Do you hate your constipated stomach during pregnancy? Do not worry as this is perfectly normal, and it affects many women. However, the myth about enemas being unsafe for expectant mothers has been around for quite some time, which has led to confusion and misinformation about this topic. In this article, we will debunk these unfounded claims and show how an enema can be safe during pregnancy.
What is an Enema?
Let us first understand what an enema is before delving into its safety. An enema refers to a medical procedure that involves flushing out your bowel through your rectum using water or sometimes other fluids like mineral oil or saline solution via a tube inserted in your anus.
Types of Enemas
There are different types of enemas available that primarily vary based on their components.
- Water-Based - This type uses clean distilled/lukewarm boiled water to cleanse the colon.
- Oil-Based - Mineral oils like olive oil lubricate stool facilitating quick expulsion from the digestive system.
- Medicinal - These use therapeutic agents such as additives that promote elimination osmotic salts/liquids with laxative properties or cathartic solutions.
Among these three types of enemas, medicinal ones would require prior consultation with a physician because special instructions must be given depending on individual needs.
Why are Pregnant Women Constipated?
Before anything else let us dive deep into why pregnant ladies experience difficulties when defecating commonly known as constipation.
- Hormonal Changes - During pregnancy higher levels of hormone progesterone circulate in it ensures foetus growth but leads to relaxation over smooth muscles impairs gastrointestinal motility causing hard stools difficult to pass
- Prenatal Vitamins - Incorporation of prenatal vitamins caused GI tract sluggishness leading to blockages along movement since they lack sufficient fibre contents
- Physical Adjustments - The uterus grows while the baby gets bigger pressing against intestines which leads to obstruction of stool movement
Advantages of Enemas During Pregnancy
Improved Bowel Movement
As previously mentioned, one reason pregnant women experience constipation is due to hormonal changes brought about by increased progesterone levels. An enema can help make your bowel movements more comfortable by allowing water or saline solution into your rectum and colon. This action will soften any blockages, making it easier for you to pass stool without straining.
Lower Risk Levels
Enemas generally carry a low risk level provided that they are done correctly and in moderation. There exists no scientific evidence indicating that an enema increases pregnancy risks when performed under normal conditions.
Safety Precautions to Observe When Using an Enema during Pregnancy
It is essential to observe safety precautions before using an enema during pregnancy as doing so ensures that everything goes smoothly without exposing you or your unborn child to unwanted complications.
Check with Your Physician First
Making sure your doctor approves of the procedure first is crucial because some pregnancies come with additional concerns like high-risk pregnancies where obstetricians do not recommend unnecessary procedures.
Use Only Sterilized Equipment
Buying fully sterilised equipment from reputable stores strictly advised for these procedures avoiding infection via bacteria-laden objects entered inhaled/ contact through skin punctures
Follow Instructions Accurately
Instructions should be followed closely by reading labeling information on kits comprehensively ensuring formulas right proportions
Contraindications
Now since we have affirmed how safe this method could prove useful let's now try confirming those who shouldn't do it at all costs:
1.Presence Of Indicated Health Issues-Avoid if diagnosed having inflammatory bowel syndrome prone diarrhoea /anus/gastrointestinal tract damage causes excessive bleeding perforations lung collapses damage among others.
2.Often Diabetic- Avoids spikes in blood sugar levels, Enemas interact with some medication that the diabetic person might be using.
Post-Enema care
Once you have had an enema during pregnancy here are the best practices to follow:
- Get Comfortable - It is crucial to remain comfortable after having an enema. Therefore you would want a soft surface or cushion-like pillows while sitting or lying down post-procedure especially when wanting emptying contents encountered accidentally
- Eat Fiber-Rich Foods - Eating fiber-rich foodstuffs such as fruits and vegetables ensures smoother bowel movements and strength avoiding further constipation 3.Controller Liquid intakes- Ensure taking healthy fluids in right amounts moderate shakes smoothies certain fruit juices allowed portion preventing feeling nauseous post consumption
Conclusion
It's understandable that diet adjustments suffice for mild cases of constipation in pregnant women; however, any medical intervention presents one feasible solution: safe ways of regulating bowl movement which beyond doubt highlight how safe it is when performed with adequate preparations under doctor’s guidance why strain? Stay happy stay constipation free!