How to Manage Constipation After Childbirth: Effective Remedies

The problem of constipation after delivery is usually not serious, but sometimes it points to other diseases. If women have trouble defecating or blood or mucus starts coming in their stool, then in such a situation you should immediately consult a doctor. Apart from this, if you feel pain in the lower abdomen, then you should also immediately seek medical advice. Also, if there is difficulty in the process of digestion and excretion of food or you are passing hard stools, then this condition can turn into piles disease in future. Constipation after delivery also poses a risk of piles. Piles disease during this period can bother you, but it does not indicate any serious disease. If you have a constipation problem after delivery, do not panic, in such a situation you should meet your doctor and talk about this problem.

(Read more - Combat Constipation With A Balanced Diet)

Here are the reasons why constipation occurs in women after delivery -

1. Psychological Reasons
Women also start having constipation problems due to the fear that there should not be extra pressure on the stitches put on the lower part of the stomach after C-section (cesarean delivery) and the stitches put on the vagina during the operation at the time of childbirth. Women make a notion in their mind that if they put pressure on their stomach while defecating, then it will cause pain in the stitched area and this thinking of theirs becomes the reason for piles or constipation. 

(Read more - Acupressure Points for Constipation)

Most of the women who have recently become mothers do not like to use the hospital toilets. Women do this because of the dirt in the hospital toilets. By not using the toilet, their stool remains in the intestines and due to which it gradually becomes a problem of constipation.Anxiety at the time of delivery also causes constipation in women. Due to anxiety, women have problems defecating. 

(Read more - Constipation during pregnancy)

2. Other Reasons

• Hormones - Constipation problem starts after delivery due to unbalanced levels of hormones and progesterone in the mother's body.
• Medicines – The medicines used to relieve the pain of delivery and C-section cause constipation in women. 
• Prenatal diarrhea – The problem of constipation is also seen in women after delivery due to diarrhea before and during delivery. 
• Due to the technique used in the operation – This type of problem also occurs due to the technique used in the operation at the time of childbirth, because many times doctors use such instruments in the operation which are inserted into the anal part of the woman. This type of technique affects the process of excreting stool and this process takes time to come to normal.
• By taking prenatal vitamins (Prenatal vitamins) – The prenatal vitamins that are consumed before delivery for the process of milk production in the body of women cause constipation after delivery.

(Read more - Normal Delivery Aftercare)

• Consumption of fiber-rich diet – The problem of constipation after delivery can be cured by consuming high-fiber foods, because fiber-rich foods keep the process of defecation healthy. For this, women have to include whole grains, roti, beans, brown rice, fresh fruits and green vegetables in their diet. Along with this, some other foods like - beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils and soybean also correct the process of defecation and remove the problem of constipation. These foods are also consumed to reduce the gas formed in the stomach. 
• Drink plenty of water – Drinking plenty of water does not dry the stool inside the stomach and it comes out of the body easily. Women staying in the hospital after delivery face such problems because the hospital environment is dry and in such a situation there is a lack of water in their body. Apart from this, there is a lack of water in the body of women during breastfeeding. Due to which your body needs more water. In such a case, women should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Along with this, women should drink lukewarm water before sleeping and after waking up in the morning. 
• Dry fruits - To remove constipation after delivery, you can consume some dry fruits. For this, consume figs, dried apricots and nuts, these nuts rich in omega-3 properties have the ability to remove constipation. 
• Go for a walk - Going for a walk activates your body parts and due to this, any stomach related disease does not bother you. After the birth of a child through surgery, women may find it difficult to go for a walk or walk, but after some time, whenever you start walking, walk slowly. Once you are completely healthy, you can go for a regular walk. Sitting or lying in one place for a long time can increase your constipation problem, so it is very important to go for a walk in the morning.
• Medicines for bowel movement - You can use medicines to pass stool easily. For this, you can contact your doctor. When women become victims of constipation after delivery, then such medicines are used. It is also called stool softeners. You can also use it while taking iron and pain pills. 
• Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding also relieves women from constipation. When the baby drinks milk from the breasts while breastfeeding, your uterus gets stimulated, which relieves your constipation or bowel movement problems. 
• Avoid processed foods - Women suffering from constipation after delivery should stay away from white bread, any chips from the market, raw banana, chocolate, fast food and burgers etc. Along with this, you should avoid consuming foods made from high sugar and fat, such as cheese, ice cream and milk, because these foods promote constipation. 
• Go to the toilet immediately when you feel like passing stools - When the stool is about to come out of your body, do not stop it unnecessarily. By not allowing it to come out, it becomes hard by staying inside your body for a long time and you face problems while passing stools later. Keeping the stool in the stomach for a long time also puts pressure on the stitches made in the stomach due to the operation at the time of delivery. Therefore, whenever you feel like going to the toilet, pass stool at that time. 
• Consume Raisins - Eating Raisins or Raisins juice removes the problem of constipation. It simplifies the process of defecation. It has been included in grandmother's remedies for centuries. 
• Medicine for diarrhea - When you do not get relief from this problem for three days, you should immediately go to the doctor and tell them your problem. He can suggest you medicines for diarrhea based on your condition. These medicines can provide you relief for some time, but sometimes this remedy also causes stomach cramps.

(Read more - Labor and Delivery Complications)

Constipation is a common problem after delivery, which is often caused by hormonal changes in the body, weakness in the abdominal muscles, and less physical activity. Apart from this, medical procedures or painkillers during delivery can also cause constipation. Consuming adequate fiber, drinking plenty of water, and gradually increasing physical activity can be helpful to avoid constipation. If the problem persists or is severe, a doctor should be consulted.