There is a common thread that I see time and again with my patients. It begins like this, “why did no one tell me…”

Usually the lack of information from their providers is what’s most shocking to them. Even in a time when information is at our fingertips, it seems to still be challenging to find reliable information regarding postpartum recovery.

So let’s address one of the things that is not talked about enough in postpartum. Gas pains.

I was shocked by how painful gas was after my daughter, even though I was informed and “ready” for the possibility.

Gas or flatulence is a normal bodily function. It is the natural byproduct of the symbiotic relationship between our gut and the bacteria that inhabit it. Gas may become mre prevelant after eating certain foods like cruciform vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc) or legumes. However it should not be painful or uncomfortable.

During postpartum, gas can become painful, typically when it is trapped in the intestines, causing bloating and pressure. There are five main causes of this:

Hormones

The changes in hormones during pregnancy, like increase progesterone and decreased motilin, slows down digestion and typically results in constipation. Constipation can cause a build up of gas. It can takes months after giving birth for your hormones to normalize, especially if you are breastfeeding, prolonging constipation or other changes in digestion.

Perineum or pelvic floor injury

Gas needs to exit through your anal sphincter which is part of your pelvic floor. Any injury to the muscles or tissues of the pelvic floor can result in pain when stretches or aggravated by pressure from within the colon. Guarding or contracting of the pelvic floor muscles to protect from pain may also make it harder for you to expel the gas, which can build up causing more bloating and discomfort.

Organ displacement

During pregnancy your organs move and adjust to less space as baby grows. Once baby is born there is extra space and less support for your organs. With less support your intestines have a harder time moving stool through, which can cause gas to build up. As your body heals and your organs find normalcy of position, gas can get trapped.

Cesarean incision

A cesarean incision sight can be painful already, so when it gets stretched from gas, especially if it is an excessive amount it can be excruciating.

Lifestyle changes

After giving birth you may notice a change in your diet and a reduction in movement. Both of these can slow down or change your digestion, which can impact gas production.

These issues can be compounded on top of each other as well. Consider, how pain medications can increase constipation, but you need them to help cope with a birth injury or cesarean.

Here are 12 steps you can take to reduce postpartum gas pains:

1. Reduce pain medications as soon as you are comfortable.

2. Take stool softeners if you are using pain medication.

3. Move you body as soon as comfortable after eating. This can be as simple as doing pelvic tilts in bed or getting up to walk a short hallway.

4. Use a belly band like the Postpartum Support Bloomers from Baobei to provide external organ support as your abs heal

5. Connect to your pelvic floor and core through breathing - inhale let go tension, exhale gentle lift and hug

6. Eat foods that are easy to digest - think slow cooks, roasted veggies, broths, etc

7. Chew your food until it is mushy and only take sips of water while eating

8. Stay hydrated

9. Hug a pillow for extra support with coughing, sneezing, laughing, farting

10. Use a stool and an exhale to poop

11. Don’t ignore an urge to poop

12. Schedule an appointment with a pelvic PT to assist in organ position, scar care, and muscle function (and some, like me, do home visits as early as days within birth!)

You can also look into an over the counter medication for gas reduction, but discuss this with your provider to make sure it’s safe for you (and baby if breastfeeding).

Postpartum gas should only last a few days, but if you notice it lasting longer, you have pain with pooping or hemorrhoids, consider scheduling with a pelvic PT to assess what may be the root cause for you.

"Please note: This blog post contains affiliated links. This means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. Rest assured, the products or services recommended are based on my genuine belief in their quality and relevance to the topic discussed. Your support through these affiliated links helps me continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!"