4 Digestive Problems that May Happen After Pregnancy

During pregnancy, every woman’s aim is to try to get through every trimester and have a safe delivery. They are hardly thinking about what will happen to their body after the journey is over, well part of the journey.  It will however, take some time for your body to return to its normal functions and size, especially if you are in the breastfeeding club. Some parts of your body that can be affected after pregnancy is your digestive system. Here are 4 ways your digestive system may slow you down generally.

1. Constipation

Going to the toilet after birth can be excruciating for the first few weeks at first. You’re sore, and probably suffered a bit of a tear. Also, the digestive system slows down during labor to allow the baby pass through, it will be no surprise to find that your bowels are probably sluggish. The key to preventing constipation is to keep the digestive system from slowing down by having good daily habits like:

• Drink at least 2-3 litres of fluid every day, to ensure healthy stool consistency
• Eat a healthy balanced diet, including natural fibre
• Get regular exercise
• If the area is tender, supporting the perineal area with a warm cloth might help
• If pain medication is necessary, speak to your care provider about using a stool softener
• Avoid straining during a bowel movement, as this can lead to haemorrhoids

2.  Gas

During pregnancy, the hormone, progesterone is released which relaxes every muscle in your body, including your digestive system. Its not surprise that it may linger on after baby comes. If you had a c-section, air can become trapped in your body during surgery and will take time to work its way out. It can also take some time to regain control over this area. Regular pelvic floor exercises daily will strengthen these muscles. Warm drinks, such as herbal teas, can alleviate the cramps that come with trapped gas, be sure that they are good enough for breastfeeding.

3. Fecal Incontinence

The muscles and nerves that control your bowel movements, as mentioned earlier are stretched during birth. Also, the use of forceps or a vacuum, a significant tear or episiotomy that extends backwards, can cause damage to the muscles and nerves as well. This can affect how much control you have over your bowels after the birth of your baby. Passing of poo, without any control over your bowel is called fecal incontinence. It can cause a lot of embarrassment, but it is normal and everything will return to its normal process after a few months, however please report this to your doctor.

4. Stress-Related Problems

The first few weeks and months after a baby are challenging, especially when you are working with less sleep than you are accustomed too. The digestive system works with the enteric nervous system, which is found in the lining of the gastrointestinal system. Stress can trigger a ‘fight or flight’ response in your central nervous system, and this in turn reduces blood flow to your digestive organs. Stress can also cause your digestive muscles, such as the oesophagus, throat, to go into spasms. Acid levels in your stomach can rise, causing indigestion and acid reflux, it can make you feel nauseous, and give you diarrhoea, or even constipation. It is best to avoid extra stress as much as possible during this period and have all the help you need around you.