Having a bowel movement after birth can be nerve-wracking and yes, sometimes even difficult or painful.
How long does it take to poop after giving birth?
Its typical to have your first postpartum bowel movementbetween three and five days after giving birth.
But thats just an estimate.
Theres a wide range of normal!
Some elements that can factor in include:
How can you make your first postpartum poop easier?
Many women find, to their surprise, that their first poop happens without much fanfare.
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Not that theres any reason to leave it to chance.
To keep your pipes primed for action, it helps to be proactive.
Here are some of the most common issues new moms deal with and what you might do to cope.
Nerves factor in too when youre afraid to poop, it can be tougher to do so.
How to treat it:Drink plenty of water and eat as many high-fiber foods as you might.
Pooping, and straining while doing so, can further irritate the tender area.
If your doctor prescribed a stool softener, use it!
How to treat it:Avoid stool softeners or stop taking any you may have been using.
If youre bloated, ask your doctor about taking an OTC gas medicine like simethicone.
How to treat it:Though unpleasant, the problem isnt something youll have to deal with forever.
If youre having trouble holding in your bowels, tell your doctor and get some recommendations for relief.
Chances are youll just need to use an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine like Imodium andpracticing your Kegelsmight help too.
In rare cases, physical therapy or possibly even surgery may be needed.
When should you talk to your doctor about postpartum poop concerns?
You should let your doctor know if you havent had a bowel movement within a week of giving birth.
Theres nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.
Postpartum poop happens but it’s more likely to happen when you’re not so worried about it.
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