Are you in the postpartum period and finding yourself struggling with bloating, constipation, gas or other digestive issues since welcoming your little one?

You’re not alone.

Giving birth is a profound and transformative journey. As you navigate this new chapter, it’s not uncommon to encounter postpartum digestive issues. 

While the focus is often on your beautiful baby, it’s equally important to pay attention to your own body too. After all, maintaining your health is essential—not just for you but for your ability to care for your newborn. 

In this blog, we’ll explore whether these digestive changes could be directly linked to the postpartum period and what you can do to find relief.

What’s Normal Postpartum And What Might Need Attention

Stepping into motherhood brings a myriad of changes, and it’s sometimes hard to tell what’s normal and what might need a second look. 

Let’s take a look at what you can expect and when you should call your healthcare provider:

First off, it’s totally normal to experience a range of emotions. The first few weeks can be an emotional whirlwind—thank you, hormones! You might find yourself laughing one minute and in tears the next. This emotional rollercoaster is typical, and it’s okay to let yourself feel all the feelings! 

However, if you find yourself feeling very low, and highly anxious and you know something is up – please reach out for help. Talking to a professional can provide relief and help you have a smoother recovery. And no matter what you might have heard, there’s no shame in postpartum depression or anxiety – in fact, it’s more common than you might think!

Next, let’s talk about physical recovery. This varies widely from person to person, but there are a few signs you shouldn’t ignore. 

If you’re dealing with extreme symptoms like heavy bleeding, intense abdominal pain, high fever, or anything that strikes you as severe, it’s important to seek medical help right away. These could be signs of postpartum complications, and it’s crucial to get the care you need or even reassurance – no question or concern is ‘too silly’.

Physical healing from childbirth, whether vaginal or cesarean, takes time. Your body has been through a lot, and it needs a gentle and patient approach to recovery. Most women start feeling significantly better by the 6-8 week mark, but complete healing can take longer, especially when it comes to conditions like digestive issues or pelvic floor concerns.Remember, there’s no rush to bounce back to your pre-baby routine. Healing is deeply personal and doesn’t adhere to a strict timeline. Avoid placing undue pressure on yourself to “get back to normal.” Your body has done something incredible, and it deserves time to rest and recuperate.

Symptoms That Can Be Caused By Postpartum

Every woman’s journey through postpartum is unique, but there are some common experiences many of us share. Here’s what you might encounter during postpartum:

• Abdominal Pain: As your uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size, you might feel pains in your lower belly, known as afterpains. These are usually mild but can sometimes be sharp, especially during breastfeeding which triggers uterine contractions. These pains should gradually subside, but if they become too uncomfortable, a warm heat pack can offer some relief. However, if the pain is severe, please consult your doctor.
  
• Mood swings: It’s perfectly normal to feel a whirlwind of emotions after welcoming your little one into the world. While we often expect new moms to feel nothing but joy, it’s common to experience a mix of happiness and sadness. This complex emotional time can stem from hormonal shifts known as the “baby blues.” Remember, it’s healthy and normal to talk about how you’re feeling with someone you trust—keeping it all inside doesn’t help. If these feelings deepen or you find yourself struggling significantly, reaching out to a healthcare provider is crucial.
  
• Sore breasts and nipples: All breastfeeding new mothers will testify to experiencing soreness in their breasts and nipples in the first few days of feeding. However if the pain is intense or persists, it could be due to a latching issue. Consulting with a lactation expert can provide the support you need to make breastfeeding comfortable for both you and your baby, helping prevent further discomfort like cracked nipples.
  
• Hormonal fluctuations: Postpartum isn’t just about emotional changes; hormones can also cause physical symptoms like night sweats or significant hair loss. While startling, these are usually temporary. Most hormonal imbalances settle down within the first six months as your body readjusts.
  
• Bleeding and discharge: Post-delivery bleeding or lochia is your body’s way of clearing out the lining of the uterus. It’s typical whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Initially heavy, it should taper off over a few weeks. Remember, it’s safer to use sanitary pads instead of tampons during this period to reduce the risk of infection. If you notice large clots or prolonged heavy bleeding, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.
  
• Sore perineum: The soft spot between your anus and vagina is called the perineum. Whether from a natural tear during childbirth or a surgical cut during an assisted delivery, the perineum can be quite tender post-birth. Applying ice packs or taking a sitz bath can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. If you experience persistent pain and you’re concerned, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

The above issues are just a small selection of the most common issues women experience postpartum. However, aside from bladder and urinary problems and pelvic organ prolapse, postpartum digestive issues are the most common postpartum complaint.

Postpartum Digestive Issues

It’s completely normal not to have a bowel movement for up to five days after giving birth. But let’s talk about what happens next. If you find that your digestive system feels a bit off in the weeks following the arrival of your baby, you’re certainly not alone. 

Postpartum digestive issues are quite common, affecting many new moms!

You might encounter a few unwelcome guests like constipation, heartburn, indigestion, gas, or even symptoms that resemble irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

Constipation often crops up postpartum due to the high levels of the hormone progesterone, which can slow down your gastrointestinal movements. It may take a while, sometimes up to six months, for your hormone levels to stabilize.

And about that acid reflux? It’s usually due to your enlarged uterus putting pressure on your stomach and the relaxing effects of progesterone on your lower esophageal sphincter during pregnancy. 

While most women see a significant improvement as hormone levels begin to decrease within the first couple of days after birth, it can take some time for everything to normalize.

To help ease these digestive issues postpartum, ensure you’re drinking plenty of water, getting as much rest as you can, and eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients like fibre. However, if these digestive issues linger beyond six weeks postpartum, it might be time to look into potential pelvic floor problems.

Ready To Get Help With Digestive Issues Postpartum?

If you’re struggling with your digestion and need some help – I’m here for you.

While postpartum might seem daunting and strange, I’m here to help you regain your confidence and feel at home in your body.

If you need some help, please connect with me and I’ll be in touch.

I’m looking forward to supporting you.

Nancy