication used when a patient needs to be completely unconscious during a medical procedure.
And you can stay hydrated as well as eat lightly as your day approaches in the hopes of avoiding large bowel movements. But even with these efforts, keep in mind that it's pretty likely you'll still pass some poop when you push.