Questionsorry, I had to write again. :)
I was wondering about this "mini enema". I suppose I could ask my doctor about it when I go on the 9th, but if you get to it first, then thats great, and I will ask my doctor about it anyway.
My question is, is this mini enema like a laxative? or is it the actual injection of water into the anal canal? Because I dont think I could do that myself... I would be scared I would hurt something! I am planning to try to have a VBAC, so I want everything to be as perfect as possible. So another question I have, is will an enema effect a VBAC?
again, thanks so much for your time! I really appreciate it.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
Hi Debbie,
I was wondering about the pros and cons of getting an enema before giving birth. I am planning on having a epidural for pain management, and I am terrified that because of this epidural I will have a bowel movement in the process of giving birth.
I realize the enema is probably not a very comfortable option, but I would prefer not to BM all over the doctor is possible! I have also heard that an enema increases contractions and stimulates labor. is this true also?
Thank you so much for your time.
-Ashley-
-----Answer-----
Hello!
That's a excellent question!
It used to be that everyone got a enema, if it were needed or not!
Your bodies natural preparation for labor often includes some bouts of diarrhea, but not for all.
During pushing, the babys head presses along the lower bowel and will force out any feces.
For some moms the fear of having and BM can actually stop them from pushing with the urge to push! The muscles you use to push are the exact same muscles we use with bowel movement.
If you have been constipated, or the worry of having any feces coming out when you push, talk to your doctor about a mini-enema at home in early labor. That's one you can give yourself.
If your not comfortable with that, talk with them about one at the hospital.
Honestly though, as a Labor and Delivery nurse I can tell you I have never seen a mom have a HUGE bowel movement when pushing. If anything, it is very small amounts that are quickly cleaned away without mom every even knowing.
As for speeding labor, not really. It can create spasms, like those you get with diarrhea, but once the bowel settles down, your labor continues as it was meant to.
I hope that helps. Talk with your doctor about what you can do or what they can help you with to ease your mind.
Write back if I can answer any other questions :)
AnswerHi!
Oh, don't apologize!
A mini enema is like the mini-Fleets enema, half the amount, and yes, it's liquid that is put into the anus and lower bowel. Any enema is liquid.
Most doc's won't recommend laxatives unless there is some problem with severe constipation.
With a mini enema, you can give it to yourself at home. It may also be a option at the hospital that the nurse can help you with.
Talk to them about you concerns.
You can also consider adding fiber, prunes etc to your diet as you get closer to delivery, but only in SMALL amounts. To much and you could end up with severe diarrhea, dehydration, cramps and no labor :)
Castor Oil can do the same thing, give you cramps and diarrhea, dehydrate you and no labor.
Really, that fear of a BM while pushing is very, very, very common but women don't want to talk about it. TALK about it :) :)
You'll feel much more confident about pushing if that fear is addressed :)
