Can I use enema for postpartum constipation? Pay attention to the frequency of use

Many mothers who have just given birth are troubled by constipation. They have tried many methods but have not had much effect. Suppositories are generally used to stimulate the anus to achieve the purpose of defecation when constipated. So can mothers who have just given birth use suppositories to relieve constipation? Are there any other good ways to treat postpartum constipation? Let's learn together.

1. Enema can be used to treat postpartum constipation.

2. External medications such as enema are relatively safe and will not have residual problems. Because these external medications mainly act locally, they relieve constipation by stimulating rectal peristalsis and forming a defecation reflex. The drugs themselves will not be absorbed by the human body, so they will not have adverse effects on pregnant women.

Pregnant women should avoid abusing enema. Enema has a direct effect, so constipation patients often abuse it. But in fact, the stimulating effect of irritant laxatives on the intestinal wall is likely to cause dependence in patients, forming a habit of not defecating without strong stimulation. As the use time increases, the sensitivity of the intestinal wall to stimulation will become weaker and weaker, making it difficult for enema to work. If pregnant women use enema frequently, it may cause strong contraction of local tissues, causing transient ischemia in pregnant women and triggering chronic inflammation. The consequences can be imagined.

1. Regular bowel movements in the morning

After breakfast, the colon moves more actively and it is easier to defecate, so about an hour after breakfast is the best time to defecate. Do not ignore the urge to defecate, and do not force yourself to hold it in. More importantly, do not squat on the toilet for too long, which will not only increase abdominal pressure, but also make it difficult for the lower limbs to reflux.

Note: It is best to use a sitting toilet for defecation, and use a no-squatting butt wash basin to clean the perineum and anus after defecation. This is both hygienic and avoids squatting for long periods of time to increase intra-abdominal pressure.

2. Pay attention to drinking skills

Drink plenty of water every day, but also pay attention to the drinking skills, otherwise even if you drink water, it may not have any effect. For example, drink water at a fixed time every day, drink it in big gulps, but not binge drinking, so that the water can reach the colon as soon as possible, instead of being quickly absorbed into the blood by the intestines. In this way, the stool can become soft and easy to be discharged from the body.

3. Appropriate activities

More activities can enhance gastrointestinal motility. Getting enough sleep, being in a good mood, and relieving mental stress are all good ways to relieve constipation. Take a 40-minute walk every evening, and clap your hands while walking. Open your arms as wide as possible without any effort. Open your five fingers and clap your hands until your arms feel a little sore and your palms feel warm and slightly numb. Clapping your hands can stimulate the acupuncture points on the palms, promote blood circulation, and dredge the meridians.

4. Diet adjustment

Pregnant women with constipation can eat foods rich in fiber, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, lentils, soybeans, celery, bananas, etc. Pure milk and yogurt can also stimulate the peristalsis of the large intestine, soften the stool, and help relieve constipation. Also eat less spicy and irritating foods.

5. Relax

When you are frightened or nervous, your mouth will dry up, your heart rate will speed up, and your intestines will stop moving. Dr. Lauder said this is a mechanism of resistance or escape. If you feel constipated, try to relax yourself or listen to some music with a brisk rhythm. On the contrary, pregnant mothers with anxious and impatient personalities are more likely to suffer from constipation, because bad mood will reduce gastric acid secretion and slow down gastrointestinal peristalsis.

6. Massage

You can use your right hand to start massaging from the upper left side of your abdomen, then pass through the lower left, lower right, upper right, and finally return to the upper left. Constipation patients can massage 50 times before going to bed and after waking up, which can effectively promote intestinal peristalsis and help defecation.

1. The enlarged uterus compresses the colon, slowing down the movement of stool and causing abnormal bowel movements.

2. The endocrine levels of pregnant women change, and the amount of progesterone increases. Progesterone can reduce the tension of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle and cause difficulty in defecation.

3. The dietary structure of pregnant women is improved, with less coarse grains, lack of dietary fiber, less stool volume, and lack of stimulation to the intestinal wall.

4. Reduced activity during pregnancy affects colon motility.

5. Pregnant women may take various drugs, such as sedatives, to relieve discomfort during pregnancy, but these drugs often have side effects on intestinal function, which is another important cause of constipation in pregnant women.