Interventions for preventing postpartum constipation
This paper evaluates the effectiveness and safety of interventions for preventing postpartum constipation
Abstract
Postpartum constipation, with symptoms such as pain or discomfort, straining, and hard stool, is a common condition affecting mothers. Haemorrhoids, pain at the episiotomy site, effects of pregnancy hormones and haematinics used in pregnancy can increase the risk of postpartum constipation. Eating a high-fibre diet and increasing fluid intake is usually encouraged, although laxatives are commonly used in relieving constipation. The effectiveness and safety of available interventions for preventing postpartum constipation needs to be ascertained.
This paper evaluates the effectiveness and safety of interventions for preventing postpartum constipation.
This research is supported by the Department for International Development’s Evidence Building and Synthesis Research Programme which is led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Citation
Eunice B Turawa, Alfred Musekiwa, Anke C Rohwer. Interventions for preventing postpartum constipation. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2015) DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011625.pub2