Intestinal problems after childbirth

Intestinal recovery after childbirth

It takes time for the intestines to recover after childbirth. This is why women are advised to wear a postpartum bandage or a belly strap, and this is done not only for aesthetic reasons. Doctors recommend wearing a bandage because it promotes the rapid contraction of the uterus and prevents the prolapse of the abdominal organs. In addition, regular wearing of a bandage after childbirth supports the muscles of the abdominal wall, which has a positive effect on restoring their tone. When buying a bandage, it is very important to choose the right size. Usually, it should have the same size that the woman had before pregnancy. But if a woman during pregnancy has added weight of more than 10 kg, the bandage should buy 1-2 sizes larger. Be sure to try on the bandage before buying. It should support the abdomen from below, and not put pressure on it and push it inside, otherwise the problems will only worsen. If the woman does not feel the pressure, seams, clasps, and she feels comfortable in a bandage, it is safe to buy. In no case should not borrow from friends or buy a bandage worn, as his material has stretched and does not have the necessary qualities to properly support the abdomen.

However, some unpleasant consequences are still inevitable. One of the most delicate problems is constipation and bloating of the abdomen after childbirth. Not all women can safely talk about it, but the quality of life is significantly impaired. We must remember that the recovery of the intestines after childbirth is a complex process that requires attention.

Constipation is delayed or obstructed bowel movements. Constipation after childbirth can have both physiological and psychological causes.

Physiological

1) Hormone play. The body of a woman who has given birth is still producing progesterone, and it can affect the decrease in intestinal peristalsis, provoking constipation.

2) Taking antibiotics. If a woman has to take antibiotics for any reason, it can affect the body and cause problems with intestinal microflora.

3) Weakened and stretched muscles. The abdominal and perineal muscles are weakened after pregnancy and childbirth, which makes the normal act of defecation difficult.

4) Size of the uterus. The uterus will return to normal size in 1-1.5 months, so it may still be constricting the bowel.

5) Bowel displacement. The uterus has shrunk in a fairly short period of time, the bowel has sort of “fallen” partially into place, which prevents it from working properly.

6) Improper nutrition. Quick snacks between naps, laundry, cleaning, cooking and childcare, instead of full calm meals also negatively affect the digestive process.

7) Problems occurring during labor. Any deviation from the normal birthing process can also “bounce back” in the form of constipation after childbirth.

Psychological

1) Conscious postponement of timely visits to the toilet due to lack of time. The bowel simply stops giving urges that it is time to empty it.

2) Fear. This occurs when a woman is afraid that the stitches after a C-section or episiotomy will come undone. Also, fear of pain because of possible hemorrhoids.

3) Stress. Stress in general can have a negative effect on any organ in the human body.

4) lack of sleep, overstrain. If a woman doesn’t have enough rest, all of the body’s systems will begin to malfunction, but the intestines will be the first to react to this.

Bloating in the abdomen is also a fairly common problem that occurs in women after childbirth. It is a buildup of gas in the intestines, appearing due to digestive disorders. Sometimes it can lead to acute or aching pain, as well as cause colic in moms after childbirth.

So how do you solve problems with bowel recovery after childbirth?

First, you need to go to the doctor, and perhaps he will prescribe the necessary and harmless to the baby in the pregnancy. Secondly, the following recommendations greatly help the recovery of the intestines after childbirth:

1. Nutrition. During the first days, your mother’s diet should consist mainly of liquid foods. It is desirable to eat broths, soups, vegetable purees during these days. And it is worth reducing the consumption of bread and flour products, especially wholemeal. It is especially important to eat more fiber! Fibre is mainly contained in vegetables and fruit, but if the mother is on the breastfeeding diet, this aspect should be taken into consideration. Universal vegetables and fruits that are unlikely to cause allergies or discomfort to the baby are zucchini, pumpkin, broccoli, cooked carrots, eggplant, apples, pears, bananas.

2. Figs, prunes, olive or sunflower oil (1 tbsp per day) have a positive effect on intestinal function. Nursing mothers who suffer from constipation can not worry: the quality of breast milk is not affected by an imbalance in the work of the intestines.

3. Drinking regime. To avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to consume more fluids, and even better – pure water.

4. Regular physical activity. Walking, brisk walking are ideal. An active lifestyle helps to establish intestinal peristalsis. You can also do exercises involving the legs and buttocks, and do light twists!

5. Yoga can also help with constipation problems. Specifically, inverted asanas. You need to put a pillow under your pelvis, feet on the wall and lie for 5-15 minutes. The website momslab.com provides various options and sets of classes with inverted exercises.

6. Exercises with a small ball to relax the buttock area. A more detailed video is available at momslab.com.

7. If all methods have already been tried and nothing gives improvement, an ordinary enema will help. After childbirth, you can use a cleansing, salt or oil enema. But it is important to remember that an enema is a last resort, in any case it is better to consult a doctor.