Why Passing Stool After Delivery May Be An Uncomfortable Experience
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Most soon-to-be moms often believe that childbirth is probably the most difficult part of pregnancy. It may be true to a larger extent. However, with their focus on labor and childbirth, most new moms may not be prepared for a lot of post-pregnancy challenges. And, by the time they realize it, they are already into the thick of things making it too late to come up with ways to deal with the situation effectively. One such post-pregnancy challenge that almost immediately follows childbirth is – passing stool. Surprised, aren’t you? Don’t worry if you haven’t thought about it yet. We, at MomJunction, have your back. We’ll tell you how it can be difficult and ways to deal with it. Here goes:
Don’t Put It On Hold
Your body has just been through quite an uphill task with all the labor contractions, pushing, bleeding and stitches. Hence, it’ll obviously take some time for it to settle down. And, we wouldn’t blame you if you wish to take things a bit slow with all those raw wounds. But certain processes like pooping and peeing need to be done on a regular basis in order to help your body bounce back to normal. Therefore, if you do feel like pooping, don’t put it off for a long time. It might lead to your stools becoming harder and causing more pain.
Make The Most Of Your Hospital Stay
On a related note of not delaying your first poop job, it is prudent if you do so while still being in the hospital. After all that pushing to get your baby out, you might again require some amount of effort while passing your first stool. This may worry you since your body is still delicate. And, who better to help you out than the trained nursing professionals at the hospital? Most hospitals too do not discharge a new mother post-delivery until she has passed urine and stool successfully. However, if you haven’t felt the urge to do so during your hospital stay, see if you can extend it for a day or two to help you achieve this in the hospital itself.
Don’t Shy Away From Taking Laxatives
Whether someone tells you this or not, but don’t shy away if you feel like taking a laxative, especially if you’ve had chronic constipation. Sometimes gynecologists prescribe laxatives during the third trimester as pregnant women often experience constipation during this stage. Even if you haven’t, ask the doctor at the hospital and take the recommended laxative. It’ll help soften your stools and reduce the strain of effort while passing it.
Watch What You Eat
Your postpregnancy diet plays a major role too in easing your condition. You might’ve been on some or the other kind of diet during your pregnancy and might be waiting to binge once you’ve delivered. However, it is always better to hold your horses (pun intended)! Since passing the first few stools might prove cumbersome, try to avoid foods that cause constipation. Eat soft and easy-to-digest foods. Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. And remember, if you’ve waited this long to eat your favorite food, a few more days of wait will do you no harm.
Don’t Ignore Your Condition
It is pretty obvious that soon after getting discharged from the hospital, you’ll get busy with your baby and motherly duties. However, if your condition does not improve and you continue to face discomfort while passing stools, do not ignore yourself. There are chances that you might get hemorrhoids too. So, it is always better to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may prescribe laxatives and soothing creams for your rectal area. Alternately, you can also try witch hazel which is supposed to help relieve this condition. However, make sure you discuss this with your doctor before trying it out.
Now that we’ve got your attention towards this post-pregnancy condition that can prove challenging, we hope that you’ll make the most of the suggestions given above. Also, make sure you discuss these with your doctor so you are rest assured and better prepared to face it. All the best!
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