Constipation after delivery: causes and relief

Pain, fear of straining, reduced activity, dehydration and medicines can make stools harder or less frequent. Care should also protect any perineal wound, tear, haemorrhoids or caesarean incision from unnecessary discomfort.

Fluid shifts, disrupted meals and sleep, pelvic-floor soreness and spending more time sitting can slow bowel movements. Iron tablets, some pain medicines and medicines given around delivery may add to the problem.

Constipation can mean hard or lumpy stool, straining, a sense of incomplete emptying or going less often than is normal for you. The pattern matters more than comparing your bowel frequency with someone else's.

Drink regularly, add fibre gradually through vegetables, fruit, pulses and whole grains, and take short gentle walks as recovery allows. When using the toilet, support your feet on a low stool, lean forward and breathe out rather than holding your breath and forcing.

Do not delay the urge to open your bowels. A pharmacist or maternity clinician can suggest a stool softener or laxative compatible with breastfeeding and your medical history. Review iron or pain medicine only with the prescriber; stopping necessary treatment on your own may create another problem.

Seek urgent care for severe or increasing abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, persistent vomiting, inability to pass stool or gas, heavy rectal bleeding, faintness or fever with feeling very unwell. Tell the clinician that you recently delivered.

Contact your maternity team or doctor if self-care is not helping, bowel movements remain painful, a wound appears to open, or you notice ongoing blood in the stool. Assessment can identify impaction, haemorrhoids, medicine effects, pelvic-floor problems or another bowel condition.

Ask which laxative suits your symptoms, whether it is compatible with feeding your baby, and how long to use it. Bring a list of pain relief, iron, supplements and other medicines, and mention stitches, haemorrhoids, abdominal surgery or pelvic-floor pressure.