Is postpartum constipation serious and how to relieve it?

Constipation is a common condition after giving birth. Many people who have just had a baby find that postpartum constipation is a natural part of the recovery process. However, constipation is uncomfortable, especially when your body is still trying to recover from labor and delivery. So, is postpartum constipation dangerous and how long does postpartum constipation last?

Like many miraculous body changes during pregnancy, your body continues to change after giving birth. As you know, things won't go back to the way they used to be because you've given birth.
The postpartum period is usually counted as the first 42 days after giving birth. Although you expect things to get better, don't rush.
Some causes of postpartum constipation go away on their own. Others will need to take some steps to keep their digestive system working properly until your digestive system is working again. You may have postpartum constipation because of:
Damage to your anal sphincter or pelvic floor muscles (which can happen during labor and delivery) Dehydration or lack of fluids (which can happen if you're vomiting) or blood loss) Hormonal changes (which start when you're pregnant and can slow bowel function) Iron supplements if you're anemic Some problems can happen when you transition Your stomach can also contribute to your constipation after giving birth. You read the descriptions below and rate whether any of these you experienced during delivery:
You had a prolonged labor and ate little food You had bowel movements or enemas during labor You have a cesarean section. It can take up to 3 to 4 days for your digestive system to start working properly again after a cesarean section

You used pain relievers during childbirth or are you still taking them for postpartum pain relief. Especially systemic medications have the side effect of slowing down bowel movements in the gastrointestinal tract You have pain in the perineum (eg, after an episiotomy or from postpartum hemorrhoids) Hemorrhoids . Constipation and hemorrhoids often go hand in hand. If you had a vaginal birth, you may be more susceptible to hemorrhoids. Difficulty passing stools and hard stools can make hemorrhoids worse. While these two conditions are usually not serious and usually go into remission after a few weeks, hemorrhoids can be very uncomfortable. Fortunately, both conditions can be treated. Antibiotics often cause diarrhea, but they can also sometimes cause constipation. This is because antibiotics get rid of some of the good bacteria that help with digestion, along with the bad bacteria. Even if you're no longer taking any medications or pain relievers, it can take days to weeks for your bowels to rebalance.

Travel restrictions. After giving birth, due to pain, many mothers have limited mobility. However, less standing, walking, and activity can also slow down your digestive tract. The intestines are muscles and like your other muscles, they need a lot of exercise to keep them strong and help with movement. Decreasing your activity level while you're pregnant and after giving birth can temporarily cause constipation. Stress. Feeling stressed and anxious is completely normal after having a baby. These feelings and your lack of sleep can cause a spike in stress hormones like cortisol. High levels of stress hormones can cause diarrhea in some people and constipation in others. Either way, stress messes with your digestive system. Changes in sleep habits. Postpartum, sleep deprivation and fatigue are common problems for first-time parents. Changes in sleep and fatigue can also change your bowel habits. Lack of sleep also leads to more stress, which doesn't help with constipation.

Depending on the cause and the steps you take to treat it, constipation is likely to resolve within a few days of giving birth. The best thing you can do is be proactive in preventing and treating constipation.
In most cases, you can successfully treat postpartum constipation at home. Here are some simple tips that can help.
Healthy and nutritious food. Foods rich in fiber are the best defense against constipation. Foods like whole grains and wholegrain breads, brown rice, beans, fresh fruit, and green vegetables are great sources of fiber. Drink a lot of water. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses a day. Warm liquids such as herbal teas can also help. High-fiber foods that you add to your diet will absorb the water you drink. This makes stools softer and easier to pass. Don't ignore the urge. You may fear more pain, but holding back your bowel movements will make your stools harder and harder. Try to have a bowel movement when you feel the urge to go to the bathroom. Go for a walk. It sounds scary, especially if you're recovering from a cesarean section, but walking short distances and at a slow pace can help with your bowel movements. If you had a cesarean section, you'll need to be checked by your doctor before you resume any form of exercise. Ask for advice on stool softeners. Talk to your doctor or midwife about taking a stool softener. If you have a severe perineal tear (grade 3 or 4), you may be prescribed a stool softener. Emollients may also be recommended if you have hemorrhoids, are taking iron supplements for anemia, or are taking narcotic pain medicines. Mild laxatives or fiber supplements may be needed if the above measures are not effective. Use a small chair to elevate your legs when you are sitting on the toilet, this position will help you push more easily. Try calming exercises and relaxation techniques like meditation or a warm bath to help deal with stress. Ask friends and family to help take care of your baby so you have time to take care of yourself and sleep.

Constipation in the postpartum period can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem, but this is rarely the case. There are some dangerous symptoms that you should watch out for.
Call your doctor if you are constipated and have the following symptoms, including:
Constipation alternating with diarrhea Blood or mucus in your stool Excessive rectal bleeding Severe rectal pain Pain severe abdominal pain Severe and very painful edema in the vagina, vulva and/or perineum You have not had a bowel movement on the 3rd day of childbirth In addition, straining to have a bowel movement or passing hard stools can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids may shrink quickly or may persist for months after birth. Sometimes hemorrhoid symptoms can appear and go away for years. Although hemorrhoids can be extremely uncomfortable, they rarely lead to serious problems.
Even if your constipation is not severe, do not hesitate to discuss with your doctor if it persists.

Articles refer to sources: babycenter.com, healthline.com, verywellfamily.com