What should I do if I experience rectal bleeding after childbirth?

Some women notice blood in their stool after childbirth and mistakenly believe they have developed a disease. What should be done if bleeding occurs during bowel movements postpartum?

What to do if bleeding occurs during bowel movements postpartum

First, hemorrhoids must be ruled out as a cause of postpartum rectal bleeding. If the blood appears bright red, is not mixed with stool, and is accompanied by constipation and difficulty passing stool, hemorrhoids are the most likely cause. Treatment may include topical suppositories and hemorrhoid ointments. Because oral medications taken postpartum may affect breastfeeding, topical treatments are generally safer and preferred. Concurrently, dietary adjustments are essential: avoid raw, cold, hard, spicy, and greasy foods, and establish healthy bowel habits. If no blood is visibly mixed with stool, a colonoscopy should be performed to exclude colonic pathology.

Bleeding during bowel movements after delivery may be the first symptom following childbirth. First, it may result from perineal or anal lacerations caused by excessive straining during vaginal delivery. Second, postpartum constipation may lead to hard stools that cause anal fissures upon defecation, resulting in bleeding. Third, pre-existing internal hemorrhoids may become traumatized and bleed due to straining associated with constipation after childbirth. Additionally, the presence of colorectal polyps cannot be ruled out without further anorectal evaluation; thus, comprehensive proctological examination is necessary for definitive diagnosis.

Women should consume fiber-rich foods after childbirth to enhance gastrointestinal motility and help prevent constipation.