Constipation after delivery

Constipation after birth can follow reduced movement, low fluid intake, pain, changes in meals, iron supplements, or medicines used during labour and recovery. Soreness from stitches or haemorrhoids may make you fear opening your bowels, and pushing hard can increase discomfort. A caesarean birth can also temporarily limit movement.

Postpartum constipation is not the same as bowel obstruction. A clinician can review your abdomen, medicines, hydration and bowel pattern, especially if you have not passed gas or if pain is escalating. If you are breastfeeding, mention this when asking about a medicine so feeding considerations are included.

Drink regularly, eat fibre-containing foods as tolerated, and walk gently when your maternity team says it is safe. Sit fully on the toilet, support your feet, breathe out rather than holding your breath, and avoid forceful straining. Keep the area clean and follow the care instructions for stitches or a tear.

Use a stool softener or laxative only if prescribed or checked by a clinician or pharmacist. Take it as directed and do not add another product without advice. Ask whether iron, opioid pain relief or another medicine can be adjusted safely; do not stop a prescribed treatment on your own.

Contact your maternity service promptly for worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen abdomen, blood or black stool, or constipation that is not improving. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass stool and gas, feel faint, cannot drink, or have very dark urine with weakness. Also seek advice if pain around stitches is severe, worsening, or associated with fever or unusual discharge.

Ask which bowel medicine is compatible with breastfeeding if relevant, how to protect stitches while using the toilet, whether your pain medicine or iron is contributing, and what timeframe should prompt a review. Take a list of all medicines to the appointment.