Postpartum Constipation After a C-Section: What Actually Helped Me

There are a lot of things people warn you about after a C-section. Getting out of bed will be hard. Laughing and coughing might hurt. You will probably want to live in loose dresses for a while.

One thing I was not nearly as prepared for? Going to the bathroom.

I’ve had two C-sections, and postpartum constipation was especially an issue after my second. What surprised me most was that it wasn’t necessarily a problem immediately. I was fine in the hospital, had a bowel movement within a few days of getting home, started feeling like things were returning to normal, and then had constipation come back again a few weeks into my recovery.

My biggest takeaway after going through this twice is simple: don’t wait until you are miserable to do something about constipation. Your body just went through major abdominal surgery. If your doctor recommends a stool softener or another medication, this is not the time I would try to tough it out.

Here’s what my experience with postpartum constipation after a C-section was actually like and what helped me.

Disclosure: This article is based on my personal experience recovering from two C-sections and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about medications and any concerns during your postpartum recovery.

Why I Was So Focused on Passing Gas After My C-Section

One of the things I remember from the hospital after my C-section was everyone asking whether I had passed gas.

I didn’t have to have a bowel movement before I could leave the hospital, but passing gas was something my care team wanted to know about. After abdominal surgery, doctors monitor for signs that your digestive system is functioning again, and being able to pass gas can be one reassuring sign that your bowels are moving.

I remember being oddly focused on it because when you’re recovering from surgery, suddenly things you have never thought twice about become very important.

Fortunately, I didn’t have much trouble passing gas. The constipation really became noticeable once I got home.

The First Poop After My C-Section

Within a few days of coming home, I was able to have a bowel movement. But yes, I found the first few bowel movements after a C-section scary.

For me, the uncomfortable part was the pressure in my abdomen. You have just had major abdominal surgery, so the idea of pushing feels completely unnatural. Even when nothing is actually wrong with your incision, bearing down can make an already sore abdomen hurt.

That was why I wanted the actual bowel movement to be as easy as possible.

I was taking Colace, I believe once or twice a day based on what my medical team recommended. I honestly couldn’t tell you whether I felt an obvious difference when I took it. It wasn’t like I took Colace and suddenly needed to run to the bathroom. But a stool softener serves a different purpose than a laxative, and I do think keeping things softer helped make going to the bathroom less intimidating.

If your doctor recommends a stool softener after your C-section, my personal advice would be to keep taking it as directed even when you think you might not need it anymore. You may not be out of the woods quite yet.

What Actually Helped My Postpartum Constipation

I had Colace, Miralax and milk of magnesia available during my recovery, all based on guidance from my medical team.

For me personally, milk of magnesia was the thing that seemed to get things moving the most effectively. Miralax was also something my doctor recommended when I was having trouble, but I personally noticed more of an effect from milk of magnesia.

That doesn’t mean milk of magnesia is the right choice for everyone. Different medications work differently, and your doctor can tell you what is appropriate for you, particularly if you are breastfeeding, taking other medications or have other medical considerations.

Outside of that, I didn’t have some elaborate postpartum constipation routine. I drank coffee every morning, tried to walk when I physically could and otherwise gave my body time.

In retrospect, maybe a Squatty Potty would have helped. But I didn’t use one, I didn’t brace my incision with a pillow, and I wasn’t eating a special high-fiber postpartum diet. Medication recommended by my medical team was the biggest thing I relied on.

The Part That Surprised Me: Constipation Came Back

This is the part of my experience that I think is especially worth talking about.

I started having relatively normal bowel movements again and assumed the constipation portion of postpartum recovery was behind me. Then, a few weeks after my second C-section, I had another bout of constipation.

And I got nervous.

Because I had recently had abdominal surgery, my brain immediately went to: What if something happened to my bowels during surgery?

I ended up calling Labor & Delivery and speaking with the doctor on call. I was still within the early postpartum period and wanted reassurance that what I was experiencing wasn't a sign of a surgical complication.

One of the questions they asked about was whether I was passing gas. I was, which was reassuring in my particular situation. The doctor recommended Miralax again, and thankfully the constipation was temporary.

I’m glad I called, though.

One of the hardest parts about postpartum recovery is figuring out what falls into the category of “my body is recovering” and what falls into the category of “something might actually be wrong.” I would much rather call my medical team and have them tell me they aren’t concerned than sit at home worrying about whether something happened during surgery.

I Continued Using Constipation Medications Off and On for About Six Weeks

After my first C-section, I don’t remember constipation being a significant issue beyond the initial recovery.

After my second, it took longer for my digestive system to feel completely normal. I used constipation medications recommended by my medical team off and on during approximately the first six weeks.

That experience changed how I think about postpartum constipation. It is easy to focus entirely on that first bowel movement after a C-section. Once you have successfully gone to the bathroom a few times, you assume you can stop thinking about it.

My experience was different. Things got better, then worse, then better again as my body recovered. So if I were having another C-section, I wouldn't assume that one normal bowel movement meant everything had completely returned to normal.

Don't Hold It Because You're Scared to Poop

I understand why someone would want to.

Your abdomen hurts. Your incision is healing. You aren't sure how much you're supposed to push. And the thought of doing anything that puts pressure on that area can be scary. But holding a bowel movement because you're afraid to go can make constipation worse.

Instead, I would focus on making the process as easy as possible. Take whatever stool softener or other medication your doctor has recommended as directed. Drink fluids. Move your body as much as your recovery safely allows. And when you feel like you need to go, go.

You are already recovering from enough. There is no prize for making the first postpartum poop harder than it needs to be.

Why Does Constipation Happen After a C-Section?

Constipation can happen after childbirth in general, and a C-section adds several factors that can make bowel movements more difficult.

Your activity is limited after surgery, your eating and drinking routines may have changed, and certain pain medications can contribute to constipation. Your abdominal muscles and incision are also sore, which can make the physical act of having a bowel movement feel uncomfortable or intimidating.

All of that can make it take some time for your bathroom habits to feel normal again. This is also why I wouldn't compare your recovery too closely with someone else's. Even my two C-section recoveries were different.

When Should You Call Your Doctor About Constipation After a C-Section?

There is a difference between uncomfortable postpartum constipation and symptoms that need medical attention.

If you are concerned about how long it has been since you had a bowel movement, your constipation is severe or getting worse, or you have significant abdominal pain, vomiting, a swollen abdomen, fever, an inability to pass gas, blood in your stool or anything else that feels concerning, contact your healthcare provider.

And you don't need to wait until you can prove something is wrong. I called because I was worried. My medical team was able to ask me questions, determine whether they were concerned and tell me what to do next. That reassurance alone was valuable.

What I Would Do Again After a C-Section

If I were preparing for another C-section recovery, constipation is something I would think about before I ever got home from the hospital.

I would ask my medical team what they recommend taking, how often to take it and when they want me to stop. If they recommended a stool softener, I would continue taking it as directed instead of stopping the second my bowel movements seemed normal.

I would also keep whatever doctor-approved constipation medication worked for me at home so I wasn't trying to find something after I was already uncomfortable.

Most importantly, I would remember that recovery isn't necessarily linear. You can feel like one part of your body is back to normal and then have a setback a week later. That doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. But if you're worried, call.

Frequently Asked Questions About Constipation After a C-Section

How long does constipation last after a C-section?

There isn't one timeline that applies to everyone. Some people have a bowel movement within the first few days and quickly return to their normal routine, while constipation can continue or come and go during postpartum recovery for others. In my second C-section recovery, I was still dealing with it occasionally during roughly the first six weeks.

How long after a C-section should you poop?

Your medical team can tell you what they expect based on your specific recovery. In my case, I did not have to have a bowel movement before leaving the hospital, although my care team did want to know that I was passing gas. I had my first bowel movement within a few days of getting home.

Is it safe to push to poop after a C-section?

Having a bowel movement after a C-section can feel uncomfortable because your abdomen and incision are sore. Rather than forcing or straining, talk to your medical team about ways to keep stools soft and easier to pass. If you are having significant pain or are worried about your incision, contact your provider.

Why am I constipated weeks after my C-section?

Postpartum recovery takes time, and bowel habits don't necessarily return to normal immediately or stay normal once they improve. My constipation actually returned a few weeks after my second C-section after I thought the issue had resolved. If constipation persists, returns or worries you, check in with your healthcare provider.

Does passing gas after a C-section matter?

Passing gas can be an encouraging sign that bowel function is returning after abdominal surgery, which is why my hospital team asked me about it. If you cannot pass gas and are experiencing symptoms such as worsening abdominal pain, swelling or vomiting, contact your medical team.

My Biggest Takeaway

If I could give someone recovering from a C-section one piece of advice about constipation, it would be this: set yourself up for success before you desperately need help.

If your doctor recommends a stool softener, take it as directed. Don't assume you're completely in the clear because you've had a few normal bowel movements. Don't hold it because you're afraid it's going to hurt. And don't be embarrassed to call your OB or Labor & Delivery if something doesn't feel right.

Your body just went through major surgery. Make going to the bathroom as easy on it as you possibly can.