How long after a vaginal delivery with tearing can you have a bowel movement?

After a vaginal delivery with tearing, most women can have a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days. The majority of mothers resume bowel movements within 24 to 48 hours postpartum. The exact timing depends on the severity of the tear, diet, and physical activity after delivery. It is important not to suppress the urge to defecate for too long, as this may worsen discomfort. If there is no bowel movement within four days after delivery, or if severe pain or bleeding occurs during defecation, prompt medical attention is recommended.

Following a vaginal tear, the mother's body is in a recovery phase. Intestinal motility temporarily slows due to the stress of childbirth, and pain at the wound site may cause women to subconsciously avoid straining during bowel movements, leading to a slight delay. Typically, intestinal function gradually recovers within 1 to 3 days, and the sensation of needing to defecate returns.

If the tear is mild, adding dietary fiber early in the postpartum diet and engaging in light physical activity can promote faster recovery of intestinal motility, allowing for successful bowel movements within 1 to 2 days. However, if the tear is more severe and requires suturing, or if physical activity is limited and the diet consists mainly of refined foods, bowel movements may be delayed up to 3 days—but usually not beyond 4 days.

After delivery, it is beneficial to consume fiber-rich vegetables such as celery and spinach, along with fruits like apples and bananas, and to drink sufficient warm water daily. When defecating, use a support stool beside the toilet to help maintain proper posture and reduce excessive straining. Afterward, gently clean the area around the wound with warm water.