How long does it take to defecate after a normal delivery?

Giving birth is a very painful process. In order to reduce this pain, many women will choose caesarean section during delivery. However, some women will choose natural birth because it causes less harm to the mother's body than caesarean section. However, in the process of natural childbirth, in order to avoid the problem of perineal tearing, the doctor will perform an episiotomy. So how long will it take before you can defecate after an episiotomy during a natural childbirth?

How long after a normal delivery can I have a bowel movement

After a normal delivery and episiotomy, you can usually defecate within 1-3 days. Do not push too hard when defecating, and the defecation time should not exceed 5 minutes. If the stool is dry and there are symptoms of constipation, you can use laxatives under the guidance of a doctor. Drink more water, eat more vegetables, and keep the bowel movements smooth.

Precautions after episiotomy

1. Eat more high-fiber foods, develop regular bowel habits, and drink more water to avoid constipation. If a woman is constipated after childbirth, she may easily cause the wound to be lacerated again if she exerts too much force when defecating.

2. Keep the vulva clean to prevent infection. Change sanitary pads frequently to prevent lochia from soaking the wound and increasing the difficulty of healing; disinfect the wound every day, and wipe the vulva from front to back with disinfectant cotton after each bowel movement.

3. Prevent the perineal incision from splitting after the stitches are removed. Get out of bed and move around early after delivery, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, drink more fish soup, pig's trotter soup, etc., avoid spicy food, and keep bowel movements smooth.

4. Do not lift heavy objects: Within 1 month after delivery, do not lift heavy objects or do any housework or exercise that requires physical effort.

5. Avoid reproductive sexual activity: Reproductive sexual activity should be avoided within 6 weeks after delivery.

Episiotomy during normal delivery is a condition that pregnant women can endure during childbirth. Pregnant women need someone to take care of them while they recover from surgery. There are still many details that you need to pay attention to and understand more. Giving birth is also a dangerous behavior for pregnant women, so every mother must take good care of herself. Follow the doctor's instructions to help your body recover faster.