Tuesday, March 26, 2024

How To Relieve Constipation Before Labor

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Scared Of Pooping While Giving Birth

Constipation Relief in Pregnancy | Midwife Recommended Diet Suggestions, Supplements & WARNING SIGNS

The fear of pooping while giving birth is real. I was terrified during my first pregnancy of this very thing. More so than anything else. I asked every mom I knew Did you poop while giving birth? Were you embarrassed, what did you do, how did you cope?

No matter how many times someone tells us its normal, it happens to almost every mom, and you wont even notice it we are still scared because, hello, we arent normally spread eagle with strangers watching our private areas expand and excrete bodily fluids and more..

So, to you my friend who is expecting a newborn and not a pile of doody this one is for you. Lets get over this fear!

This post may contain affiliate links. For my full disclosure see here.

  • Im Scared Of Pooping While Giving Birth Heres What You Can Do
  • Is It Safe To Take Laxatives During Pregnancy

    Yes, it safe to take only some forms of laxatives during pregnancy. Options include milk of magnesia and Metamucil. Stronger laxatives are prescribed when these do not work, but they come with risks and shouldnt be used without your doctors consent .

    You will be able to protect yourself from constipation by doing regular exercises and consuming plenty of water. To treat the issue effectively, you should seek advice from your doctor before using these remedies.

    Have you tried any of these remedies for pregnancy constipation? Did they help? Share your experiences in the below comment section.

    References:

    Fiber Is Not Always The Answer

    If adding fiber to your diet in the form of food orsupplements makes you more bloated and blocked than before, there are a numberof potential reasons. For example, in slow transit constipation, a conditionwhere the bowel does not move things quickly through, fiber sits in your gut andcan make you feel worse.

    Long story short: If fiber makes you worse, dont just addmore. See your doctor.

    Read Also: How Long Can Ibs Attacks Last

    When Should You Talk To Your Doctor About Postpartum Poop Concerns

    You should let your doctor know if you havent had a bowel movement within a week of giving birth. And if you have any poop-related questions or concerns throughout your recovery , dont hold back. Theres nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.

    The bottom line? Postpartum poop happens but it’s more likely to happen when you’re not so worried about it.

    From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

    • What to Expect When Youre Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.
    • Lisa Hickman, M.D., Urogynecologist and OB/GYN, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, and Member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board.

    Constipation Remedies During Pregnancy

    Pin on Pregnancy Tips

    If you find yourself having difficulty going to the toilet, you may need to try these ten pregnancy-safe remedies to get things moving again.

  • Plenty of Fluids: Drinking lots of water throughout the day will help flush things through. Make sure youre getting at least ten 8-ounce glasses of water a day to replace lost fluids. This can even help with constipation caused by taking iron supplements. If its hot outside or if your activity level is high you should take more fluids correspondingly.
  • Get Moving: Moving helps things get moving! Walking, swimming and yoga are all great exercises for your pregnant body.
  • Warm Bath: A nice warm soak will help relax your stomach muscles and will encourage stools to move through. A nice warm soak will help relax you and your stomach muscles and will encourage stools to move through.
  • Increase Fiber Intake: High-fiber foods help remove undigested food from your intestines and into the toilet. Broccoli, berries, beans, brown rice, and green leafy vegetables all work wonders to help you go.
  • Drink Lemon Water: Take the juice from half a lemon, mix it into a glass of water, and drink before you go to bed. The water helps soften the stool, and the lemon has a high acidic content, which works on the GI tract to get things moving.
  • Editor’s Note:

    Also Check: How Long Does Ibs Flare Up Last

    Further Information On Constipation Relief

    If you do notice a change, and it continues for an extended period of time despite dietary changes, you should see your GP or healthcare professional to find out if there is anything they can suggest to help relieve your constipation.

    You may also find it helpful to read the resources below, to help you manage your bowel movements.

    How Is Constipation Treated During Pregnancy

    The first step in treating constipation is to increase the fluids and fibre in your diet. Eating wholegrain foods, fruit and vegetables can often resolve constipation. If symptoms continue, then fibre supplements or laxatives may be a short-term solution however, it is always better to stimulate the bowel with a healthy diet rather than take medications. Taking laxatives can sometimes result in side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

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    Medications To Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy

    If youve tried everything in the books, and you are still having difficulties in the bathroom, it may be time for some meds. Check with you doctor, but generally stool softeners are safe for pregnant women. Other OTC medications that are safe include Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, or Milk of Magnesia.

    Dont you just love talking about poop?? Dont worry, usually, this constipation most women experience during pregnancy is temporary. Pregnancy is like a scary roller coaster ride for your body to go through, but eventually, you get to the end and things go back to normal .

    THERE IS HOWEVER a very scary poop you must face called the first postpartum poop, but that is a story for another day, and I wont scare you with alllll that.

    Happy bathroom adventures!

    What Causes Constipation In Pregnancy

    Constipation During Pregnancy | 11 Ways To Relieve Constipation In Pregnancy

    Constipation can be quite unpleasant, but unfortunately extremely common during pregnancy some reports say up to 40% of women experience it. As your belly gets bigger the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum only exacerbates the issue.

    There are a number of reasons that could be the cause of your pregnancy constipation.

    It might even be a combination of them:

    Theres also a chance your constipation may not be pregnancy-related at all and could be due to a low-fiber diet, too much dairy, or a new medication.

    Some foods you should stay away from if you are suffering from constipation include bananas, fried foods, potato chips, red meat, white bread, white rice, white pasta, and dairy products.

    Recommended Reading: Can Salad Give You Gas

    Best Food To Relieve Constipation In Pregnancy

    Watermelon, high-fibre foods, magnesium supplements, lemon, water, oranges, prune juice, chia seeds, flax seeds, berries, kiwis, pears, beans, cereal, apples, guava and spinach are some of the foods that relieve constipation in pregnancy.

    Many women have constipation before they get pregnant, but with the increase in hormones and pressure of the womb against the bowels, the problem can get considerably worse. Luckily, there are some tried-and-true natural ways to get things flowing again, without resorting to counter drugs that can harm a developing baby.

    Can An Enema Help Induce Labor

    4/5Enemasinduce laborEnemas can

    Simply so, will an enema trigger labor?

    Some people swear by castor oil or enemas for inducing labor. They still get diarrhea and it’s very unpleasant, but they don’t go into labor.”

    Similarly, how can I induce my labor? Always talk to your doctor before trying to induce labor on your own.

  • Sex. Theoretically, there are multiple reasons why having sex could induce labor.
  • Nipple stimulation.
  • Red raspberry leaf tea.
  • In respect to this, can I do an enema before labor?

    Giving women enemas during labour does not shorten labour or decrease the risk of infection to mother or baby. Consequently there is no evidence for any routine use of enemas in labour, a Cochrane Review has found. Enemas are frequently given to women early in labour so that they empty their back passage.

    Does sperm really induce labor?

    First, semen is a natural source of prostaglandins, which are used in synthetic form to encourage cervical ripening in preparation for labour. Second, sex plus or minus orgasm has been found to increase uterine activity, and nipple stimulation is also thought to stimulate the uterus to induce labour.

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    Why Constipation Occurs During Pregnancy

    During pregnancy, your body steps up its production of hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which reduce muscle tension and slow down the activity of the intestine. As a result the digestive process for water to be absorbed out of the contents of the intestine slows down and leads to stools that are too hard and too dry. Of course, a much more obvious change is the size of your abdomen. As your womb grows in size, the intestine and its activities come under increasing pressure, which can also produce stools which are too hard. During pregnancy, your body must produce more blood, which is why it often suffers from iron deficiency as well. The iron supplements prescribed when this happens can also bring about constipation as a side effect.

    Will It Continue After Ive Had The Baby

    Postpartum Constipation: How Long Does It Last &  How To ...

    There are several reasons why constipation may continue after birth. Women who have had a caesarean often experience constipation for a few days until their regular bowel movements return. Women who have stiches after a vaginal birth may hesitate on the toilet, which can cause a build-up in their bowels.

    If youve taken strong pain medication after having your baby this may also cause constipation.

    New mothers are often busier than usual in the first few weeks and months of motherhood. It may seem like taking care of yourself has become less of a priority, but your health is no less important now than it was during your pregnancy. Be sure to have plenty of fibre-rich fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains as well as increase your fluid intake while breastfeeding to encourage healthy bowel movements, even when you are busy.

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    What Is Postpartum Constipation

    Constipation is common after giving birth. Characterized by difficult or infrequent bowel movements, many people experience constipation during pregnancy, and it can continue after delivery, or it may occur for the first time after delivery. Generally, constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements a week and/or less often than your normal bathroom habits. This condition may persist for a week or longer until your body’s elimination system gets back on track.

    People who did not have an issue with constipation during their pregnancy might be surprised to develop it after. On the other hand, for someone who has had bowel woes in the past or dealt with them while they were pregnant, constipation may continue or worsen right after giving birth.

    Whether the experience is new to you or not, constipation is uncomfortableespecially when your body is still trying to heal from labor and delivery. Postpartum constipation can happen for several reasons. Understanding them can help you find the best treatment and get relief.

    What Are The Causes Of Postpartum Constipation

    As said above, this discomfort could be due to any of the factors taking place before, during, or after pregnancy .

    • If you had long labor without food, or had bowel movements during labor, or had an enema, you may suffer from constipation for a day or two. All these conditions make your intestines empty and, therefore, cause constipation.
    • If you had a cesarean section, it might take three to four days for your bowel to function normally.
    • High progesterone levels due to hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause chronic constipation after delivery.
    • Systemic narcotics given to ease the discomfort during labor or pain relievers for postpartum pain, could slow down the bowel movements.
    • If you are breastfeeding, you will be taking prenatal vitamins, which may also cause constipation. You should check with your doctor for formulations that dont increase the risk of constipation.
    • The iron supplements taken while you are pregnant could also be a cause for this condition.
    • Delivery through forceps or ventouse methods could also cause bowel issues leading to constipation.
    • A severe tear during delivery.
    • An episiotomy can cause sore perineum, which may lead to constipation.
    • The digestive system slows down during labor, and this could continue even after delivery.

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    Can I Prevent Constipation In Pregnancy

    Regular exercise and clean eating habits encourage a healthy digestive system, which can prevent constipation in pregnancy. Including lots of fiber in your diet , drinking enough water, and staying active can all combine to prevent constipation in pregnancy by counteracting the natural digestive slowdown of pregnancy.

    How To Prevent Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

    4 Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation Naturally l Constipation Treatment

    Avoiding constipation is key to preventing hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Here are some tips for preventing constipation:

    Eat lots of high-fiber foods. There are plenty of good ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet. Fiber-filled foods include fruits like pears , avocados, and berries vegetables such as broccoli, artichokes, and Brussels sprouts whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and even popcorn legumes including various kinds of beans, lentils, and green peas and dont forget nuts and seeds.

    Drink plenty of fluids. Aim for 10 8-ounce glasses of water each day.

    Use the toilet as soon as you feel the urge. Holding it in can contribute to constipation.

    Try not to sit or stand for long periods of time. If you sit down at work, make sure to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. At home, try to rest on your side when reading or watching TV, to relieve downward pressure on your rectal veins.

    Ask your doctor about using a stool softener. This can help if other methods fail to ease your constipation. Using laxative pills for constipation is not recommended during pregnancy, as they can cause dehydration and might stimulate uterine contractions.

    Identify the right muscles by stopping urination midstream. .

    Once you know which muscles to use, tighten them and hold the contraction for five seconds. Then relax for five seconds. Work up to holding the contraction for 10 seconds. Try to do at least three sets of 10 reps a day.

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    Side Effects Of Constipation

    As mentioned above, constipation is a common condition however, it should be noticed that chronic constipation could be dangerous for peoples health. There are some serious complications that may appear when you are constipated for a long time, including the systematic symptoms listed such as pain, stress, heart diseases and malnutrition. Furthermore, in some cases, constipation also leads to hemorrhoids and even cancer.

    To the elderly, who are suffering cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, constipation is even more dangerous as a straining and difficult bowel movement can increase blood pressure, a risk of cerebral embolism, shortness of breath and so on, which may cause sudden death. The stagnation of stool in the colon for long days also cause intestinal obstruction or facilitate the development of harmful bacteria, promoting the risk of other diseases and infections.

    Its Okay To Fear This

    Im not here to tell you that this is an invalid feeling. Shoot I was scared shitless about this . But you can be afraid just dont let it be your only feel when you are in delivery.

    Your mind is much stronger than you know. Feed it happy, good, and relaxed thoughts and youll see how fast this fear will diminish.

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    Cause Of Constipation During Pregnancy

    • Changes in hormones

    One of the culprits causing constipation during pregnancy is an increase in progesterone. This hormone causes the smooth muscle fibers to relax in the body, preparing mom and a baby for delivery. But it also smoothes the intestines, which means the peristaltic motion is not as strong, and food moves more slowly through the digestive tract.

    • Reduced food and water consumption
    • Changes in diet

    Take Extra Magnesium Before The Due Date

    Swallowing a vibrating capsule could relieve constipation ...

    Magnesium is something that the pregnant body absolutely adores, for many reasons. Magnesium helps to promote healthy tissue growth in the baby, support moms bones as well, and encourage the flow of nutrients to the baby via the placenta. So it is already ticking a lot of boxes.

    Magnesium is also great for relieving constipation and clearing out the bowels. It is an osmotic laxative, which basically means that it relaxes the bowels and pulls the water out of the intestines, very effectively cleaning out the pipes. Adding extra magnesium to your diet or taking a specific magnesium supplements in the weeks before the due date will make sure things are flowing nicely.

    Cpmc.org, Babycentre.co.uk, Naturalsociety.com

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    You Feel Like The Baby Dropped

    This sensation, also called “lightening,” actually does mean that your little one has settled deeply into your pelvis, making their way toward the cervix in preparation to push through and be born. It can happen from a few weeks to a few hours before you actually go into labor.

    When your baby does drop, you may find you can breathe more easily since your baby will have moved away from your lungsbut you also may have to pee more often, since there will be increased pressure on your bladder.

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