Why can't I have a bowel movement after a natural birth? Uncovering the causes and solutions to postpartum constipation
Recently, the topic of postpartum health has aroused heated discussions on social media. In particular, the problem of difficulty defecating after vaginal delivery has become a problem for many new mothers. This article will analyze the causes of difficulty defecation after vaginal delivery from a scientific perspective and provide practical solutions.
1. Three main reasons for difficulty defecation after vaginal delivery
| Reason | Description | Data support |
|---|---|---|
| Pelvic floor muscle injury | Pelvic floor muscles are overstretched during delivery, affecting defecation function | About 68% of women with vaginal delivery experience short-term pelvic floor muscle dysfunction |
| changes in hormone levels | A sudden drop in progesterone causes intestinal peristalsis to slow down | Progesterone drops to 5% of pre-pregnancy levels within 3 days after delivery |
| psychological factors | Fear of defecation caused by fear of wound dehiscence | 42% of pregnant women admit to fear of defecation |
2. Postpartum defecation problems shown by clinical statistics
| Time node | Incidence of difficulty defecation | average recovery time |
|---|---|---|
| Within 24 hours after delivery | 85% | - |
| Within 3 days after delivery | 62% | 2.5 days |
| Within 1 week after delivery | 35% | 5.8 days |
| 2 weeks after delivery | 12% | Medical intervention required |
3. Five effective measures to improve postpartum constipation
1.diet conditioning: Increase dietary fiber intake, ensure 25-30g of fiber daily, recommend dragon fruit, prunes and other natural laxative fruits.
2.Moderate exercise: You can start turning over in bed 6 hours after delivery, and try to get out of bed and walk slowly after 24 hours.
3.abdominal massage: Massage the abdomen clockwise, 10-15 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day, to promote intestinal peristalsis.
4.psychological counseling: Medical staff should explain the wound healing situation in detail to eliminate the mother's fear of defecation.
5.Medication aid: Mild laxatives such as lactulose can be used under the guidance of a doctor and avoid using irritating laxatives.
4. Danger signs to be wary of
| Symptoms | Possible problem | Suggested handling |
|---|---|---|
| Not having a bowel movement for more than 5 days | severe constipation | seek medical attention immediately |
| severe pain during bowel movements | Anal fissure or hemorrhoids | Specialist examination |
| Abdominal bloating with vomiting | intestinal obstruction | emergency treatment |
5. Expert advice and precautions
1. The first postpartum bowel movement does not have to be completed within 24 hours, but if you have not had a bowel movement for more than 3 days, you should inform your doctor in time.
2. Women with episiotomy or tear can use clean gauze to gently support the perineum to reduce pain during defecation.
3. Breastfeeding mothers should note that some laxative drugs may affect the baby through breast milk, so be sure to consult a doctor before taking them.
4. Establish regular defecation habits. Even if there is no need to defecate, you should try to defecate at a fixed time.
5. Long-term constipation may cause complications such as hemorrhoids. If the problem persists for more than 2 weeks, you should see a gastroenterologist or anorectal department.
Through the above analysis and suggestions, I hope to help new mothers better deal with postpartum defecation problems. Remember, this is a common temporary phenomenon after childbirth, and most of it can return to normal within 1-2 weeks through scientific treatment. If there are special circumstances, be sure to seek professional medical help in time.
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