What are some quick tips for passing gas after a cesarean section?
After a cesarean section, passing gas quickly actually indicates the recovery of intestinal function. To achieve this more rapidly, you can try appropriate physical activity, proper diet, massage therapy, rectal medications, and acupuncture treatment. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to consult a doctor in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Appropriate activity: After a cesarean section, getting out of bed and moving around as soon as possible is an effective way to promote intestinal motility and accelerate gas release. Around six hours after surgery, you can try turning over in bed and moving your limbs. Try to walk within 24 hours, but avoid strenuous activity to prevent wound damage. Physical activity helps promote blood circulation and accelerate body recovery.
2. Proper diet: Six hours after cesarean delivery, you may consume some mild, easily digestible liquid foods, such as rice broth, carrot soup, and noodle broth. These foods do not burden the intestines excessively and can stimulate intestinal motility to aid gas release. Avoid greasy, raw, cold, or irritating foods, as well as gas-producing foods like milk and soy milk.
3. Massage therapy: Family members can warm their hands by rubbing them together and then gently massage the abdomen of the postpartum woman in a clockwise direction, taking care to avoid the surgical wound to prevent pulling pain. Massage can help stimulate intestinal motility and accelerate gas release.
4. Rectal lubrication: Under a doctor's guidance, you can use rectal preparations containing glycerin. Lubricating the intestines can stimulate bowel motility and help expel gas near the anal opening. This method is usually used when gas has not been released for a prolonged period after surgery.
5. Acupuncture treatment: By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can regulate qi and blood flow, promote intestinal motility, and accelerate gas release. However, this should be performed only by a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
Postpartum women can choose suitable methods according to their individual circumstances and doctors' recommendations. Meanwhile, maintaining relaxation and emotional stability also helps in the recovery of intestinal function.