MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

BOWELS After giving birth, your first bowel movement may not happen for 2 to 3 days. Hormones , medications, dehydration, the worry about pain, and decreased physical activity can all

HEMORRHOIDS Many people develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins at the opening of the rectum, inside the rectum, or outside on the anus that can be painful, itchy, and even bleed. Although not usually serious, hemorrhoids can be very uncomfortable.

slow down bowel function. When you finally have your next bowel movement, it may be a little uncomfortable or you may feel anxious or fearful. When it’s time • Relax and take some deep breaths • Put your feet on a stool (if you don’t have a severe perineal tear) • Rest your elbows on your knees • Option: Use a sanitary pad for support, holding it from the front as you support the perineum

SCAN + PLAY

What can help • Eat healthy (especially high-fiber) foods • Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation • Avoid straining during bowel movements • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time • Use premoistened wipes instead of toilet paper • Apply ice packs or witch hazel pads to the area • Soak in a warm tub several times a day • Use topical creams, suppositories, and pain medication (with provider approval)

WHAT CAN HELP

Signs & Symptoms

Go when you feel the urge

Tell a nurse or your health care provider immediately if you have:

• Pain in your lower abdomen • Severe pain or rectal bleeding • Frequent need to take laxatives

Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day

PELVIC FLOOR Your pelvic floor is the group of muscles that surround your pelvis. Think of it as a hammock

that supports and holds your abdominal organs in place. Your pelvic floor muscles are also important for activities like going to the bathroom and having sex. Pelvic floor physical therapy Following childbirth (vaginal or cesarean) pelvic floor physical therapy can help your body recover more quickly and comfortably, improve muscle strength, and reduce symptoms. Pelvic floor physical therapists typically treat: • Pelvic floor pain • Urinary leakage • Pelvic organ prolapse (feeling of heaviness or bulging) • Pain with intercourse • Diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) • Large vaginal tears or stitches • Trouble coordinating or strengthening pelvic muscles • The need for Kegel exercises and how to do them correctly You don’t have to live with symptoms that can be treated! But you may need to be persistent to get the care you need. If your health care provider is not familiar with the benefits of outpatient pelvic floor physical therapy for postpartum patients, ask about it yourself. In most U.S. states you don’t need a medical referral to schedule your first evaluation directly. But your insurance company may require a referral before they will cover the costs.

Eat fiber-rich foods

Walk or do yoga stretches

Take stool softeners

Did You Know? Evidence suggests that chewing gum in the first 24 hours after a cesarean birth may wake up your bowels and get them working faster. Gum chewing can also reduce gas,

help you feel more comfortable, and get you on to solid foods—great reasons to add a pack of gum (or two) to your overnight bag.

7 Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care