Postpartum Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Postpartum constipation and hemorrhoids are common. In fact, we have compiled the information needed to understand, take precautions and treat these two diseases that develop in connection with each other in this article.

Also, “What to Expect in Your Baby’s First Year?” by Heidi Murkoff. We also benefited from the information in the book. Don’t skip reading!

What causes constipation after giving birth?

Constipation is a common condition in pregnancy. Although it is thought that bowel movements will be regulated after pregnancy, sometimes this expectation is not met and constipation continues after delivery.

Let’s see what are the conditions that cause constipation after birth:

• Slowing of the digestive system during childbirth
• Secretion of high progesterone hormone during pregnancy,
• Abdominal muscles, which play an important role in evacuation, cannot function due to stretching during childbirth,
• Just like the bladder, the intestines are battered during childbirth and their movements slow down accordingly,
• Intestinal cleansing before birth
• Inability to consume the right foods due to anorexia caused by excitement and fatigue after birth (one of the most important reasons for the problem of constipation in the puerperium),
• As a psychological factor, reluctance to go to the toilet for fear that the stitches will open. This is one of the most important causes of constipation that does not go away, especially after birth.

All these reasons are valid for both the inability to make a large toilet after normal birth and the inability to make a large toilet after cesarean delivery.

How does constipation go away after giving birth?

Heidi Murkoff mentions in her book that bowel movements can improve on their own, but there are some things you can do to get rid of this uncomfortable situation as soon as possible.

1- Don’t worry!

Nothing affects your bowel movements as much as you worry about this situation. Don’t be afraid that your seams will open, sometimes they won’t open even if you feel like it. So if you have to defecate, don’t restrain yourself.

2- Include fibrous foods in your diet!

Add unrefined grains like oats, fresh vegetables and fruits, and foods like prune compote to your postpartum menu. These help both speed up bowel movements and increase breast milk. In addition, dried fruits are also effective in eliminating constipation. In this way, while the nursing mother solves the constipation problem, it also contributes to milk production.

3- Don’t forget to drink fluids!

It is important to drink plenty of fluids to restore the fluids lost during childbirth and soften the intestinal contents. You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and consume freshly squeezed fruit juices at home frequently. Especially the juices of fruits such as plums and apricots are powerful laxatives.

4- Move!

After giving birth, no one expects you to run with all your might, but at least you can go for short walks.

Kegel exercises can also regulate bowel movements. It’s worth trying.

5- Don’t force yourself!

Pushing while trying to go to the toilet does not cause the stitches to burst, but it can cause the development of hemorrhoids or the progression of existing hemorrhoids (We’ll talk about the postpartum hemorrhoid problem in a moment).

To avoid straining, you can try to urinate by crouching. For this, it will be more beneficial to use the Turkish style toilets. This position provides intestinal passage and is a natural position, preventing straining.

It is certain that you will be very relieved when you try all these and have your first defecation. But if you’re not careful, constipation can recur. That’s why we recommend that you constantly apply the recommendations we give.

Consult your doctor before using medication for constipation while breastfeeding. Using medicine with hearsay information can be harmful.

What causes postpartum hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids) is the name given to the varicose vein balls located in the upper part of the anus. These vascular balls may go out of the anus over time due to some reasons and may cause problems such as bleeding, itching in the anus, and a feeling of fullness.

“I got hemorrhoids after giving birth!” Don’t worry, there are many mothers who complain.

In the last 3 months of your pregnancy , you may encounter the problem of hemorrhoids. If you have experienced such a situation, you should know that it may worsen during childbirth. Because at this time, the load on the rectum and anus can cause the hemorrhoids to pop out or appear for the first time, and then going to the toilet becomes a torture.

In addition, constipation during pregnancy and postpartum is one of the factors that cause hemorrhoids to occur. Especially pushing to go to the toilet is one of the main causes of hemorrhoids.

How is postpartum hemorrhoids treated?

• We said that constipation revives hemorrhoids. That’s why you need to continue to apply the constipation recommendations we have given above.
• Cold or hot sitz baths are recommended for people with hemorrhoids. Put some non-burning hot water or ice cubes in a container and sit on it, this will relieve the pain of hemorrhoids. You need to do both of these applications for a maximum of 20 minutes.
• You should keep the perineum area clean. Especially after each defecation, it is important to clean with water and clean from front to back. We recommend using odorless and soft toilet paper or cotton for cleaning. You should pay particular attention to this item for how hemorrhoids pass after normal delivery.

• You should avoid sitting for long periods of time. The floor you are sitting on should not be hard. It’s also not a good idea to sleep on your back. You should sleep on your side as much as possible.
• The clothes and underwear you wear should be as loose and comfortable as possible.
• You should do Kegel exercises to regulate the blood circulation in the anus.
• You can use suppositories and anesthetic drugs if your doctor recommends it.
• Postpartum hemorrhoid treatment can also be tried with olive oil. An olive oil compress can also be helpful. Dip a cotton ball in pure olive oil and keep it on the hemorrhoid area for 20 minutes.
• If your hemorrhoids bleed, you need serious treatment, you should definitely see your doctor.