Constipation often occurs after cesarean delivery, but it may also occur after a natural birth as a natural symptom as a result of the pressure of the uterus on the intestines, so its movement becomes slower.
In normal cases, the period of constipation is from one week to two months, while in chronic cases, it may extend up to 8 months.
symptoms of constipation include abdominal pain, pain during and after defecation, and sometimes a high temperature, and in other cases, nausea accompanied by vomiting may occur, and laziness.
Causes of Postpartum Constipation
There are many reasons for constipation after giving birth, including:
- Weakness of the pelvic muscles.
- The hormonal change begins during pregnancy and continues after delivery. This hormonal change causes constipation after giving birth.
- If there is bleeding after giving birth, doctors may resort to giving doses of iron, which causes constipation after childbirth.
- Cesarean section is one of the causes of constipation after giving birth, the mother needs a period of three to four days to restore normal bowel movement after the cesarean section.
- The mother resorts to using painkillers to calm the pain after giving birth, and these painkillers may cause constipation after giving birth.
Treatment of Postpartum Constipation
the following methods have a great effect in treat of constipation, including:
1. Diet
One of the most important ways to follow after giving birth is to focus on a healthy and useful diet, where your daily fiber intake should not be less than 25 grams.
That is, you must eat vegetables, fruits, and legumes, for example: two or three peaches will prevent you from using laxatives.
2. Drink enough water
Many women believe that eating enough fiber may prevent constipation after giving birth. Unfortunately, this is a misconception, as eating enough fiber without drinking enough water may make constipation after giving birth worse.
3. Time factor
Have a meal with a glass of warm water or herbal tea around the time you need to go to the bathroom, this will help relieve and possibly treat postpartum constipation.
4. Inhale and exhale
The pelvic muscles move in concert with the inhale and exhale, which may facilitate the process of excretion, thus treating constipation after giving birth.
5. Physiotherapy
Sometimes damage to the pelvic muscle occurs during giving birth. In such cases, a doctor should be consulted, who may resort to physical therapy to correct the situation and treat constipation after giving birth.
6. Movement
Movement and daily activities increase the strength of blood and oxygen flow to the organs, including the intestines, and this helps the intestines to move, helping to treat constipation.
7. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding stimulates uterine contraction, making bowel movements easier, thus preventing or treating constipation, if present.
When to see a doctor about postpartum constipation?
Women should consult their doctor if they do not have a bowel movement for 4 days after childbirth, as this case the use of a stronger laxative to help revive the digestive system and relieve constipation.