Labour N Delivery?

Question

I have heard somew very crazy stories about giving birth, first of all I heard that you can poop, pee or even fart when giving birth, does this really happen?? I just want to knwo so i can brace myself for whats coming lol and also my doc had told me that i MIGHT have to get a c section because my birth canal may be to small..is there nothing I can do about this???
Please help me

Answer 1

Yes, many many women do any or all of those things during labor. The "pushing" of labor is the same as bearing down (what you do to poop) and quite often the baby is not the only thing that gets pushed out of your body! The thought of it is quite embarassing for *us* but every OB, everyone who works in the L&D, has seen it before -- to them, it's "same old, same old." While you're on labor you aren't generally aware that you've pooped, peed, and/or farted, and anyway you're busy enough with contractions and pushing that it's not likely you'll care much, but it can be a....surprise....for any spouses/partners/other-people in the room. They should know that it may happen. And if you or they don't feel comfortable with that then they shouldn't be positioned so that they can see that. (It's one of the numerous things that can make it more challenging to find romance and sex again with your partner after a baby is born; if that person is there during the birth and sees all that stuff it's not usually the easiest thing in the world to return to seeing the "laboring mom" as a sexual being again so fast, KWIM?)

As for the possibility of a cesarean -- if your birth canal isn't large enough to accomodate the size of your baby there's nothing you can do to change that. However, most women are not "too small" so if this concerns you you should speak further with your doctor about why s/he thinks that's an issue, and possibly seek a second opinion. I understand wanting to deliver vaginally and avoid surgery, *but* if you trust your doctor and it is deemed the best course of action for your well being and for your baby's well being, keep in mind that countless women have had c-sections (and many opt to have them, even!) and that it will all be fine in the end. I had a c-section and while I had really wanted a vaginal delivery we were confident that a c-section was the better choice for both me and my babies(twins). In the end all that will matter is that they arrived safe and sound, by whatever route they took to get here.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Hi there...first of all, congratulations. Secondly, unfortunately the horror stories about bodily functions you have heard, are all true. However, the Dr. has more than likely seen it all, and you will be so in tune with bringing that baby into this world that you won't have time to be modest, or even care what is happening. If you choose to get an epidural, you won't feel it or know it's happening either. Also, with an epidural, you'll have a catheter in, so you won't be able to pee all over the Dr....your little one might though!
As for the other question, you cannot change the size of your birth canal, however, contact a doula in your area if you have the chance. There are some ways that you can help lubricate and soften the area to prevent tearing and to help you stretch when the time comes...when it's all said and done you won't care how your little one gets here, just that they're here! Also, I am a very small framed woman, and if I can have a ten pound baby, it's not hopeless. A c-section is always a "might" with any delivery! Good luck!

Answer 3

It is common to poop, pee and fart during labor. As a matter of fact, I think I did all three! If you get an epidural, you are numb and can't really control anything from the waist down. My doctor was checking my cervix and I could feel the pressure down below and the next thing I know....fart. I was embarrassed but I know that there was nothing I could do so I got over it pretty quick. I also peed on the doctor when he told me to try pushing. The nurse was supposed to empty my bladder (via catheter), but she didn't. As far as pooping, when you push, you are pushing like you are trying to poop. You will understand when you start to feel the pressure. Some people say you know you're pushing right if you poop.

It is helpful to let those family member(s) who are going to be in the delivery room know that it is a possibility. A friend of mine had no idea until I told her. She told her husband before she went into labor so he wouldn't be surprised. Well, she pooped and her husband was so grateful for being warned ahead of time.

Good luck and don't worry, it happens to a lot of people. It won't be the first time the nurses and doctors see it and I guarantee it won't be the last!!!

Answer 4

Bowel movements are more common than not. I've actually heard most women poop at least a little, but the doctors never mention it so they don't know if they do. It's due to all the pushing and is totally normal and really, to be expected.

As for the birth canal being too small - if that's the case, there is absolutely nothing you or they can do. I've had 3 C-sections, and while I would have preferred to have experienced a vaginal delivery, it's really not that bad or scary. Congrats!

Answer 5

Poop, pee, farting - all normal and part of birth. I hope no one told you it would be this beautifully serene moment in the garden with one push and a rosy child would appear in your arms. Your doctors and nurses have seen it a million times and it's note a big deal. By the time you get to that moment you won't even care. Regarding your birth canal, don't let your doc tell you the baby is too big. Ultrasounds can be deceiving. I would at least allow myself and my baby to go into labor naturally, progress as naturally as possible and then let things unfold. To be told you need a c section before you've even gone into labor is pretty much sealing your fate on how your birth will go. Remember, our bodies are designed to have babies, we've been doing it for millions of years and sometimes letting things happen naturally really is best despite all our feelings of needing to be technologically/medically involved.

Answer 6

When you're pushing, you use the same muscles to push out a baby as you would to push out a poop, so yeah, it CAN happen. It didn't happen to me with 2 babies, and I've never talked to anyone personally that it happened to, so it's not a real common occurrence.
As far as your birth canal...you doc knows best. But Mother Nature has a way of taking care of things and usually your body can handle your baby, even if you are small. That's not a promise or a guarantee, but I wouldn't worry too much about it!

Answer 7

As everyone else has mentioned, yes it is possible for these things to happen. Don't sweat it, they're used to it.

As for the doctor saying your birth canal may be too small - there are so many doctors that say this and measure every which direction only to be wrong. They don't totally understand the female body and how much stretching it is actually capable of doing. Relax as much as you can and let your body and gravity do the work for you - stay vertical either sitting or standing as much as you can and if you sit, sit on the edge of a chair or the bed to help open your pelvis for the baby to come through. Sit in a tub of warm water while you labor to help you relax. Walk as much as you can. Just don't let them stick you in bed on your back if you can avoid it. This is one of the worst positions for labor that they use here in the US (I'm guessing you're not here by your spelling of labor) because it's easier for the doctor. I actually was sitting on the edge of the bed, semi-reclined on my hands when I delivered our second and boy did it make it easier! If there's any other information or tips I might be able to assist you with, feel free to email me directly. Best of luck - all will be fine!

Answer 8

I have had a lot of people that I know poop while giving birth because that is how you push. They said, though, that in that moment you don't really care and the doctor is used to it so it's not a big deal. I don't know of anything to help your c-section problem. Just as long as you get a healthy baby, you'll be fine! Good luck!

Answer 9

Yes, the peeing and pooping are true. I'm sure your birth canal will stretch, like everyone else's. Maybe your doctor is just saving you the trouble of tearing or an episiotomy. Maybe you should ask more questions at your next visit.

Answer 10

Yes I pooped when giving birth. It was gross and my doc told me it happens all the time. As for the birth canal its just the way you are made.