My best friend just had her baby. She came home from the hospital yesterday, and...?

Question

I was going to watch her son so that she could rest (she's a single mom). She came downstairs, though, and she looked really pale. I told her to lie on the couch, got her a diet coke, and sat there and talked to her for about twenty minutes. She said that she was feeling really dizzy.

Well, she defecated on herself. When I called her doctor, her OB acted like nothing was wrong...

Is this something that can happen postpartum? This didn't happen with my first, but my aunt said that it happened with both of hers.

I know it's gross, but if anyone has had this happen, or has known someone who has, your answers would be appreciated, as my friend is over here freaking out (she thinks that she's the only one, and she's having wicked-bad panic attacks).

Seriously answers only, please. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Inability to control bowel movements is not uncommon after giving birth, and the same goes for urinary incontinence.

However, the dizziness concerns me. Was she running a fever or experiencing any severe pain? Has she had any nausea or vomitting? Any of these could be signs of an infection. Did you let her OB know that she had a dizzy spell before she had a bowel movement? If not, you might want to call them and let them know. They may want to see her.

Her body has been through an enormous task recently, and she also lost some blood I'm sure. She may just be weak from her delivery, but I would call just in case.

Answer 2

I was an enrolled nurse in a matenity ward for over 12 months.I can honestly say I haven't seen this happen,though that certainly doesn't mean it doesn't happen.It does sound odd though as most women experience the opposite after childbirth, and are reluctant to push to open the bowels as it is painful the first time,especially if you have stitches etc.
it is possible she was given an enema prior to the delivery to get rid of content before the delivery,also sometimes this is done at the beginning of an induction if the bubs head is still high and maybe there is just some "loose bowel matter' still there and with all the streched muscles from pushing out a baby,she may have leaked this .
Still, it's 24 hours since the delivery,seems a while to hang on to loose bowels LOL,so I would definately get her to call into a doctor even if it is not her usual one.Also most maternity ward nurses are only too happy to be helpful if you ring them and ask thier advice(they are probably more aware of any problem in this regard than the docs!) Just ring the hospital,ask to be put through to materninty and ask away.

Answer 3

Hi there. Exhaustion could cause this maybe.

Was she conscious when she done this?

She could of has a seizure. Maybe Epileptic.

You said that she looked pale which means that maybe her blood pressure could of been low. This could bring on a seizure.

There are many forms of epilepsy some are isolated cases. People do defecate themselves during a seizure.

I think for your friends sake she should get this looked into. Just to be sure.

I wish your friend all the luck in the world.

Answer 4

Send them to the house. When the family is coming home from the hospital it is quite a pain to transport a ton of flowers and balloons in addition to a brand new baby!

Answer 5

Look first of all i'll tell u about my sis's situation, she blessed by a healthy and beautiful baby girl on 15 jan 2007, and she is also bcome very pale and week being her sister and good friend i all the time just worried about her...but my mom all the time says she is perfect and getting heal up...and after delivery its normal,
(even her doc says that...)

my mom also giving my sis quite nurishing diet (include soups, milk with eggs, meat fried in olive oil,lots of others)....

so all its means that ur friend is also fine just like my sis....just give her health diet and do regular checkup and she will be flowrish soon...and being a good friend take care of her..(as u r doing)
wish u good luck...

Answer 6

This has never happened to me, but it doesn't sound that strange. Her body is working hard to get back to normal. I would say damn the phone call and go to the doctors in person. It's better to seek help and ask than to die from some type of infection or something.

Answer 7

I have panic attacks here are some of the symptoms of panic attacks:
* Rapid heart beat, pounding heart or palpitations
* Sweating
* Shaking visibly or inside
* Choking sensations or lump in throat
* Smothering or shortness of breath sensations
* Chest pain or discomfort
* Nausea, bloating, indigestion or abdominal discomfort
* Dizziness or unsteadiness
* Feeling light-headed
* Derealisation (feeling unreal or dreamy)
* Depersonalisation (feeling outside yourself or like you don't exist)
* Fear of losing control or going crazy
* Paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations) in face, extremities or body
* Chills or hot flushes
* Skin losing colour
* Blushing or skin blotches
* Urgently needing to urinate or defecate

I would call her dr, she is not going crazy. Make sure she knows that.

Answer 8

Seriously, she needs to go back to her ob and find out if there is anything wrong. You're a good friend to be so concerned. Make her go to the doctor. You just might save her life.

Answer 9

I'm pregnant with my 5th child and I've never heard nothing like this. Please take her to her OB/GYN or an ER ASAP! This could be more serious than we know. Only a Dr. can diagnose this.

Answer 10

I never had that happen to me, and I have 2 kids, I would take her to see her OB just in case.