Health Information
After Childbirth: Urination and Bowel Problems
Topic Overview
You may have some difficulty urinating for a day or two after delivery. Your first bowel movement may be quite painful if you have had an incision (Reference episiotomy Opens New Window) or a tear in your vagina. You may also have constipation or discomfort with bowel movements for a few days after delivery. Drink plenty of water and juices and take stool softeners to help soften stools and ease pain.
In the days, and sometimes weeks, after delivery, it is common to urinate more than usual. Your body is ridding itself of the extra fluid from pregnancy. Some women also sweat heavily as they lose their extra fluid.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 2, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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