Constipation after childbirth

Constipation after childbirth: Why it occurs and how to safely solve the problem

Constipation is one of the most common complaints in the first weeks and months after the baby is born. This delicate problem can cause significant discomfort and exacerbate pain from stitches or hemorrhoids. Understanding the causes of postpartum constipation and knowing safe methods of its correction is an important element of your comfortable recovery.

Why does constipation occur after childbirth?

It is the result of a combination of physiological, psychological, and behavioral factors:

• Slowed bowel activity. The high level of progesterone during pregnancy relaxed the intestinal muscles, and it takes time for them to return to their usual tone.
• Medications. Iron supplements, which are often prescribed for postpartum anemia, as well as some painkillers (opioids) used after a cesarean section, can cause constipation.
• Weakened muscles. The abdominal and pelvic floor muscles involved in the act of defecation are stretched and weakened after childbirth.
• Dehydration. Especially relevant for breastfeeding mothers, as milk production requires a large amount of fluid. If you drink insufficiently, the body "takes" water from the intestines, making stool hard.
• Psychological factor. Fear of pain, especially when there are stitches in the perineum, can cause a woman to subconsciously hold back the urge to defecate, which only worsens the situation.

Prevention and safe treatment

The key to solving the problem is gentle and consistent action. It's not advisable to immediately resort to strong laxatives, which may be incompatible with breastfeeding. The basis of prevention is:

• Fiber and fluid. Include in your diet foods rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, prunes), and drink plenty of water.
• Movement. Even light physical activity, such as walking around the room, stimulates bowel function.
• Do not ignore urges. Try to visit the toilet as soon as you feel the need.

If these methods do not help, talk to a doctor. He may recommend safe medications that soften the stool (e.g., based on lactulose or macrogol).