How to deal with constipation after childbirth. Ways to eliminate constipation in the postpartum period. Folk remedies for postpartum constipation

Often a young woman, expecting the birth of her first child, stoically endures all sorts of problems in her body associated with pregnancy: heartburn, constipation, nausea, swelling, etc. Two thoughts help her in this. The first is to have a healthy baby. And the second is that after giving birth, all this disgrace, as if by magic, will stop, and she, a happy mother, will become strong, healthy and beautiful again. But what if constipation after childbirth make everything difficult?

Constipation is a difficult or systematically incomplete emptying of the intestine (defecation) or the absence of it for one and a half days or more. Constipation in the postpartum period is usually associated with several reasons:

A sharp change in hormonal levels.
Weakening and stretching of the abdominal muscles and perineum.
Uterine pressure. In the early postpartum period, the uterus is still enlarged and continues to compress the intestines to some extent. (Immediately after childbirth, the mass of the uterus is about a kilogram, and it returns to normal, “non-pregnant” sizes only after 6-8 weeks).
Change in the position of the intestine in the abdominal cavity, its gradual displacement to its usual place.
Violation of peristalsis ( motor activity intestines, through which food masses move).
Fear of straining due to stitches (imposed in case of caesarean section, episiotomies, ruptures) and hemorrhoids.
Irrational diet for a nursing mother.
Psychological stress associated with caring for a child and a new family status.
Congenital features of the intestine, for example, its elongated sections.

Constipation after childbirth

According to the mechanism of occurrence, two types of defecation disorders can be distinguished.

The first type - atonic, in which the tone of the muscular wall of the intestine decreases, peristalsis becomes sluggish, unproductive. Atonic constipation often occurs due to muscle weakness, after a caesarean section. This is a common bowel reaction to any surgical intervention in the abdominal cavity. It can also occur due to dietary errors.

Another form - spastic constipation, when the tone of the intestine is increased and peristalsis becomes unproductive due to the "squeezed" state of the intestine. For this type, psychological reasons are more characteristic.

Atonic can be accompanied by pulling, aching pains in the abdomen, a feeling of fullness in the intestines, increased gas formation, lack of appetite, nausea, lethargy, apathy, depressed mood. When defecation occurs, there is a lot of stool, the initial portion is formed, dense, of a larger diameter than normal, the final portion is liquidish. Defecation is painful, there may be tears of the mucous membrane of the rectum and anus, then streaks of blood and (or) mucus remain on the surface of the feces.

In the spastic form, the pain is paroxysmal, more often in the left side of the abdomen. There may be flatulence, lack of appetite, fatigue, nervousness, irritability, nausea, fecal masses in the form of the so-called "sheep feces" - the stool is very dense in small rounded portions. The urge to defecate may occur even several times a day, but the emptying of the intestines is incomplete, difficult, in small portions.

Separately, it must be said about constipation after childbirth associated with the lengthening of the large intestine. Although outwardly they appear as a spastic form, such constipation is not associated with contraction of the intestine, but with a longer passage of feces along a longer path. At the same time, more water is absorbed back into the body from the intestinal contents, and the feces become solid. Such constipation is treated not as spastic, but rather as atonic, but more on that later.

Constipation after childbirth: p problem solving

To solve a problem constipation after childbirth in any case, a young mother needs to choose the right diet, taking into account breastfeeding and possible allergic reactions which each child has his own. Useful: muesli, buckwheat, millet and pearl barley, oat bran, black bread, vegetable oils, fresh and cooked vegetables and fruits (carrots, beets, pumpkin, zucchini, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, dried fruit compotes, melon, apples, apricots, cherries), fermented milk products.

You can take a decoction of gooseberries (pour a tablespoon of berries with a glass of water and boil for 10 minutes, then strain). Take it in a quarter cup 4 times a day, if necessary - you can add sugar. When brewing tea, you can add slices of dried apples or cherries. With atonic form constipation after childbirth a glass stimulates bowel function cool water drunk in the morning on an empty stomach.

At constipation after childbirth you can not use strong tea, mucous soups, semolina, White bread, wheat bran, polished rice, blueberries, quince, pears, currants, strawberries, legumes, walnuts. Hard cheeses can also slow down peristalsis.

With frequent and prolonged (several times a week for 1-2 months) use of almost any laxatives (both medicinal and herbal), addiction may develop, requiring an increase in the dose of the laxative. The effect of its use is weakening, and the problem of constipation itself is aggravated.

At breastfeeding laxatives - FORLAX and FORTRANS are not contraindicated.

Of the ready-made laxatives during breastfeeding, you can not take: GUTALAX, REGULAX, CHITOSAN-EVALAR, DULKOLAX (aka BISACODIL), DOCTOR THAISS - SWEDISH BITTER.

Preparations ( CENNALAX, GLAXENNA, TRISASEN ) based on senna (aka cassia holly) or alexandrian leaf increase the tone of the muscular wall of the intestine, so it can not be taken with spastic forms constipation after childbirth. When breastfeeding, they must be taken very carefully, as they can cause colicky pain in the baby.

For problem solving constipation after childbirth Phytotherapy offers such recipes.

With spastic forms:

Freshly prepared potato juice, diluted in water 1 to 1, take a quarter cup half an hour before meals 2-3 times a day.
A decoction of figs in milk or water at the rate of 2 tablespoons of raw materials per 1 cup of boiling water; let it cool at room temperature and take 1 tablespoon 2-4 times a day.
Mix in equal parts the fruits of anise, stinging nettle herb, valerian rhizome officinalis, wild strawberry leaves, chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves. Brew a tablespoon of the collection with a glass of boiling water in a thermos and leave for 1.5 hours, then strain. Take half a glass after meals in the morning and evening.

With atonic forms:

Mix in equal parts the fruits of anise, cumin and fennel. Brew 2 teaspoons of the mixture with a glass of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes, strain, drink a third of a glass 3 times a day for half an hour before meals. Please note that for this collection, the seeds must be ripe.
In equal proportions, take oregano herb, rowan fruit, gray blackberry leaves, nettle herb and fennel fruit. Brew a tablespoon of the collection with 1 cup of boiling water, insist in a thermos for 1.5 hours, strain, take a third of a cup 3 times a day after meals.
The safest, most effective and versatile way to get rid of postpartum constipation is physical exercise. Stretched abdominal muscles do not provide full support to the abdominal organs, there is a risk of developing a hernia of the white line (midline of the abdomen), the uterus contracts more slowly. Flabby skin and abdominal muscles do not adorn the figure, exacerbating emotional discomfort. The stretched muscles of the perineum cannot become a reliable support for the pelvic organs - there is a threat that the uterus will descend into the vagina, prolapse or prolapse of the uterus will occur.

Regularly performing physical exercises, you can get rid of extra pounds acquired during pregnancy, improve well-being, increase self-esteem, improve emotional background, and gain strength. They may object to me: “What else is gymnastics when I’m tired and fall down like that!” That's right, mother's work cannot be underestimated, but this fatigue is not so much physical as psychological, from lack of sleep, from various worries and simply from muscle detraining, which gradually arose in the last months of pregnancy. Without loads, muscle strength cannot be returned. It is not necessary to tear the barbells, it is enough to spend 5-10 minutes a day exercising (it is advisable to do a set of exercises several times a day).

2 weeks after birth

Lying on your back, arms loosely along the body, legs slightly bent at the knees, take a deep breath and inflate your stomach, hold your breath a little and exhale forcefully through your mouth, while trying to pull your stomach in as much as possible. Repeat 5 or more times.
The starting position is the same, the knees are pressed to each other. Simultaneously with the usual breath, strongly tighten the muscles of the pelvic floor (as to prevent defecation), holding your breath a little, exhale and relax. Repeat several times.
The starting position is the same. While inhaling, lift your right leg up and left hand, on the exhale - lower. Repeat with left leg and right arm. Repeat 5 times or more.
Standing, feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended forward. Without lifting your legs, turn your torso to the right, pulling your right arm back as much as possible, inhale. Return to starting position, exhale. Repeat on the other side. Do the exercise several times.
Starting position - as in exercise number 4. Interlace your fingers in a lock in front of you. Turning the torso, try to take your arms as far back as possible. Repeat several times.
Lying on your back, arms freely along the body, legs bent at the knees, while inhaling, raise the pelvis and hold it for several seconds, lower with exhalation. Repeat.
Standing on all fours, while inhaling, draw in the stomach and perineum, hold your breath for a couple of seconds, relax with an exhalation. Repeat.
Standing, raise your hands to your shoulders, put your elbows forward. Bending the right leg at the knee and raising it, try to touch the left elbow with the knee. Repeat several times on both sides.
Complicate exercise No. 6 by slightly spreading your legs to the sides and at the moment of lifting the pelvis, strain the muscles of the perineum, as in exercise No. 2. Repeat several times.
Lying on your back, alternately lead to the stomach bent at the knee and hip joints leg.

In the proposed mode, this complex can be performed by women who have not had a caesarean section or deep tears.

If you have had surgery or complex perineal, cervical, or other complications, check with your doctor before exercising.

With atonic constipation after childbirth in the morning, before getting out of bed, you can vigorously rub the skin around the navel and to the left of it towards the inguinal region with the fingers of both hands. At the same time, the legs are somewhat bent at the knees, the massage should be done for 4-5 minutes.

With spastic constipation after childbirth, on the contrary, help soft, slightly with pressure stroking the entire abdomen in a clockwise direction.

For the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids, after each act of defecation, be sure to irrigate the anus with a cool shower. You can alleviate irritation with microclysters with flaxseed infusion (pour a tablespoon with a glass of boiling water and leave for 3 hours, draw 50 ml of a little warmed infusion into a syringe; the procedure can be repeated several times a day if necessary).

The use of horse chestnut preparations (BAA, herbal preparations, creams for the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids) can significantly reduce or even stop lactation.

For irrigation, you can use an infusion of oak bark (2 parts) and 1 part of horsetail herb, valerian root or horse chestnut seeds, chamomile flowers; and an infusion of 1 part sage leaves mixed with 2 parts oak bark. Both infusions are prepared in the same way: a tablespoon of the mixture is brewed with a glass of boiling water, heated for 15 minutes in a water bath, and infused for another 40 minutes. The infusion is allowed to cool room temperature and filter. Compresses, baths or irrigation with these infusions can be done several times a day. To carry out the procedure, the mixture of infusions must be poured into a syringe and irrigate the perineal area without introducing the syringe into the rectum.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the problem that has become the subject of our conversation is unpleasant, but completely solvable. And if you follow all the recommendations of the doctor, then soon you will be able to cope with it.

You might be interested in articles

Yesterday we started talking about such a delicate topic as constipation in women after childbirth. This problem is serious, but very delicate, and women are often embarrassed to go to the doctor with it, preferring to look for effective remedies on their own, consulting with friends or on forums on the Internet. This is the wrong approach to solving the problem, since constipation can be of various nature, and the treatment will depend on what the underlying cause of constipation is - if it is a nutritional problem - the solution is one thing, if it is a disease - another.

Features of postpartum constipation in women

In the first weeks after any birth, young mothers usually have dyskinetic constipation in their various variants. If a woman who has recently given birth has atonic constipation, then the reason for this is a reduced tone in the area of \u200b\u200bthe muscular wall of the intestine. As a result, there is a gradual slowdown in the motor activity of the intestine, its movements become sluggish. In the same way, the intestine reacts to surgical intervention in the abdominal cavity - this is a kind of protective reaction of the body, aimed at accelerating reparative (restorative) processes. In addition, some of the nutritional errors can also provoke the development of atonic constipation in women who have given birth. After childbirth, spastic constipation may also occur as a result of a sharp increase in the tone of the intestinal walls. The consequence of this is a strong convulsive compression of the intestinal walls, which leads to unproductive bowel activity in terms of stool. These types of constipation in young women usually occur as a result of a psychological component - fear of defecation, pain and rupture of the seams.

Typical symptoms of atonic constipation are abdominal pain, which by its nature is pulling and mild. In addition to it, there is also a constant overflow of the intestines with a high level of gas formation. At the same time, young mothers complain of loss of appetite and recurrent bouts of nausea, there is also a feeling of apathy and severe lethargy, weakness. During the process of defecation, a copious amount of feces usually comes out, initially they are dense, hard with a feeling of sharp pain in the stool. If, as a result of the defecation process, there are also cracks in the anus, then the feces may also have streaks of scarlet blood with mucus.

Manifestations of spastic constipation have a slightly different character - paroxysmal pain occurs, and in this case, pain most often occurs in the right side of the abdomen. At the same time, a woman has attacks of flatulence or its constant presence, her appetite disappears and attacks of nausea periodically occur. A young mother becomes very irritable, nervous, the urge to defecate occurs several times a day, but with all this there is no feeling of complete emptying of the intestines, the feces come out in small pieces, dense and dehydrated. Women who have recently become mothers may also experience constipation associated with lengthening of the large intestine. Such constipation is the result of too long a passage (passage of stool) through an intestine that is too long. With all this, the food masses become very dehydrated, become very hard, and the symptoms become similar to those of spastic constipation.

What to do to avoid constipation after childbirth?

So that postpartum constipation does not bother a young mother, or so that you can get rid of existing problems, you must first of all review your usual menu and develop the right diet, taking into account breastfeeding your baby. In the presence of constipation, it is useful for young mothers to include cereals in their diet - barley, buckwheat or millet, muesli, black bread and all vegetable oils. Be sure to consume a sufficient amount of raw vegetables and fruits during the day, immediately after childbirth, carrots or beets, pumpkin or zucchini, dried fruit compotes, gooseberry compote (a tablespoon of berries in a glass of water, steam and insist for at least 10 minutes) will be useful. Foods such as strong black tea, slimy soups, rice or semolina porridge, pears, blueberries, walnuts and beans, fresh white bread should be excluded from nutrition, as these products have a strengthening effect. Hard cheeses also greatly slow down intestinal motility.

In order to normalize bowel function, it is worth drinking enough liquid during the day. It may be ordinary drinking water, compotes, weak unsweetened tea (preferably green), and after waking up, you should drink a full glass of very cold water on an empty stomach. This method helps to actively stimulate the intestines. In addition, the recommendation to drink at night before going to bed one glass of warm water with lemon juice dissolved in it will also be useful.

How to treat constipation immediately after childbirth?

If after childbirth a woman is seriously concerned about constipation, she may well take laxatives, but in such a case it is worth remembering that frequent or prolonged use of drugs, several times a week for a month or more, can form an intestinal addiction syndrome and when drugs are discontinued the situation will only get worse. As a result of this, over time, an increase in the dose of laxatives will be required, as the effects of their use will gradually decrease, and the manifestations of constipation themselves will gradually become more and more pronounced. Moreover, this is true both for medications and for herbal remedies for relaxing the intestines.

It is also worth remembering that if a woman is breastfeeding, many of the traditional laxatives may be contraindicated for her. And in order not to harm yourself and your child, before using any of the laxatives, you should consult your doctor. Usually, during the period of breastfeeding, drugs "Fortrans" or "Forlax" are used, drugs based on lactulose are often used - "Portolac", "Duphalac" or "Normaze". Sometimes glycerin suppositories, or suppositories with sea buckthorn oil, can be prescribed, especially if a woman has hemorrhoids in addition to constipation. In the presence of a spastic form of constipation in a woman after childbirth, she is strictly prohibited from drugs based on senna. These drugs sharply activate the muscle tone of the intestinal wall, which is contraindicated in the spastic component of constipation and will only worsen the situation. And such drugs during breastfeeding can provoke the development of cramps and pain in the abdomen in a child.

Herbs and herbal preparations for constipation

You can also eliminate constipation after the birth of a baby with the help of herbal medicine, the use of herbal decoctions and folk recipes which can help to cope with such sensitive issues. With a spastic form of constipation, half an hour before a meal, you should drink 1/4 cup potato juice diluted with water, while the juice should be freshly squeezed. Other recipes can also be used - boil chopped figs in a glass of water or milk, take this decoction warm in a tablespoon several times a day. You can prepare a decoction of anise, valerian root, nettle, mint, chamomile and strawberries, pour a tablespoon of the collection with boiling water in a thermos and insist for an hour and a half. Then filter, take after meals half a cup twice a day.

For atonic constipation, recipes of a different kind are used - an infusion of fennel, caraway and anise fruits helps, they are mixed in equal parts, poured with boiling water and filtered after twenty minutes. Take 1/3 cup half an hour before meals three times a day. You can use a decoction of the fruits of mountain ash, oregano and fennel, it is prepared similarly to the first and also taken before meals in the same volume. With prolonged constipation, flax seeds can be used for therapy, a cup of seeds is boiled in a glass of water and insisted for a couple of hours. The decoction is drunk at night.

Physical activity for constipation

Constipation occurs as a result of a decrease in motor load after childbirth and a decrease in the tone of the anterior abdominal wall. Therefore, exercise is excellent and safe for women who have recently given birth, both for constipation and for a speedy recovery. With properly performed exercises, it is possible to stimulate uterine contraction and intestinal tone, as well as prevent the development of a hernia of the white line of the abdomen, and increase muscle tone. Plus, physical activity is a great reason to eliminate excess weight accumulated during pregnancy. Exercises can be done for 10 minutes several times a day, and this will already actively help.

From the first days, it is necessary to start breathing exercises in a supine position, as well as to carry out feasible exercises with legs and arms. It is important to breathe deeply and with the retraction of the abdomen. In the morning after waking up, women after natural childbirth can pinch and rub the skin near the navel, heading towards the groin area. I do the massage with my legs slightly bent. You can stroke the belly clockwise, slightly pressing on the belly, also try not to feed the baby constantly in the same position, change positions, move and strain the press.

As a rule, a woman rightly expects that most of her newfound problems, such as heartburn, swelling of the legs and constipation, will leave her after childbirth. And if the majority really says goodbye to edema and dyspeptic symptoms after childbirth, then constipation continues to cause discomfort for some time. And if you do not take action, then you can get chronic problems with the intestines.

Causes of constipation after childbirth:

Sudden changes in hormones (decrease in progesterone, increase in prolactin and oxytocin),

Postpartum stretching of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and perineum,

Uterine pressure (the uterus remains enlarged for another 6-8 weeks, it gradually decreases, but immediately after childbirth, the uterus weighs about 1 kg and still interferes with the normal passage of intestinal contents),

Gradual return of the original location of the intestine (intestinal loops gradually take their previous position, but this does not happen immediately, constrictions may form during this process, phenomena of dynamic intestinal obstruction may occur),

The presence of sutures on the anterior abdominal wall (after caesarean section) of the perineum (after perineal ruptures, episio- or perineotomy), in the presence of sutures, straining brings pain and discomfort, and the woman unconsciously limits it,

The formation of hemorrhoids after childbirth (especially if they bulge from the anus and block the exit from the intestines),

Stress. Postpartum psychological disorders and problems are such a subtle and multifaceted process that they can manifest themselves with a variety of symptoms. Sometimes a mother goes so far into caring for a child that she leaves her problems unattended, sleeps little and eats irrationally. Constipation against the background of such a lifestyle is a common problem.

Types of postpartum constipation:

1. Atonic.

Atonic constipation, as the name implies, is that the intestines have a reduced tone, peristalsis is sluggish and not always effective. The cause is most often obstetric situations ( large fruit, twins or polyhydramnios during pregnancy) and surgery. After a cesarean section, it is necessary to immediately prevent problems with the stool, since there are a number of negative factors here: anesthesia (spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia), the very entry into abdominal cavity(an incision of all layers of the anterior abdominal wall, and then suturing), the postoperative period and immobilization (for some time the patient does not move, or moves very little, which leads to stagnation). Almost any surgical intervention in the abdominal cavity is accompanied by such shortcomings and consequences.

Symptoms:

Drawing, aching pain all over the abdomen,

Bloating, nausea, lack of appetite or aversion to food,

Painful bowel movements with copious stools (the initial portion is large, dense and painful, and then the feces can even be liquidish and streaked with blood and mucus).

2. Spasmodic constipation.

Spastic constipation is a spasm (excessive and unproductive contraction of the muscular wall) of the intestinal wall, which leads to disruption of a smooth and consistent wave of peristalsis, constrictions are formed, and the movement of fecal masses is difficult.

Most often, the spastic form of constipation accompanies psychological problems associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period (postpartum depression, melancholy, neurosis).

Symptoms:

Paroxysmal, colicky pains in the abdomen, more often in the left half,

Fatigue, fatigue, nervousness, nausea,

Feces are hard and small (“sheep feces”),

Frequent urge to defecate (up to several times a day), portions of feces are small and after the toilet does not leave a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestine.

Treatment of constipation after childbirth

The treatment of postpartum constipation as well as the treatment of constipation during pregnancy is complex. All techniques should be used to adjust the chair. Despite the seeming volume of recommendations, it is not difficult. Exercise takes a few minutes a day, and proper nutrition is needed not only to get rid of intestinal problems, especially if you are breastfeeding.

Gymnastics for constipation

It is best to prevent problems with the stool the very next day after childbirth; after a cesarean section, these exercises can be started on the third day after childbirth. They do not require special physical strength, but they bring tangible benefits.

The day after birth:

Lying on your back, stretch your arms along the body, and bend your legs at the knees, breathe, inflating your stomach as much as possible when inhaling and retracting when exhaling. Repeat several times (according to the comfort of the state).

Sleep on your stomach.

On the third day after birth:

Repeat the first exercise, only while inhaling, try to tighten the muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum (as if trying to hold urination and defecation).

From a supine position, do the “bicycle” and “scissors” exercises (leg swings imitating cycling and simple swings back and forth and sides).

Standing and spreading your arms to the sides, turning the body around its axis (try to take your hands as far as possible).

On the fourth day after birth:

Standing in the knee-elbow position, actively draw in and inflate the stomach, while also straining the perineum while inhaling.

If you had a caesarean section, then the timing of the exercises is usually 3 to 4 days behind (with an uncomplicated postoperative period). In any case, ask your obstetrician - gynecologist in the postpartum department about when you can start doing gymnastics.

These exercises should be performed in a comfortable mode, preferably in the morning. After 6 to 8 weeks, you will be able to do your usual physical exercise(fitness, aerobics and so on).

In addition to the purely practical benefits of exercise, they help restore self-esteem after childbirth and begin the fight against extra pounds gained in 9 months.

Massage

With atonic constipation, vigorous rubbing of the umbilical region and the left half of the abdomen is useful.

With spastic constipation, you need to stroke the stomach gently, with a little pressure, in a clockwise direction.

Diet

Medications

If you are breastfeeding your baby, then you should follow the restrictions, as during pregnancy. If not, then the treatment of constipation is carried out according to the general rules.

All the same drugs are allowed as for constipation in pregnant women: duphalac (normaze), mucofalk, forlax, microlax. In the first days, they can be used in a planned mode according to the instructions, and then situationally.

Prohibited during breastfeeding: gutalax, regulax, chitosan-evalar, bisocodyl, senna preparations (when breastfeeding, they are excreted in milk and cause colic in the baby).

Senna preparations are also not used for spastic forms of constipation.

Horse chestnut preparations are not used during breastfeeding, as there is a risk of suppressing lactation.

The problem discussed today, although unpleasant, is completely solvable. Follow the recommendations, coordinate them with your doctor, and you will forget about such a problem as constipation. Look after yourself and be healthy!

Often, the joy after the birth of a child is overshadowed by any diseases or complications of the conditions of young mothers. These can be constantly aching stitches after ruptures, pain in the legs, kidneys or lower back, again, the consequences of a difficult birth. All this gives mommy a lot of problems that have been added to the reverent care of the baby. But a violation of defecation delivers a particularly unpleasant sensation to a woman. In medicine, this condition is called constipation. Many young mothers are tormented by the question: "If there are what to do?" To determine the methods of dealing with this condition, it is necessary to understand what constipation is and what are its causes.

What is constipation?

This condition refers to persistent difficult or incomplete defecation. Sometimes it happens that the feces do not completely leave the body, accumulating and creating internal discomfort. Absence of bowel movements for several days, difficulty in emptying, as well as incomplete emptying of the intestine - all this is called constipation.

Many young mothers, if they have constipation after childbirth, do not know what to do with this condition. After all, there are such cases that defecation disorders occur after the birth of a baby for the first time. In this situation, it is necessary to understand the causes of constipation, their types and permitted treatments.

Why does it often occur after childbirth?

There are several reasons for this state of affairs.

An enlarged uterus may press on the rectum or intestines. At the same time, peristalsis and the promotion of feces are disturbed. They stagnate, and the process of fermentation inside the body begins. At the same time, the young mother herself experiences discomfort, and the harm to health is obvious: toxic substances can be absorbed into the bloodstream and transmitted with milk to the baby. If for this reason there was constipation after childbirth, what should I do? Here, time must pass for the uterus to decrease in size, and in the meantime you can help yourself the right diet and all the methods of dealing with this unpleasant condition noted below.
Wrong nutrition. If a young mother often eats solid food, dry and salty, her body is sorely lacking in fluid. After all, she still feeds her baby. The formation of milk takes a lot of liquid, so during the lactation period you need to monitor nutrition and drink. Then the question will not arise: "Constipation after childbirth - what to do?"
Muscles may be stretched or weakened. In this case, physiologically the fecal masses cannot reach the exit point. This only leads to a worsening of the situation of removing toxins and decay products from the body of a young mother.
After childbirth, the hormonal background changes dramatically, which can also affect the occurrence of constipation.
Stress due to the appearance of the baby, associated with dramatic changes in life, can provoke severe constipation after childbirth. What to do with this condition?

Types of constipation in new mothers

There are several types of defecation disorders. In such situations, when constipation is tormented after childbirth, what to do should be determined depending on their type.

Spastic constipation - with this type of constipation, the tone of the intestines increases. This happens more often in psychological reasons, since constant nervous tension leads to clamping of many muscles. The intestines are also clamped, and peristalsis cannot function as it should.
Atonic - here, on the contrary, the tone of the muscles of the intestines and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract is reduced, the peristalsis is weak. Such constipation can occur due to malnutrition and after a caesarean section.
Physiological - due to the long passage of feces through the elongated large intestine, constipation may occur after childbirth. What to do? Reviews of young mothers indicate that with such constipation, you need to wait a little time. This is necessary in order to recover all the muscles and their functions after childbirth. Also, keep an eye on your regular use. a large number water, as the feces, passing a long way, harden.

Bowel movements after difficult labor

In most cases, after difficulties in childbirth, young mothers are afraid to go to the toilet for the first time. It hurts not only to empty the intestines, but also the bladder. In order to facilitate the first time the exit of feces, you must follow some recommendations.

First, you need to set yourself up for the fact that you need to go to the toilet. Let it be a little painful (if there are internal and external stitches or after surgery), but holding onto food decay products is even worse than suffering pain several times.
Secondly, immediately after childbirth, you need to monitor fluid intake - preparations are underway for lactation. At the first birth, it is not recommended to drink a lot of it, in order to drain the mammary glands later. But it should not be small, otherwise the feces will harden, and you will have to make a lot of effort in order to go to the toilet.
Thirdly, nutrition should immediately be balanced. The required amount of fiber should be supplied, along with moderate fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Since most fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed, constipation may occur after childbirth. What to do and how to solve the issue with fiber? Cereals (especially oatmeal), baked apples, bananas will come to the rescue. The child will not react to such food, and it will be easier for the mother to go to the toilet.

Difficulties in treating constipation in the postpartum period

In the first time after the birth of the baby, the mother is worried about a lot of questions. In the presence of defecation disorders, women often ask: "If there is constipation after childbirth, what should I do? How to treat it, because many medicines are not allowed for nursing?"

Hemorrhoids that have arisen after childbirth can also complicate the situation with constipation. Then all attention will be directed to solving two problems at once, because the fear of defecation is now associated not only with childbirth, but also with pain in the rectum. In such cases, it is important to monitor nutrition and help with folk remedies or medicines.

Changing Your Diet to Combat Delayed Defecation

With the birth of a baby, the diet of the mother also changes. In order not to provoke allergic reactions in the crumbs, she must carefully monitor her diet: what she eats and in what form. after childbirth with a change in diet?

For a good formation of fecal masses, it is undesirable to eat white bread, semolina, bleached rice, wheat bran. These products contain a lot of carbohydrates and little fiber, which negatively affects bowel movements. You also need to give up a large number of nuts, legumes, currants. It is recommended to use buckwheat and oatmeal, vegetable oil instead of butter, fermented milk products, black bread. Vegetables and fruits in solving this problem will be the most effective tool, but they must be used with caution so as not to harm the well-being of the child.

What liquids will help?

We have already paid attention to the fact that drinking plenty of water helps to overcome constipation after childbirth. After childbirth - only water? You won’t be full of water alone, besides, during lactation, you need to monitor the fat content of milk. Fruit compotes that do not cause fermentation will come to the rescue in the fight against constipation. There are also some medicinal decoctions of herbs.

Well, liquid fermented milk products help young mothers suffering from constipation. It can be kefir, fermented baked milk, curdled milk, acidophilus and others. You can make liquid homemade yogurts, which will not only treat constipation, but also intestinal flora mom and baby to recover.

Remedies for constipation

In case of severe constipation, laxatives will help, but only those that are allowed by the doctor. Often, with such problems, drugs based on lactulose are used; glycerin and sea buckthorn suppositories can also help. The latter are effective even with hemorrhoids. But we must not forget that laxatives can be addictive, and also have a negative effect on the child's intestines. Therefore, they should be used already in cases of severe constipation after childbirth.

Phytotherapy for young mothers

Boil chopped figs (2 tablespoons) in a glass of water or milk. Take 1 tbsp. several times a day.
If spastic constipation is diagnosed, then herbs with a sedative effect are taken: valerian root, nettle, mint, chamomile and strawberry leaves are mixed in equal proportions. Take 1 tbsp. such a mixture and insist in a thermos. Take half a glass 2 times a day after meals.
With atonic constipation, a mixture of anise, fennel and cumin fruits is brewed in equal parts. Then strain and take about 1/3 cup three times a day.
Well help from prolonged constipation brewed flax seeds. Before going to bed, you need to drink such a decoction.

Constipation Exercises

Well solve the problem with constipation, some physical exercises. They are especially useful for weak intestinal muscle tension, which makes peristalsis ineffective for moving feces. Yes, and with spastic constipation, exercises will not interfere. This method not only helps to cure constipation, but also restores the figure of the mother after childbirth, and is also safe for the baby.

Breathing exercises can be done immediately. This is where deep breathing is important. This exercise is absolutely safe.
Some time after the birth of the baby, you can afford some physical activity. A woman lying down can press her knees together, thus forcing the pelvic muscles to tighten.
Standing, stretch your arms forward, while inhaling, take your right hand back, return it back. Do the same with the left hand.
On all fours, draw in the stomach and perineum, hold your breath, then relax.

Then the exercises can be complicated, gradually adding a load on the press and legs.

What can complicate constipation?

Constipation negatively affects the condition of the intestines: fermentation occurs due to the absorption of toxins, problems appear not only for the mother, but also for the baby. Violation of the intestines can affect the immune system, skin, hair condition. A young mother can be bothered by constipation and what to do in this case at the same time? Be sure to treat! Hemorrhoids can be external, internal, cracked, and so on. For the safe treatment of these diseases, "Relief" is used, if additional funds are needed, it is imperative to consult a pediatrician during lactation.

At the birth of a baby, a woman has cuts or tears in the perineum. This may cause severe constipation after childbirth. What to do in such cases, it is necessary to consult a specialist under whose supervision the newly-made mother is. As a rule, such constipations are spastic in nature.

Why constipation after childbirth, and what to do when they appear and begin to interfere with normal life? The causes of this phenomenon in the postpartum period are many factors:

hormonal imbalance in the body;
insufficient production of iodine by the thyroid gland;
bias internal organs as a result of the growth of the uterus, as a rule, deformation of the intestine;
violations at work nervous system;
damage to the intestinal microflora as a result of taking antibiotics;
postpartum complications in the form of perineal ruptures, prolapse of hemorrhoids;
and other reasons.

Constipation can be of different origin. Therefore, in order to know exactly how to treat the disease, it is necessary to establish the cause due to which it was formed.

In the case of suturing, a woman has some fear of defecation. It begins to seem to her that at the slightest tension in order to free the intestines from feces, the edges of the wound will disperse. And the woman begins to consciously avoid the process of emptying. Against the background of fear and an unstable state of the nervous system, defecation delays develop.

In the intestine, under the influence of nerve impulses, smooth muscle spasms occur, causing narrowing of the intestinal lumen and difficulty in moving fecal clots. Such disorders in the work of the digestive tract very often occur due to severe psychological stress. Childbirth is just such a stress for a woman.

Emotional stress is also caused in a woman by new worries related to caring for a baby, night vigils due to the baby’s restless sleep, worries about his health. Many mothers suffer postpartum depression. For some, it passes in a mild form, someone is affected by it more deeply.

Spasmodic constipation can be recognized by excreted excrement. By appearance they resemble hard balls, similar to sheep feces. The patient suffers from increased gas formation, discomfort inside the abdomen. There is unmotivated fatigue, irritability, chills are disturbing.

What to do with spastic constipation

If it is difficult for a woman to deal with postpartum depression on her own, she should contact a psychotherapist or perinatal psychologist. The doctor will help to cope with fears, remove anxiety, relax, regain a joyful perception of the world.

In difficult cases, a woman may be prescribed sedatives or antidepressants. With a mild form of depression, a woman can control her emotional state herself. This requires awareness of what happened, and the formation of a certain self-attitude by the patient. In addition, you can drink light soothing teas. Help to relax and warm baths with the addition of aromatic oils.

The restoration of the normal functioning of the nervous system is a decisive factor in the treatment of spastic constipation. However, some other measures should be taken to help rehabilitate the cleansing function of the intestine.

Diet

In case of problems with the work of the intestines, as a rule, first of all, they pay attention to the nature of the patient's diet. With constipation of a spastic nature, a sparing diet is needed. Patients are advised to eat the following:

vegetable puree soups or weak meat broth;
cereals with or without milk;
wheat bread;
pasta dishes, mashed potatoes;
low-fat varieties of fish, meat;
ham;
all types of dairy products;
freshly squeezed berry and fruit juices, compotes from them, jam;
weak tea, coffee.

With spastic constipation, it is better not to eat fresh vegetables.

They significantly increase peristalsis and can cause severe intestinal spasm. Vegetables are best eaten cooked, without overcooking them. You can make salads.

Treatment of hemorrhoids as a cause of constipation

In addition to stitches in the perineum, prolapse of hemorrhoids can provoke constipation of a spastic nature. Sharp pain, bleeding anus cause stress in a young mother, giving rise to fear of the natural act of defecation. Constipation with blood after childbirth is explained just by the presence of hemorrhoids.

In this case, to normalize defecation, it is necessary to neutralize the focus of the disease. Can be applied drug treatment but only on doctor's orders, and folk remedies:

Rectal suppositories

Candles for rectal use based on sea buckthorn, propolis and other herbal ingredients. They can be purchased at a pharmacy, as well as made independently.
Herbal decoctions and infusions with anti-inflammatory and analgesic orientation. Take inside. Folk remedies such as buckthorn are used, carrot tops, wild raspberry leaves and others.
Herbal water extracts with hemostatic action. They are used for hemorrhoids complicated by bleeding. They use nettle, yarrow, red beet juice, etc.
Cold local baths give a good analgesic and hemostatic effect.
Enemas are used to treat the internal form of hemorrhoids. For this purpose, decoctions of wormwood, chamomile, as well as sage, St. John's wort and other anti-inflammatory herbs are prepared.
Hemorrhoidal bumps can be treated with vegetable oils: propolis, St. John's wort, castor, sea buckthorn and others.

Despite all the inconvenience that constipation causes, you should not take a laxative without a doctor's recommendation.

Remember, during the period of breastfeeding, uncontrolled medication is not allowed, even if they are absolutely safe.

In many cases, an enema can help with constipation. After childbirth during the feeding period, when the child may develop an allergy to any new product, an enema with milk and butter will be a real salvation for mom.

Atonic constipation

For a productive bowel movement, you need to strain the muscles of the abdominal wall of the abdomen. In women who have given birth, there is a weakening of the muscles of the press and the pelvic floor. There is a drop in bowel tone. In this case, constipation after pregnancy may also be observed.

With atonic constipation, fecal masses are characterized by a large volume, which makes emptying difficult, as well as unevenness. First, there are dense excrement, then more plastic, and at the end - mushy.

In this case, the diet is very important, since you can get rid of constipation after childbirth, first of all, proper nutrition rich in plant fiber. It enhances intestinal peristalsis. This is facilitated by raw vegetables and fruits, various salads and other dishes prepared from them, as well as freshly squeezed juices.

Well stimulates the activity of the colon honey, bran bread, oils plant origin, as well as lemonade, kvass, koumiss. A glass of raw water with a slice of lemon, a spoonful of sugar or honey is useful on an empty stomach.

It is very important to observe the correct drinking regimen, especially when breastfeeding. You need to consume plenty of fluids so that the lack of moisture in the body does not provoke an exacerbation of constipation.

You need to drink enough water

It is necessary to move more, take daily walks, and also do light physical exercises. This will help to quickly get rid of constipation, and gain good health.

Decoctions of medicinal plants

If the treatment of constipation after childbirth with the above remedies does not work, herbal treatment should be added.

Recipe 1.
It is necessary to collect the following composition: chamomile, immortelle, trifol - one tablespoon each; dill seed, joster - one teaspoon each. Pour the mixture in a thermos with boiling water in the amount of 3 glasses. Leave for 20 minutes and strain.

Recipe 2.
We form the following composition: chamomile, valerian, joster, corn stigmas - one tablespoon each; buckthorn bark - two tablespoons. 2 tbsp. l. mixture pour a cup of boiling water and hold on low heat for 20 minutes, strain.

Infusions should be taken in half a glass in the morning, after breakfast, and immediately before bedtime.

In addition, very effective rectal suppositories. After childbirth from constipation, as a rule, glycerin suppositories help well. They are considered the most gentle remedy for the treatment of constipation during the period of feeding a child. They are also indispensable for rupture of the birth canal, when a woman should not strain.

Massage and therapeutic gymnastics

When constipation is associated with weakening of the abdominal muscles, exercise therapy and massage are the most effective means. Exercises related to jumping, squats are very useful, running also helps a lot. In the treatment of atonic constipation, the load on the muscles of the peritoneum during physical education falls, as a rule, is large.

Favorable impact is exerted by water procedures in the pool. There is an involuntary massage of the abdominal muscles, the motor function of the intestine is activated, and the emptying process takes place without difficulty. Swimming is useful not only for atonic, but also for spastic constipation. This should be done no earlier than two hours after eating.

Swimming is good for constipation

With spastic constipation in the classroom physiotherapy exercises alternating strengthening of different muscle groups with relaxing exercises. The muscles of the abdominal wall are subjected to minimal stress so as not to strain the already spasmodic intestines. Here, the exercises are relaxing, performed slowly and without jerks.

Treatment of dysbacteriosis

Constipation can occur due to long-term use of antibiotics. After childbirth, young mothers are usually prescribed a course of antibiotic therapy. Because of this, the normal functioning of the intestinal microflora is disturbed, constipation develops.

In this case, some drugs that normalize the state of the intestinal microflora can help. They should only be taken on the advice of a doctor. It is not worth it to treat bacteriosis with medications on your own.

To restore the internal intestinal microflora, you can include yogurt, yogurt, acidophilus, kefir in the daily menu. They must be taken twice a day, after lunch and before bedtime, for at least two months. During this period, the beneficial microorganisms found in these products will populate the large intestine, and its microflora will be completely restored.

Conclusion

Treating constipation usually takes time and effort. serious attitude to his problem, careful implementation of the doctor's recommendations in most cases allow you to count on the success of the treatment.

How to deal with constipation after childbirth, centuries of experience can tell traditional medicine. There are a wide variety of recipes that alleviate the patient's condition and help get rid of this problem forever.