7 ways to relieve constipation after cesarean section

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Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

As with any surgery, a cesarean birth has complications and risks. Many new mothers experience constipation after giving birth. After surgery, hospital staff will likely encourage you to move as soon as possible. This helps prevent blood clot formation and constipation.

1. What is constipation after cesarean section?

Each year, about 30% of babies born in the United States are born by cesarean section.
Taking care of a newborn baby while recovering from surgery is not an easy task. Although most new mothers are able to return home in one to four days, recovery is often more difficult than after a vaginal delivery. New mothers who have had a cesarean section must take additional precautions such as watching out for possible infections or pain. They should avoid carrying anything heavier than their baby.

2. What causes constipation after cesarean section?

After birth, slow bowel movements are often due to fluctuating hormones, or because the diet is not enough liquid or fiber.
After a cesarean section, there are several other possible causes of constipation:
Anesthesia used during surgery (it can temporarily slow down your muscles) Anesthesia pain relievers water, more risk for nursing mothers Iron in prenatal supplements Weak pelvic muscles Another potential cause of constipation after cesarean section is psychological. Many mothers fear pain or broken stitches.
Try one of the natural solutions below to help you have an easy bowel movement without overstretching.

3. Ways to Relieve Constipation

Postpartum constipation shouldn't last more than three to four days, but it can be very uncomfortable. Many doctors will prescribe breastfeeding-safe stool softeners soon after birth to help relieve constipation.
Here are some other things you can do to find relief:
Move
If you can move, do so several times a day. Try to increase the duration to a few minutes each day. Moving can also help with bloating and gas.
Also ask your doctor about some gentle stretches you can add to your daily exercise routine.
Drink warm liquids
Drink a glass of warm water with lemon every morning. Also drink herbal teas during the day, such as chamomile or fennel tea. Dill helps increase breast milk production. It can also help with bloating and flatulence.
Drink water all day, but avoid ice cold water. Instead, try room temperature or even warm water.
Eat prunes
Prunes are known to help relieve constipation. Add some to your daily breakfast routine. You can eat them in hot cereal or drink prune or pear juice.
Add fiber
Make sure you include plenty of fiber in your meals, both soluble fiber from fruits and vegetables and insoluble like fiber from whole grains and breads.
Rest
Get plenty of rest to help your body recover from surgery.
Eat foods rich in iron
Many prenatal vitamins are rich in iron. But if iron supplements make your constipation worse, try iron-rich foods, including:
Chicken Red Meat Dark leafy vegetables Beans

You can also switch to another supplement. Ask your doctor for a referral.
Relax
Anxiety can lead to constipation. Set aside time during the day for deep breathing and meditation.
Is caffeine safe?
Coffee is known to help many people maintain a regular bowel schedule. But it's better to stay away from caffeinated beverages while you're breastfeeding.
Caffeine is passed through breast milk to your baby. This can be arousing at a time when sleep schedules and other daily routines have not been established.
Conclusion
A diet that includes plenty of water and fiber will help relieve constipation after a cesarean section. Avoid refined and highly processed foods as they lack nutrients and fiber. They also often have a high amount of salt and sugar.
If after a few weeks you are still not seeing relief, contact your doctor. They may recommend a breastfeeding-safe laxative or stool softener.
Department of Endoscopy - Gastroenterology is one of the key specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital. For timely examination, advice and treatment of digestive diseases, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or register online on the website for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References
Costarelli, V., Davies, J., Derbyshire, E., & Dettmar, P. (2006, July). Diet, physical inactivity and prevalence of constipation during and after pregnancy Jones, W. (2012, June 1). Questions from practice: Constipation after a Cesarean section pharmaceutical-journal.com/learning/learning-article/question-from-practice-constipation-after-a-cesarean-section/11102807.article Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013, August 31). Constipation mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/basics/causes/con-20032773 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, August 4). C-section: What you can expect mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-section/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20014571 Recovery after a cesarean birth. (2014, March) ghc.org/healthAndWellness/?item=/common/healthAndWellness/pregnancy/newMom/cesareanRecovery.html