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Constipation after Delivery: Reasons & Treatment
Constipation is the hardening of stool when the intestines remove excess water from the faecal matter. A study has shown that pregnant women who are more than 35 years of age and have a high BMI are likely to suffer from constipation.
What Causes Postpartum Constipation?
Caesarean Section: The anaesthetics used during the surgery slows down the digestive system causing stool with low water content.
Iron Supplements: Most women are anaemic after delivery because of blood loss and hence iron supplements are given to them to improve the iron content in their body. Unfortunately, iron feeds the pathogenic bacteria in the intestine, causing constipation.
Assisted Delivery: In case of difficult deliveries, the usage of instruments like Forceps or Ventouse may put excess strain on the anal region which may lead to constipation.
Medication: Heavy medication like morphine, Vicodin, and Percocet can also slow down the digestive system.
Hormones: The presence of hormones like progesterone during pregnancy also slows down the digestion and may leave you feeling constipated.
Dehydration: Poor water content in the stool leads to constipation.
Low Fibre Diet: Fibre is needed for the smooth bowel movement in the human body. Any absence of the same can lead to a sluggish digestive system.
Prenatal Vitamins: Women who are breastfeeding often consume multi-vitamins to improve their nutritional intake. Unfortunately, many of these contain iron which can cause constipation.
Haemorrhoids: Many women develop haemorrhoids after a vaginal delivery, which are painful.
Anxiety: Many women suffer from anxiety which can slow down bowel movement.
Does it Hurt When You Poop?
It is likely to hurt if you have haemorrhoids or have anal fissures. However, anal fissures heal within a few weeks and the haemorrhoids will shrink in the following months.
How to Treat Constipation?
A common issue, constipation is something which can easily be dealt with at home. Here are a few common remedies:
Home Remedies:
Constipation after delivery isn’t a serious medical emergency and can often be managed by the following home remedies:
Fruit Juices: As per studies, certain fruits like apples and pears have a substance called sorbitol which aids in alleviating constipation.
Drinking Water: Drinking adequate amounts of water can help reduce the dryness of stool and prevent hardening.
Eating Oatmeal: As an insoluble fibre, oatmeal helps to increase the pace of bowel movement.
Massages: Massages are a non-invasive way to relieve constipation. Massaging different parts of the colon can help strengthen its walls and loosen the stool at the same time.
Natural Laxatives: Laxatives are known to induce bowel movement. One can use natural laxatives like prunes, flax seeds and coconut water.
Mild Exercises: Another non-invasive technique, a 30-minute walk can help speed up the digestive process.
Probiotics: Although not researched on enough, probiotics have been found to aid bowel movement and make the stool soft.
Ginger Tea: A mild laxative, ginger tea also helps to promote appetite and digestion. However, one must avoid this if they are diabetic as it can affect the absorption of the diabetic medication.
Lemon Water: The high acid content helps in speeding up the digestive system which alleviates constipation.
Steps You Can Follow To Go To The Loo
If you’re suffering from constipation, you can try the following steps:
Step 1: You can go for a short walk to get your bowels moving.
Step 2: You can try drinking a cup of coffee as it acts as a natural laxative
Step 3: Wait for the right moment and don’t force yourself to go
Step 4: Preferably go to an Indian style toilet when the time comes. If you’re using a western toilet, put a stool under your feet to raise them at a level above your hips.
Step 5: Rather than excessive straining which can cause tears in the anus, breathe deeply by making sure your pelvis contracts.
Step 6: Relax your sphincter muscles when you feel the stool coming out for a satisfying experience.
Exercises That Can Help Ease Constipation After Childbirth
Walking: A simple walk for as little as 30 minutes every day can keep constipation at bay.
Cat and Cow Pose: This is a yoga exercise which helps benefit your stomach muscles. You start off by putting your hands and knees to the ground. Arch your back downward in such a way that your stomach moves closer to the ground. This is the cow pose. Now arch your back upwards while simultaneously moving your head and hips to the ground. This is known as the cat pose. This is to be repeated 5 times.
Wind Relieving Pose: This helps in the release of flatulence trapped within the intestines. Lay flat on the ground with your back to the floor and hug your right leg in a way that your thigh touches your rib cage. Hold the pose for 90 seconds and switch to the left leg.
Extended Puppy Pose: This exercise helps to stretch out the stomach muscles, which helps to reduce cramping. Start off with putting your hands and knees to the ground. Then gently stretch your arms forward while simultaneously lowering your head and chest towards the ground.
Triangle Pose: The twisting involved in this exercise helps to activate the digestive juices and aids bowel movement. Extend your legs about 3 feet apart such that your feet and hips form the vertices of a triangle. Use your right hand to grab your right ankle while simultaneously raising your left hand to the ceiling. After holding this position for 30 seconds, switch sides.
Forward Bend: This puts pressure on the abdomen and helps kick-start bowel movement. Stand upright with your face at the 12 o’clock position and raise your hands perpendicular to the floor. Gradually move your hands down in the direction of your face till it reaches your shoulders. Then move your entire torso along with your hands in a downward direction till your hands reach the ground and your head reaches the level of your knees.
Laxatives To Relieve Constipation
As you are likely to be under medication, please consult your doctor before taking over the counter laxatives. You can try natural laxatives such as castor oil or coconut oil as an alternative.
How Long Does Post Pregnancy Constipation Last?
Constipation after caesarean delivery or vaginal delivery is very common but not a serious condition as it can ideally be cured in a matter of days.
When is There A Need To Worry?
One may need to go to the doctor if there is bleeding or constipation continues for more than three weeks.
It is important to remember that constipation after cesarean delivery, though it is a common problem, can be eased by diet and lifestyle changes. Make sure you stay aware of your intake of roughage and fluids to manage the discomfort.
Also read: Chances of Pregnancy While Breastfeeding Read more
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How to Raise Your Child to Be Happy and Confident
All of us parents would love to know the best way to raise our children. All we want is for them to grow up to be happy and confident individuals. I promise here to let you on a little secret which all of us know and yet miss on sometimes. A child's journey begins in the mother's womb itself where he/ she takes a lot of the mother's environment and temperament than it can be imagined. Once the child is out in this world, begin the real perils and joys of parenting. For the child, the first home, the first teacher, the first friend, the first protector are YOU, the primary caregiver, mom or dad or both. Out from the security of the womb, in this wide world, the child feels scared and uneasy. And it is in the very initial months that there opens a critical window of opportunity where the child's personality will shape itself. The first three months of the child's life, when it is sleeping most of the time, also happens to be the most important. It is here that you lay the foundations of the future. And this can be done by giving all the attention, all the cuddling that the child wants. The first three months are called the fourth trimester, and it is unique because this unlike the other three allows the participation of both parents. While Indian parents would have often heard that the child should not be taken up in one's arms otherwise it will get spoilt; it is essential both for you and your child to have all the cuddling that the child wants. It instils a sense of security in the child and releases good hormones in your body. A secure child grows up to be a happy child and a happy child into a confident individual — happy parenting.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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5 Gorgeous Ideas for your Outdoor Dining Room
The area around your outdoor meal table, if properly styled, can really add to the charm of dinner. Sounds inviting? Try out stylish outdoor dining room design ideas to bring out your signature style for family dinners, parties or cosy twosomes with hubby!
Don't ignore your outdoor space as it can actually be the most inspirational and stylish area for dining! Apply a few quick and easy tricks and your dream dining spot is ready. The best part is that the most fabulous ideas don’t cost too much but still look amazing.
Outdoor Dining Room Ideas you Should Try
1. Rustic Charm
Great weather and beautiful blue clouds? Try the rustic look by styling your outdoor dining area like a farm style table with wooden chairs. A white lace tablecloth will set the tone right. Keep the rest of the colour scheme neutral too. Put some flowers in vintage jars to serve as a centrepiece. As a final touch, put up string lanterns and you have a romantic soiree for you and hubby!
2. Small Can be Wonderful
If you have a small outdoor area which you think can't be styled, think again. Whether it's the balcony or a spot under a shady tree, you can still transform the space into a relaxed dining area! Go for earthy tones and metallic finishes. Folding tables and long benches are excellent options for small spaces. Add strings of light and aromatic potpourri to lend a charming feel to the ambience. Now, isn't that a cool outdoor dining room furniture design idea?
3. Bring The Backyard Alive
The backyard is not just a place for drying clothes. Turn the place into an area that's entertaining! Invite your friends for a barbeque and set the scene with bottles of colourful liquor, glasses, and a set of fine crockery. Add a bar serving station and a straight-edge dining table for a simple yet sophisticated look. Accessorise the area with a contemporary umbrella and small succulent plants. Your friends will love the setting!
4. Create an Oasis in The Melting Heat
Need respite from the hot weather? Put together a welcome sight with some breathtaking outdoor dining table ideas. Instead of going all-out with design, keep it natural and simple with textured wooden furniture. You can also try director's chairs for an old-world charm. Give the décor a vibrant and refreshing feel with cushions in marine shades. For even more style, put up a couple of Moroccan table lamps. Wow!
5. Lend a Beach Vibe
To give a beach vibe to your dining area, be generous with turquoise and white. Use vibrant throw pillows and lay down a colourful tablecloth or a table runner to create an inviting look. For a dramatic appeal, you can team them with matching napkins or placemats. This outdoor dining area idea is perfect when you plan to host a light lunch with cocktails.
With a little creativity, you’ll have no trouble putting together a welcoming space that’s also stylish. Use any one of these outdoor dining room design ideas and create the perfect blend of colours and texture outside. You won’t want to go indoors! Read more
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The Beautiful Journey of Taking Care of a Newborn
It's a beautiful feeling when you hold your baby for the first time. But the first three months will be difficult as it will take some time for a new mother to get familiar with her newborn. It's difficult to understand the cues given by a baby. Take it easy and bear with patience. Please take help from your hubby and loved ones, it does help. There were times when I used to get frustrated. In times like these, it's better to hand over the baby to someone in your family. You should take your baby when you feel relaxed; it will help you calm down your baby in a better way. When a mom gets irritated even the baby gets irritated. Mostly newborns cry due to hunger, sleep, tiredness, nappy changes. My baby used to cry because of colic pain. These are the tips to ease colic pain -
Massage their tummy
Exercise their legs
Gently rock them and sing lullabies to them
Take them for a walk
They even cry when they feel cold, hot, or are uncomfortable because of their clothes. Keep your baby warm during winters by making him wear a body suit or an extra pair of clothing. They even cry because they want to be held and loved. Do swaddle them as it will make the baby feel warm and relaxed. It even helps the baby to sleep better and longer. It's okay if a baby cries, relax and be strong. Cherish each and every moment of motherhood. The good news is that after 3 months, it will be fun to spend time with your little one. Babies babble and talk to you in their sweet voice. They can see better and recognize and respond to sounds. They sleep better and mostly develop some naptime patterns. They are more energetic and awake. It's easier to give them a bath because they grow up a little by then and enjoy their bathing time.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
12 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
8 hours ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
Santu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
1) till how many days after delivery baby needs to keep on uterus temperatures/warm temperature?
2) Can baby & mother both take bath after 24 hours of delivery?
Santu
Mom of 2 children
6 hours ago
A. It depends on moms and babys health I feel and suggest It's better to check with your doctor and follow their advise. That would be one of the best and safest option for your baby as of now. Take care.
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. dual marker test is for what purpose??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
5 hours ago
A. The double marker test helps determine whether the unborn baby has any risk of developing neurological abnormalities or mental disorders
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 7 m old child
23 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts
How to cure constipation in Babies
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
22 mins ago
A. Constipation in Babies less than 1 year is very common and more in formula fed babies and also when initially the semi solid food has been started after 6 months .
you can give bonnisan drops and some enzyme preparations in proper dose suggested by doctor angyd cow's milk should be avoided before 1 year of age . Medications are required but it shobuld be given only in medical supervision .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
22 mins ago
Q. Hello, I'm a hypothyroidism patients consumes 25mg tab,
can I take apple cider vinegar?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
New Answer
A. I don’t think so ACv is going to be a problem but it would be better that you check with your doctor because Apple cider vinegar has couple of side-effects also also which a lot of people are not aware about so do not take it without your doctors advice and consent
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