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How to Restore Gastrointestinal Function After a Cesarean Section

Mar 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
After a cesarean section, the diet of the postpartum woman should primarily consist of light, nutritious, and easily digestible foods. Initially, liquid foods such as rice broth and lotus root starch can be chosen, followed by a gradual transition to semi-liquid foods like congee and noodles. Ensure the diet contains sufficient protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to meet the nutritional needs for recovery and breastfeeding.

After a cesarean section, mothers can promote gastrointestinal function recovery through dietary adjustments, early mobilization, abdominal massage, medication regulation, and traditional Chinese medicine treatments. If concerns arise, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dietary Adjustments

After a cesarean section, the mother's diet should primarily consist of light, nutritious, and easily digestible foods. Initially, liquid foods such as rice water and lotus root starch can be chosen, gradually transitioning to semi-liquid foods like porridge and noodles. Ensure the diet contains sufficient protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to meet the needs of physical recovery and breastfeeding. At the same time, avoid oily, spicy, raw, or cold foods, which may increase gastrointestinal burden.

2. Early Mobilization

Mother should be encouraged to get out of bed and move early after cesarean section, which helps stimulate intestinal motility, prevent adhesions, and also benefits uterine recovery and lochia discharge. Safety should be emphasized during activity, avoiding strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue.

3. Abdominal Massage

Mother can perform abdominal massage centered around the navel in a clockwise direction, each session lasting 10 to 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily. This can effectively promote intestinal motility, aid gas release and defecation, and relieve discomfort symptoms such as bloating.

4. Medication Regulation

If the mother experiences significant bloating, constipation, or other discomforts, laxative medications such as glycerin suppositories or lactulose concentrated solution may be used under a doctor's guidance to promote gastrointestinal motility and relieve discomfort. Additionally, medications that regulate intestinal flora, such as lactic acid bacteria tablets, Bifidobacterium triple viable powder, and Simo Decoction oral liquid, may be taken to help improve gastrointestinal function.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments

Methods such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure in traditional Chinese medicine can stimulate specific acupoints, promote gastrointestinal motility, and improve gastrointestinal function. However, these should be performed under the guidance of qualified TCM practitioners.

In addition, mothers should maintain a positive and optimistic mindset after cesarean section, avoiding excessive anxiety and depression. During the recovery process, mothers should strictly follow the doctor's instructions and advice, taking medications on time, attending follow-up visits, and undergoing necessary examinations.

References

[1] Shen Yuqiao, Gao Song, Sun Zhiyuan. Clinical study on the effect of Qixing Decoction combined with manual massage in promoting gastrointestinal function recovery after cesarean section [J]. Journal of Aerospace Medicine, 2025, 36(03): 343-345.

[2] Qu Shike, Wan Qin. Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery nursing on postpartum gastrointestinal function recovery and quality of life in cesarean section mothers [J]. Chinese Journal of Health Preservation, 2024, 42(17): 140-143.

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