Bowel Movements After Elective C-Section

[tasminhutchings26]

Good Morning :)

I am very close to opting for an Elective C-Section, Currently 21 weeks pregnant with my First Baby.

I am wanting an Elective C-Section, maternal reasons not medical, just have a lot of fears around childbirth and absolutely HATE living in the unknown.

Anyway, i have a fear of Diarrhoea, weirdly as bad as this pregnancy constipation has been, i don't want pregnancy to end mainly for this reason pmsl, i have stomach problems anyway, i normally take medication which solidify my stools but cannot take this while being pregnant.

I have been told by a few friends that after a c-section your bowels are absolutely all over the place which i absolutely expect, but what are peoples experiences?? Especially WHILE in recovery in hospital after the operation, I'm not so much bothered about how i may be once i return home, but i just absolutely do not want to sh*t myself while I'm in hospital and it be liquid...

I've heard about the trapped wind but have also heard about the things you can take to relieve this.
Just SO paranoid that I'm going to develop diarrhoea after my C-Section?

What are your experiences with this please?
Thanks

My DSis has had 3 elective C sections, the last a month ago. I've heard each birth story and diarrhoea never featured even afterwards. You might need more solid (excuse the pun) reasons to ensure an elective because you will likely be quizzed at length by consultants in order to get them to "sign it off" as it were.
There is a likelihood of diarrhoea with natural birth because you generally get a "clear out" before labour starts (which I’m sure many of us can attest to). Also more risk pooping while pushing, who knows what consistency.
You'll likely get a lot of replies saying you won't care in the moment, but I had issues with vaginal examinations due to trauma. I gave birth from under a blanket draped across my knees. So these things can be managed. It's your birth and you should advocate for yourself wherever you can.

They’re more concerned with bowel paralysis. If you manage a fart, they’ll let you out of hospital. You’ll be fine.

I've had 2 elective c sections never had any problems (I too am worried about diarrhoea or vomiting of any kind). I remember it was painful to go to the toilet for a couple of days after due to c section scar but there was no issue at all.

Personally (though I'm sure some will disagree) I thought my first c section was much easier than my poor sisters 48 hour labour etc she had it much harder than me. Sure you'll be fine

Thank You for your response!!

Yes me too, i have emetophobia as well as my fear of diarrhoea.

Also am dreading going through such a long winded process of labour if i was to go natural, but then again, it could be very quick but i guess i will never know, just not a chance i want to take really.

My anxiety also sets off my stomach & makes it upset but I'm just hoping this wont happen. X

Hi there

I am 2 weeks post C section and it was actually constipation that made things difficult for me, I didn’t have a great deal of diarrhoea and even when I did, it wasn’t stressful and it was manageable.

I took dulcoease after my section which doesn’t make you loose but it makes your stools easier to pass so you don’t add any stress to your body after a section, it was a great idea for me and I was so relieved I took it for a few days!

i Know it’s easier said at this stage but don’t worry about diarrhoea post-op as there is so much going on that it’ll be the least of your worries…. Best of luck :)

I’d be very surprised if you did. More likely to be constipated. Took me 5 days the first time and 2 the second, and only then because I maxed the laxido as soon as baby was born and for several days after. If I didn’t then no poop.

I suffered with severe constipation after both of my csections I honestly felt like I was birthing a baby from my bumhole!! Get some peppermint tea for the trapped wind (agony) and some lactulose just incase, I wouldn't take any pills for it as that will give you severe diarrhoea, just a softener. Dont think I pood for about 2 days after the surgery but when I did, ouch haha. I used a stool to put my feet up on and just sat on the loo for ages 🤣 sorry if tmi. Didnt experience diarrhoea at all my bowels were fine once I got the first one out. Also didn't need to poo or fart before leaving hospital 2019 and 2021 just had to wee and they measured my output to check my bladder wasn't damaged. Congratulations and goodluck my elective was a lovely experience!

I’ve never heard of diarrhoea after an elective as standard. You’re more likely to be constipated from the opioid pain medication.

I had absolutely no pain with mine and I was terribly constipated for months due to pregnancy and iron supplements. I just horsed the bran flakes, lactulose and water into me and used a foot stool and it was no problem at all.

I really appreciate this comment, i am seeing the consultant on Friday to see if i am allowed an elective section!
Fingers crossed😊