Enemas — a procedure that clears out your bowel — used to be recommended by some doctors. But there is no clear evidence that it is helpful or necessary. Current guidelines do not recommend enemas.
Why would a woman need enema at all?
Traditionally, it was believed that if the intestines are empty, then the baby has more space to pass through the birth canal. In addition, there was an opinion that an enema promotes a faster course of labor and reduces the risk of infection [1].
But is there any evidence for this?
For a long time, doctors relied on speculative observations and simply followed established practice. But modern research does not find significant medical benefits of enemas. It does not shorten labor nor does it make it any easier. In fact, having an enema before labor can make labor more painful. Plus, injury to the perineum during childbirth is as frequent in mamas who have enemas as those who don’t. In addition, enemas do not have any impact on the likelihood of infection [1].
Nevertheless, maternity hospitals are free to set the rules on this matter. We recommend that you find out in advance how this issue is resolved in your medical institution.
