How To Avoid Pooping While Giving Birth
Pooping during childbirth is very common, natural, and honestly—nothing to be ashamed of. But if you’re hoping to reduce the chances of it happening, here are some realistic, healthy, and safe tips to help:
✅ How to Avoid Pooping While Giving Birth (as much as possible)
1. Have a Bowel Movement Early in Labor (or Before)
- If you feel the urge to go during early labor, go ahead—don’t hold it in.
- Some women naturally have looser stools or diarrhea before labor starts, which helps empty the bowels.
2. Eat Light Before and During Labor
- Stick to easily digestible, low-residue foods (like broth, toast, bananas, applesauce).
- Avoid heavy, greasy, or fibrous meals as labor nears.
3. Consider a Gentle Enema (with Doctor Approval)
- Some birthing centers or OBs may offer or allow a pre-labor enema to help clear the rectum.
- This must be discussed in advance, especially if you’re close to delivery—an enema too late may cause cramping or stress.
4. Stay Hydrated and Regular During Pregnancy
- Eat enough fiber and drink plenty of water throughout pregnancy to keep bowel movements regular.
- Exercise can help too. Avoid constipation buildup in the days leading up to labor.
5. Use Gravity in Labor Positions
- Squatting, kneeling, or upright positions can help guide the baby down and may decrease pressure on your rectum compared to lying flat.
- That said, pressure on the rectum is inevitable during pushing.
6. Know That It’s Totally Normal
- The muscles used to push out a baby are the same ones used to poop—it’s reflexive.
- Most labor rooms are cleaned discreetly and quickly; you might not even know it happened.
🧡 Final Truth: It’s Not a Big Deal
- Nurses and midwives see this every day and don’t judge.
- Many women who do poop during birth never even realize it because they’re so focused on delivering the baby.
Want to Avoid It? Focus on These 3 Things:
- Bowel movement before active labor
- Light meals leading up to delivery
- Being kind to yourself if it happens anyway