A must-have for mothers: What to do with postpartum constipation? These methods can help you quickly relieve it

The main cause of postpartum constipation is the weakening of gastrointestinal motility during the puerperium, which leads to fewer bowel movements and dry stools, making defecation difficult. This is one of the more common complications after childbirth. Treatments for constipation mainly include proper physical exercise and improved eating habits. If the symptoms are more severe, laxatives can be considered.

Causes of postpartum constipation:

1. Hormonal changes: Progesterone levels drop sharply after delivery, which may slow down intestinal motility and affect bowel movements.

2. Lack of activity: During the postpartum recuperation period, some mothers lack exercise because they need to rest and recuperate, which may also lead to slower intestinal motility and cause constipation.

3. Poor diet: Lack of sufficient fiber, water or unreasonable dietary structure in the postpartum diet may lead to constipation problems.

4. Insufficient water intake: After childbirth, some mothers may neglect water intake due to being busy taking care of the baby, leading to constipation.

5. Psychological factors: The drastic change in the rhythm of life after childbirth, coupled with psychological factors such as postpartum anxiety and stress, may also lead to constipation.

Here are some quick ways to relieve postpartum constipation:

1. Increase dietary fiber intake

Diet is a key factor in treating postpartum constipation. Mothers can increase fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole-wheat products to increase intestinal motility and promote defecation. Dietary fiber itself is not absorbed, but it can also absorb water in the intestinal cavity to increase stool volume, stimulate the colon, and enhance motility. However, be careful not to eat unripe bananas, because unripe bananas have an astringent effect on the human intestine, thereby aggravating constipation.

It is also important to note that you should not consume large amounts of foods high in dietary fiber all at once. You should increase the intake gradually. Intake of dietary fiber too quickly can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

2. Drink soup appropriately

It is very important to stay hydrated because water can help soften stool, promote intestinal peristalsis, and help excrete waste from the body. Therefore, mothers should maintain adequate water intake every day. In addition, some soups are rich in nutrients. Soups that promote lactation generally contain oil, which can lubricate the intestines of mothers and promote defecation.

3. Exercise regularly

Moderate exercise is very helpful in relieving postpartum constipation. Many women have the misunderstanding of staying in bed for a month after giving birth, which can easily reduce the metabolic rate and increase the risk of constipation. Appropriate exercise after giving birth can help women promote metabolism, improve intestinal function, and help relieve constipation problems. You can do some simple exercises, such as turning over, pressing the abdomen, and walking slowly indoors. Doing postpartum gymnastics in bed is also an effective way. You can practice anal contraction exercises and pelvic floor muscle exercises to help promote blood circulation in the anus and relieve constipation problems. In addition to exercise, it is also very important to maintain a good posture and activity state after giving birth. Avoid sitting or lying still for a long time. You can stand up and move regularly to promote blood circulation and prevent constipation.

4. Avoid delayed bowel movements

Postpartum mothers may often not have time to go to the toilet because they are taking care of their babies. If they feel the urge to defecate but do not defecate for a long time, it will lead to constipation. Therefore, they should develop the habit of going to the toilet regularly and try to defecate at the same time every day to help the intestines develop a regular pattern. When they feel the urge to defecate, try not to hold it in and defecate in time.

5. Use enema

If the stool is constipated and the mother is unable to defecate, she can use enema to help soften the stool and promote defecation. However, it should be noted that long-term use of enema will lead to dependence.

6. Maintain a varied diet

Before a caesarean section, doctors will inject pregnant women with antibiotics to prevent infection, but these drugs may destroy the normal flora in the intestines, thus having a negative impact on intestinal health. Therefore, it is very important to maintain a diverse diet. Avoid eating greasy, high-sugar and high-fat foods, and eat foods rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, fermented pasta, sauerkraut, tofu, etc., which can promote the growth and reproduction of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, help restore intestinal flora, and regulate intestinal function.

7. Keep your emotions stable

Emotional stress may aggravate constipation symptoms for mothers, so keep a positive attitude and learn to relax. After giving birth, mothers face the postpartum period, which is an important stage for adapting to physical changes and role changes. The rapid decline of progesterone may bring about some physical and emotional changes, so mothers need to actively adjust themselves and make corresponding changes to adapt to the new role.

I hope the above methods can help mothers quickly relieve discomfort. Postpartum constipation is a very common problem, but through reasonable diet adjustment, moderate exercise and maintaining a positive attitude, the symptoms can be effectively relieved. The views in this article only represent personal opinions. If the problem persists or worsens, please consult a doctor in time for professional advice and treatment.

I also hope that all mothers can successfully recover from childbirth and regain their vitality! (Author: Wu Feifei, Lingshou County People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province)