What should you know about constipation after pregnancy?

Bowel movements may slow when your routine changes, activity is limited, or you are drinking less while caring for a newborn. Soreness from stitches or haemorrhoids can make you delay going, which allows stool to become harder. Iron supplements and some pain medicines can also contribute. Constipation is a symptom, not a diagnosis by itself; dehydration, an underactive thyroid, irritable bowel syndrome, or another bowel problem may need consideration if it persists.

Sip water regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict fluids. Add fibre slowly through vegetables, fruit, oats, beans, and whole grains; increasing it abruptly may worsen gas. Take short, comfortable walks and respond to the urge to open your bowels. A footstool under your feet may reduce straining. If you take iron or strong pain relief, ask the prescriber whether a change or a stool-softening medicine is suitable, especially if you are breastfeeding.

Contact a clinician if constipation does not settle, keeps returning, or makes daily care difficult. Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen firm abdomen, inability to pass wind, faintness, or blood in the stool. Dark, tar-like stool also needs prompt assessment. A clinician can examine you, review medicines, and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Ask whether your supplements may be slowing the bowel, which laxative is compatible with breastfeeding, and whether pelvic pain or haemorrhoids need treatment. Mention how often you pass stool, its consistency, any bleeding, your fluid intake, and all medicines or supplements.