Has anyone else researched into the proper way to poop during pregnancy?

1mae2016

So, what exactly is the proper way to poop? To push, or not push. That is the extent of my question. It's not so much for the consistancy or amount of times that a bowel movement is achieved, but more of the proper way to go about this accomplishment. I've always heard that pushing even a little bit during the bathroom visit is dangerous. Does anyone know the truth?!

lalala2004

I don't see how it could be a problem this early on, but maybe nearing your due date? I haven't heard or read anything about this....

saladflambe

I have never ever heard that pushing during a bathroom trip is dangerous.

That said, I find it helpful to prop my feet up on a stool or the bathtub (or a squatty potty).

Bltbear82

I've always heard pushing is fine, straining is not.

1mae2016

Perhaps I didn't think about the difference between pushing and straining, that makes a lot more sense.

nerdymama15

First reaction:  Did I really just read what I think I did.
Goes back and reads again.   Nearly spews water.
Clicks on it and reads thread.
Ohhhhhh okay...... hmmmmm Never thought about that before, but that's a good question.

I'm having one of those days where things I read aren't really clicking in my head.

gooberdoofus95

I would guess that straining is not ok. If you have to strain then it's probably not ready to come out! You are not exactly supposed to stain period even when you are not pregnant. That being said the Correct way to poop for anyone (yes I read an article about 2 months on this so there is proof out there) is to prop your legs up on a stool, this helps line the colon up with the rest of your body for a straight shot. When your feet are down on the floor it pinches off some of the colon therefore you don't get everything out at once. Hope this helps!

Sharra13

Makes me think the Squatty Potty commercial, lol. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbYWhdLO43Q

Unicorn522

Definitely don't strain. Hemorrhoids are no joke!

Bluejay3030

Unicorn522 said:

Definitely don't strain. Hemorrhoids are no joke!

I assume this is what OP is getting at. Hemorrhoids can be caused by straining. Very common during pregnancy and not fun at all.

1mae2016

@Sharra13 that made my day. )

beff12

Hemorrhoids are even more of a danger after LO is born. Ugh the horror of the first PP poop (

dshannah

Hemorrhoids are always a danger. As are anal fissures (as fun as they sound!) and peritoneum tears.

Drink lots of water and eat lots of fiber so you do not have to push or strain at all!!!

yogahh

Push. It will be practice for child birth...

lisaren

What the actual F.

lionstigersbears

The "danger" is hemorrhoids, pregnant or not. You're more vulnerable now so eat your fiber. I'm pretty sure however you've been defecating for the past few decades should suffice for the next 9 months.

lisaren

lionstigersbears said:

The "danger" is hemorrhoids, pregnant or not. You're more vulnerable now so eat your fiber. I'm pretty sure however you've been defecating for the past few decades should suffice for the next 9 months.

Word

araecasey

Pregnant pooping, nothing to worry about, just do whatever you've been doing. Postpartum pooping is where you need to be intentional. Get ye a squatty potty or some variation, eat your colace, and remember your labor relaxation and breathing techniques. Don't be a hero and try to skip the colace. 

vinerie

I am blessed with the most regular BM schedule EVAH! I'm in and out--30 seconds tops. 

I eat a lot of fiber. 

Also, this is also the second time I've posted about poop today. I am hoping to set a record and go for three!!! 

indulgentgypsy

****** dirty lurker ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆



Pregnancy gas.... that's all I can say. Watch out.

Charismatic69

****lurker****
I must say that I've NEVER heard that pushing during a bathroom trip is dangerous.
That being said here are a few simple instructions on how to poop..

1. Sit on toilet
2. Push your poop out... Ta da no danger there!!!

Pascal86

Aaaaaahhhhh so upset I read this thread but also probably grateful. I am usually a pro at pooping and now I'm SO constipated, I have been working hard to make things happen. Did not think at all about all the terrible things I could do to my butt. Starting a fiber regiment immediately!!!

nerdymama15

Someone mentioned the Squatty Potty earlier........ My  husband shared this squatty potty commercial with me on FB yesterday.  It made me think back to this thread.  Warning:  the commerical is a cross between hysterical, corny, and kinda gross in a funny way......  It features a guy with a British accent and a unicorn that poops icecream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbYWhdLO43Q

Nishaat2016

Ahhh I'm jealous of all your poo stories never mind pushing I've got Nothing! Need prunes or dried apricots to get me moving.

laurenmdrn16

Ok, this is going to be SUPER TMI. Those who do not have a cast iron stomach may want to stop here...

Alrighty then: So, I did not take the colace my last go around and it was a HUGE mistake! I thought I could power through, but it was not a good plan. I ended up with intense hemorrhoids that plague me to this day. So, the other night, I had a particularly difficult bought of constipation and ended up bursting a hemorrhoid. Yes, it burst. It was a scene straight from a horror movie. I have literally never seen that much blood in my life. I was sure I had busted an organ or, worse, was having a MC, until I realized the source of the bleeding. Of course, MH came in the bathroom as I was cleaning up and he practically fainted. I looked like I had committed a murder...and I suppose in a way I did...I murdered any chance of future intimacy with MH! I have actually had anal fissures before (again, thanks to constipation and straining postpartum) and right now I feel like I have a major one in my bum. The pain is just...I pray that none of you ever have to feel this. My poor OB is in for quite a surprise at my appointment today!  

Moral of this gruesome tale: TAKE THE MOTHER-LOVING COLACE!!!!! Stay hydrated, eat a fiber rich diet, and stay active. And do not...I repeat DO NOT...act the hero and "push" through. 

kbrands7

laurenmdrn16 said:

Ok, this is going to be SUPER TMI. Those who do not have a cast iron stomach may want to stop here...

Alrighty then: So, I did not take the colace my last go around and it was a HUGE mistake! I thought I could power through, but it was not a good plan. I ended up with intense hemorrhoids that plague me to this day. So, the other night, I had a particularly difficult bought of constipation and ended up bursting a hemorrhoid. Yes, it burst. It was a scene straight from a horror movie. I have literally never seen that much blood in my life. I was sure I had busted an organ or, worse, was having a MC, until I realized the source of the bleeding. Of course, MH came in the bathroom as I was cleaning up and he practically fainted. I looked like I had committed a murder...and I suppose in a way I did...I murdered any chance of future intimacy with MH! I have actually had anal fissures before (again, thanks to constipation and straining postpartum) and right now I feel like I have a major one in my bum. The pain is just...I pray that none of you ever have to feel this. My poor OB is in for quite a surprise at my appointment today!  

Moral of this gruesome tale: TAKE THE MOTHER-LOVING COLACE!!!!! Stay hydrated, eat a fiber rich diet, and stay active. And do not...I repeat DO NOT...act the hero and "push" through. 

Yikes! I hope you heal quickly! I did the same thing in trying to not take the colace after DS...TMI here too!  DH jokes that my butt is an outie now because even though they don't hurt anymore, the swelling never completely went away.

Take the colace. I'll definitely take it this time around.

Bltbear82

You poor thing @laurenmdrn16. I feel like you need a hug. And maybe an ice pack?

Also if anyone is struggling to get enough fiber try gnu bars. I ate them religiously last time but haven't been as good about remembering this time. That or a massive kale salad.