Will I Poop During Labor?
Many people have this question but may be afraid to ask! The short answer is, yes, you may poop during labor, however, it is important to understand that this is normal.
Many women have a bowel movement while laboring and/or during the pushing stage. Sometimes people feel embarrassed about the possibility of this happening or mortified if it does in fact happen.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER:
Pooping during labor is NORMAL. It is not a sign that you or your baby have done anything "wrong," in fact, it's quite the opposite!
During labor your body may vomit or you may use the toilet often because it is too busy for that digestion business- it's preparing to birth your baby!
Your care providers are aware that MANY people poo during labor. In fact, the majority of people do! They know this is a normal part of the process so it may possibly feel like more of an “issue” to you than them.
You may not know if you poop! Medical professionals know many people cringe at the thought of pooing in front of others. A doctor, nurse or midwife may wipe your genitals from front to back and quite frankly, you may not know WHAT they're wiping away! It could be urine, some of your mucous plug, amniotic fluid or yes, poop.
As your baby passes through the birth canal during descent, it puts extra pressure against your colon and rectum, which may encourage emptying of the bowels. If baby is descending, YAY!, they are near!
If/when baby arrives via vaginal birth, they are exposed to both beneficial vaginal bacteria and maternal gut bacteria from guess where… poo! The human body is so amazing even our poop has benefits that last a lifetime for our babies! If any poo bacteria are lingering as baby is born, this has INCREDIBLE benefits for your baby!
When your care provider sees poo, they also know you are engaging the correct muscles to move your baby down. If you tense these muscles versus release them out of fear of pooping, your labor may last longer
Limiting the intake of food and water is not evidence based, although some hospitals encourage this. Ultimately whether to eat or drink is your decision! If you do not feel hungry (which is common as you near birth), don’t eat. But if you are hungry and you don’t eat because you are afraid you may pass a bowel movement later, you may be depriving your body and muscles of the very energy they need. Reduced energy intake means you may need assistance in birthing your baby via potential instrumental delivery. Nourish yourself when you feel necessary.
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It is time we remove the stigma surrounding poo and labour! It is a normal part of the process that happens to most people and it's a great indication that baby's arrival is imminent. Most care providers will NOT bring it to your attention if you pass a bowel movement but if you want to be doubly sure they don't, simply mention it to them or have your birth partner do this on your behalf.