Did I Hurt My Stitches After a C Section?

Nope, you should be fine. The constipation is from the pain killers. Milk of Mag is the only thing that helped me. The stool softners did nothing for me. I had the same problem and with both my c-sections and Im okay. I had my c-section 3 weeks ago.

I just had my 2nd c-section 5 weeks ago. With my first, I had pretty bad constipation but with the 2nd, it was like I felt like I was dying. Luckily I was still in the hospital when my gas and constipation was at it's worst and the nurses assured me how common (and super painful) it is. Consider it a success that you had your 1st bm. I would continue to take stool softener or benefiber b/c unfortunately you will probably strain with the next one too. Make it as easy as possible on yourself.

Also I called my dr to verify I hadnt torn my stitches too and he told me how hard it is to tear them. In fact I said "how would I know I tore my stitches" and he said "because you would be doubled over crying in excriciating pain. You'll know"

Hope this helps. Good luck!

What you're describing is VERY common (and very awful!). The body heals pretty quick, and I would imagine you're okay...based off the fact that this happens to a lot of women. Go buy some Benefiber and get that going! Or see if your dr has a stool softener that you can take so that you don't have a repeat. Of course, anything can happen. So, just be aware of anything that seems weird. But odds are you'll be okay. Congrats on your new baby!! Hope you heal quickly.

I think you will be fine, but if you won't be able to get it out of your head, go ahead and call the doctor or a nurseline.

One thing no one ever told me about a c-section was how painful coughing and sneezing were going to be. If no one has passed this info on to you as well, press a pillow against your incision before coughing or sneezing. It will keep things from moving around so much. The first sneeze after I came home from the hospital was more painful that labor itself!!

I was also given laxatives to take when I got home with both c-sections.

There is ALWAYS a possibility of complication with major surgery... I had mentioned in your previous question that even SIX YEAR LATER I still had severe abdominal pain when I have to have a bm due to the adhesion that are over my uterus and large intestine from the surgery and the scar tissue. Then there is also the numbness from the scar up to belly button...

I'd call your OB and let them know about the straining.

DH is a nurse, and says the stitches are very strong. You'll be fine. :o)

They should have given you a stool softener to take. If they didn't, go get one. Don't get a laxative though. You want something like Miralax. It helps to make your stools softer, but doesn't make you go like a laxative will. It's very possible that you think you strained harder than you actually did. I would imagine everything is fine. You can call the doctor if you want, but they're probably going to say it's fine. I would think if you ripped your internal stitches, you would have symptoms.

Hi N. -

I think your stitches are fine based on the other posters (especially with medical knowledge!) but I have to tell you that the constipation problem can go on for months and you need to address it. In the short term, the stool softenener is a good idea. After a week or two, you just really need to be conscious of what you consume. Try eating foods with lots of fiber (check labels) and drink plenty of water. If you need more fiber, there are fiber chewables you can buy. I think they are called Fiber Source or something like that. Sorry I can't remember but I am too tired from my LO waking me up!

Hi N. ~
I'm an OB nurse, trust me, it takes alot to do anything to your stitches :) and there are no stitches on your bowel. We always recommend Colace for constipation, you can get it over the counter pretty much anywhere, and generic form is fine. It doesn't make you go, but it pulls more water into the bowel to soften what's there. Also, lots of water and high-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Walking can help to increase the motion inside the bowel that moves everything along, but don't over-do it, maybe just up the street a few houses or so.
The stitches will take a few weeks to dissolve.
D. :)

I had the same problem after my C-section, being constipated. I had to really strain and push and I never tore a stitch. It was quite a while before I had a noremal bowel movement though.

I'm sure you're fine. I was horribly constipated after mine too, especially my second one. I took a stool softener (NOT a laxative) to help ease things along. Good luck to you! If you are still really concerned, a call to your doctor or nurse/midwife would be perfectly reasonable.

When I had both of mine I was told to wait until the laxatives they gave me when I left the hospital kicked in before trying to go #2. You might want to call your OB just in case