The possible presence of constipation after childbirth can be physiological, that is, due to the changes that occurred during gestation and childbirth. With due precautions, this condition can resolve spontaneously within a few weeks
Already during the pregnancy, the constipation or constipation It represents a very common symptom, due to different reasons related to gestation itself, or the increase in progesterone and the increase in the uterine volume that presses on the intestine by slowing down its motility. Similarly, this disorder can also present yourself in weeks following childbirthin a more or less marked way, due to the numerous consequences of the pregnancy itself and the birth event, regardless of the mode childbirthif natural or cesarean.
Post delivery constipation: why does it come?
The constipation is a reduction in the number of evacuations determined by slowdown in the intestinal passage with Difficulty in expulsion of the feces. This event, as mentioned, occurs both during pregnancy, for physiological body modifications, and in the period that follows childbirth.
But What are the Causes of constipation in post-partum? The numerous changes that pregnancy involves, together with the changes undergone during labor and childbirth, can determine the constipation after the birth of the child. In particular, the main causes are:
- Progesterone levels. This fundamental hormone, which drastically increases its levels in the pregnant period, in the first weeks after childbirth it still maintains very high levels and this can determine a slowdown in the intestinal movement, exactly as in pregnancy.
- Diet and hydration. The reduction of the consumption of food or adequate hydration during childbirth can increase the effects of progesterone and therefore constipation. Another important factor could be the variation in Diet during the first days after childbirthfor example, due to the event of having undergone a cesarean intervention or even simply to the fact that the attention to the care of the newborn can disintegrate the women’s meal times or the possibility of a regular diet.
- Drug therapy. The side effects of some analgesic drugs used during childbirth labor or in post surgery can increase the constipation.
- Pain. The abdominal pain of the surgical wound or the perineal pain from spontaneous childbirth, increased by any injuries and suture points or by the presence of hemorrhoids, can hinder the correct expulsion of the stool.
- Pelvic dysfunctions. Pregnancy, the birth event and any injuries (spontaneous or episyotomies) can determine malfunctions of the structures that make up the pelvic floor and, therefore, influence a normal evacuation.
Can constipation be prevented after childbirth?
The possible presence of constipation in the puerperiumor in the first six weeks after birth (the time necessary for the genital system to return to the pre-gravidal conditions), it cannot be completely eliminated since they still persist causes related to changes which occurred during gestation (the increase in progesterone) and childbirth (alterations of functionality of the pelvic floor). Despite this, however, it is possible to work on:
- Nutrition and hydrationthat is, to guarantee a correct intake of fiber (fruit, vegetables and cereals), a correct daily hydration (at least 2 liters of water per day, especially for those who breastfeed), establish hours of regular meals for the consumption of the meal.
- Lifestyleand carry out light physical activity, since in this way the intestinal movement is also favored.
These tips, useful in general for prevent constipation in postpartumdo not completely eliminate the problem if it has already appeared, but they can definitely improve the condition of the woman during and after evacuations and improve her psycho-physical well-being.
Remedies and care for postponement constipation
Food, hydration and attention to lifestyles are natural remedies which, after childbirth, can improve a condition of constipation without particular efforts and costs. In addition to these, there are also pharmacological remedies, both with bench and medical prescription formulations. Therapy for the Care of post-partum constipation More frequent is the one that provides for the use of laxatives, but scientific studies have not detected clear and exhaustive evidence on their use, mainly considering the short and long -term effects, or intense abdominal cramps.
For pharmacological therapies it is always good Confronting your doctorin order to evaluate the one that best suits one’s condition and characteristics, taking into consideration theInteraction with other drugs possibly used or with breastfeeding.
When to worry about constipation after childbirth
There constipation after childbirthas mentioned, can often be physiological, that is, consequent to the changes due to pregnancy and the birth event. In fact, it is found in 47% of the natural parts and in 57% of the Caesarean cuts, but with the due precautions it is resolved spontaneously within a few weeks.
If the condition of constipation persists beyond the four to five consecutive days or in case of constant pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms such as important nausea and vomiting, a comparison with the healthcare professional is good to evaluate the situation together and the best treatment to be used, in order to contrast symptoms and exclude other causes.
