It is not uncommon for people to say that having a bowel movement after childbirth is like giving birth again. Because of pain in the perineum and dietary changes, up to 62% of women who give birth experience constipation [1]. But it's not as scary as it seems.
When should your first after-childbirth bowel movement occur?
As with urination, there are no strict rules regarding your first evacuation after having your baby. The general norm is to have at least one bowel movement every two days, so if you haven't had a bowel movement within 48 hours after childbirth, inform your OBGYN.
How to avoid constipation:
Drink plenty of fluids.
Eat fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Start moving as soon as your condition allows [2].
What should you do if having a bowel movement is painful and frightening?
It is not as scary as it seems. If the stool is soft, going to the toilet will happen as usual. Many fear that straining will cause the stitches in the perineal area to tear, but this is unlikely [3]. Just in case, you can do the following:
Fold toilet paper into several layers.
Apply it to the wound and press down on it during straining.
This will help compensate for the pressure and prevent the stitches from separating [4].
Should you take a laxative just in case?
If you haven't had a bowel movement on your own by the time you are discharged from the hospital, inform your doctor. They may prescribe approved laxatives. If you have hemorrhoids, your doctor may recommend a stool softener [2].
