Intestinal Problems After Childbirth

Postpartum Bowel Recovery

Для восстановления кишечника после родов нужно время. Именно поэтому женщинам рекомендуется носить послеродовой бандаж или подвязывать живот, и делается это не только из эстетических соображений. Врачи рекомендуют носить бандаж, потому что он способствует скорейшему сокращению матки и препятствует опущению органов брюшной полости. Помимо этого, регулярное ношение бандажа после родов поддерживает мышцы брюшной стенки, что благоприятно влияет на восстановление их тонуса. При покупке бандажа очень важно подобрать правильный размер. Обычно, он должен иметь тот же размер, который был у женщины и до беременности. Но если женщина во время вынашивания ребенка прибавила в весе более 10 кг, то бандаж следует покупать на 1-2 размера больше. Обязательно нужно примерить бандаж перед покупкой. Он должен поддерживать живот снизу, а не давить на него и вдавливать внутрь, иначе проблемы только усугубятся. Если женщина не ощущает давления, швов, застежек, и ей в бандаже комфортно, то его можно покупать. Ни в коем случае не стоит брать у знакомых или покупать поношенный бандаж, так как его материал уже растянулся и не имеет нужных качеств для правильной поддержки живота.

However, some unpleasant consequences are inevitable. One of the most sensitive issues is constipation and bloating after childbirth. Not all women can talk about it openly, but the quality of life significantly deteriorates. Remember that bowel recovery after childbirth is a complex process that requires attention.

Constipation is the slowed or difficult bowel movements. Postpartum constipation can be caused by both physiological and psychological reasons.

Physiological

1) Hormonal changes. The body of a postpartum woman is still producing progesterone, which can affect the decrease in intestinal motility, leading to constipation.

2) Taking antibiotics. If for some reason a woman has to take antibiotics, it can affect her body and cause problems with gut flora.

3) Weakened and stretched muscles. The abdominal and pelvic floor muscles are weakened after pregnancy and childbirth, complicating the normal process of defecation.

4) Uterus size. The uterus will return to its normal size in 1-1.5 months, so it may still constrict the intestines.

5) Displacement of the intestines. The uterus has decreased in size over a relatively short period, causing the intestines to ‘fall’ somewhat into place, which interferes with their proper function.

6) Improper nutrition. Quick snacks between sleeping, doing laundry, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the child, instead of full restful meals, also negatively affect the digestive process.

7) Issues arising during labor. Any deviation from the normal birthing process can also result in postpartum constipation.

Psychological

1) Deliberately postponing going to the bathroom due to lack of time. The intestines simply stop signaling the need to be emptied.

2) Fear. This can occur when a woman is afraid that stitches from a C-section or episiotomy will come undone. There’s also the fear of pain due to potential hemorrhoids.

3) Stress. Stress, in general, can negatively impact any organ in the human body.

4) Sleep deprivation, overexertion. If a woman doesn’t get enough rest, all body systems can start to malfunction, with the intestines reacting first.

Bloating is also quite a common problem that occurs in women after childbirth. It is the accumulation of gases in the intestines, arising due to digestive disorders. Sometimes this can lead to sharp or aching pains and can also cause colic in mothers after childbirth.

How to solve intestinal recovery problems after childbirth?

Firstly, it’s necessary to see a doctor, and possibly they will prescribe necessary and harmless medications for the baby during breastfeeding. Secondly, the following recommendations significantly aid in intestinal recovery after childbirth:

1. Nutrition. In the first days, a mother’s diet should primarily consist of liquid foods. It’s advisable to eat broths, soups, and vegetable purees during these days. It’s also worth reducing the intake of bread and flour products, especially made from refined flour. It’s especially important for the food to contain more fiber! Fiber is mainly found in vegetables and fruits, but if the mother is breastfeeding, this nuance should be considered. Universal vegetables and fruits that are unlikely to cause allergies or discomfort for the baby include zucchini, pumpkin, broccoli, boiled carrots, eggplants, apples, pears, and bananas.

2. Figs, prunes, olive, or sunflower oil (1 tablespoon per day) have a positive effect on bowel function. Breastfeeding mothers suffering from constipation need not worry: the imbalance in bowel function does not affect the quality of breast milk.

3. Hydration regimen. To avoid gastrointestinal issues, it is necessary to consume more fluids, and even better, clean water.

4. Regular physical activity. Walking or brisk walking is ideal. An active lifestyle helps improve intestinal motility. You can also do exercises involving the legs and glutes and perform light twists!

5. Yoga can also help with constipation issues, specifically inverted poses. Place a pillow under your pelvis, legs up against the wall, and lie for 5-15 minutes. The site momslab.com offers various options and sets with inverted exercises.

6. Exercises with a small ball to relax the gluteal area. A more detailed video is available on the site momslab.com.

7. If all methods have been tried and nothing has improved, a regular enema might help. After childbirth, you can use a cleansing, saline, or oil enema. But it’s important to remember that an enema is a last resort; it’s always better to consult a doctor.