What to do if you have constipation after a normal delivery

During a normal birth, episiotomy is mainly performed to make it easier for the baby to be born, and the episiotomy is mainly performed on the vulva. Therefore, after a normal birth, the mother who has undergone an episiotomy should pay more attention to her body recovery and the protection of the wound. Women who have undergone episiotomy should avoid using force on their lower body when urinating or defecating, otherwise the episiotomy wound may easily pop open. But what should a woman who has undergone episiotomy during a normal delivery do if she is constipated?

Drink more warm water

Warm boiled water can help awaken the gastrointestinal function, promote intestinal peristalsis, and thus facilitate the excretion of stool. Especially after a night of rest, a lot of harmful substances have accumulated in the body. Warm boiled water every morning is very effective for constipation after episiotomy during normal delivery.

Drink honey water regularly

Honey has the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Drinking honey water helps lubricate the intestines. As long as it is natural and mature real honey, it can relieve constipation after episiotomy during normal delivery.

Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables

Whole grains, fruits and vegetables contain more crude fiber. Sufficient intake of crude fiber is conducive to the discharge of stool. On the contrary, too little intake of crude fiber may cause constipation after episiotomy during normal delivery.

Take probiotics regularly

Probiotics can improve the intestinal environment and maintain the balance of intestinal flora. Since a poor intestinal environment is one of the causes of constipation after episiotomy during normal delivery, eating probiotics regularly can make stool more normal and easier to excrete.

Exercise

Since the body's exercise is reduced during pregnancy, you can do some appropriate exercises to help the body recover after episiotomy during normal delivery, such as walking, squats, cycling, etc. These can not only strengthen abdominal exercise and promote gastrointestinal motility, but also speed up blood circulation, promote metabolism, and thus improve the symptoms of constipation.

Go to the toilet on time

Go to the toilet at a fixed time every day, and squat even if you can't defecate. After a period of time, your body will develop a conditioned reflex and you will have to go to the toilet when the time comes, thus improving the symptoms of constipation after natural delivery and episiotomy.

Abdominal massage

Constipation after episiotomy during normal delivery may be caused by insufficient intestinal peristalsis and insufficient power. Proper abdominal massage can promote intestinal motility, help the excretion of stool, and improve the symptoms of constipation. Specific method:

1. Stimulate the points where stool easily accumulates to get the intestines moving.

2. Draw the Japanese character "の" in a clockwise direction along the shape of the intestine. Right lower flank → below the ribs → left lower flank.

3. Place your right elbow on your left knee, lean your upper body forward, and turn your body slightly. Feel the expansion of your stomach, as well as the condition of your intestines and anus. See which side is easier to turn to, and try that side.

Use enema

When you are constipated, do not force your stool. You can choose to use enema, which uses its hypertonic effect to soften the stool, stimulate the intestinal wall, and reflexively induce a bowel movement. The lubricating effect of the enema can also make it easier to excrete stool without causing too many adverse reactions to the body.

Enema if necessary

Enema can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, soften and clear feces. If constipation is very severe after episiotomy during normal delivery and lasts too long, in order to avoid other serious consequences that may be caused by constipation, you can choose enema to help defecation when necessary, but it must be done under the guidance of a doctor in a regular hospital.

Drug treatment

If constipation is severe after episiotomy during normal delivery, you can also choose to take medication to treat defecation. It is best to consult a doctor about which medication to use based on your personal situation to avoid adverse reactions. Be sure to pay attention to whether you need to stop breastfeeding while taking the medication.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment

According to traditional Chinese medicine, constipation is generally divided into real constipation due to heat accumulation in the stomach and intestines, stagnation of Qi, and false constipation due to insufficient Qi and blood, and loss of the lower abdomen. Each of these can be treated with the principles of clearing heat and unblocking the bowels, promoting Qi circulation and removing stagnation, and nourishing blood and moistening dryness. Under the guidance of a professional Chinese medicine doctor, Chinese medicine and acupuncture can be used for dialectical treatment.