Bowel Motions & Haemorrhoids

Bowel Motions 

Thinking about passing the first bowel motion after birth can be stressful. It may be a few days after birth before this happens. 

• putting your feet on a footstool, or something similar, that raises your knees to above your hips can help 
• avoid straining and take your time 
• passing a bowel motion will not affect your stitches 
• take regular laxatives in the first few days and for as long as you feel you need them. Discuss this with your LMC 

 

Haemorrhoids

You may have haemorrhoids, which are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum and anus that can be painful and cause bleeding. These should shrink over time but there are medications to help you that your LMC can prescribe. During a vaginal birth you put a lot of extra pressure on your rectum so it’s common to develop haemorrhoids postpartum. You also may have developed them during pregnancy.

Here are some tips that may help:

• it’s important to prevent constipation and avoid straining to pass a bowel motion as these can make haemorrhoids worse 
• keep poo soft by drinking plenty of fluids and eating a high-fibre diet. You can also take a laxative which your lmc can prescribe 
• apply a cold compress to the area and sit in a warm salt bath (sitz bath) 
• there are topical cream that your LMC can prescribe or you can buy over-the-counter at your local chemist