Enema During Labor

I did not have an enema before either of my deliveries. I found both times that my body did it natually-diarehha a day or 2 before labor started. I have read that the body takes care of itself.

You definitely won't care in labor and delivery, and you shouldn't either! Try to keep in mind that the professionals see this all the time and it's really part of the whole experience. You don't want this fear to interfere with concentrating on your body and pushing.

Having said that, I think enemas can also help with nausea during labor. (i think?) I thought I heard that and we had one ready in case we needed it, but I don't remember if that's what enemas might be good for.

If it does happen, you probably won't even notice it, and most likely the professionals will take care of it in a matter of a second, and that's that.

Good luck! It will be a great experience.

I can relate to your anxiety. I had it too before I gave birth to my amazing daughter. Believe me, though, during labor you will be way too focused on other things to be the slightest bit concerned, as will other people around you. To this day, I don't even know if any BM came out, because if it did no one except the nurse who would have quickly cleaned it up even noticed, including my partner, who was right there with me through the whole wondrous event.

Have a great labor and don't worry about this ahead of time, as you definitely won't at the big moment.

I've had 6 children and had enemas with the first 3. With my first two (now 17 &18) it was SOP and I hated it! With my third it was an option and they thought it would get my labor going...it didn't work. I can say that I saw no benefit to it. Your body, usually on it's own, will probably "clean itself out" within the couple of days before you go into labor. I've never had a bm during delivery except with my second, after the enema! Don't let them talk you into something you don't want or need. It's very uncomfortable to go through that during labor. These are my experiences, others may differ. Also, if you are worried about it, you can do what my friend did and give yourself an enema before you go to the hospital, providing you have enough time. Good luck! Hope this helps.

First congratulations. Second, being a first time mom, I remember thinking how awful and embarrassing it would be to have a bm during labor, and it was my doula said about the topic that alleviated my concerns, she said that basically during the labor process the body clears mostly clears itself and if during active labor, a little bm comes out, then the nurse, just scoops it away, and no one will even notice. Looking back, I have to admit that everything I had been worring about happing or not happening during my labor went out the window and that during my labor the potential consequences of an ill timed bm never entered my mind. I was so focused (as was everyone else around me) on bringing the wonderful new life into the world nothing else really mattered to me. Don't worry, and take care.

I was lucky I didn't need to have an enema. I kept having BM the day I had my daughter. That was my big concern, but like what my lamaze teacher said, your body has it's own way of cleansing (for the most part) itself. Relax and enjoy the birth of your child! You'll be great! :)

I was not too happy when I heard that poopin' is a normal thing during childbirth either. But let me say this. The nurses and doctors are so accustomed to this that they set up some little contraption that you really aren't even aware of and you are so focussed pushing to get the baby out that the poopin' part never really is an issue, even though it was a TOTAL issue before going into labor. The labor and delivery rooms are so equipped with every imagineable feature, not only for the safety of everyone, but also the comfort that there is no smell (poop isn't the only fowl smelling thing during labor)it is just very sanitized smelling. Don't worry, just push hard. The folks at the hospital are experts at handling this issue. I'm not sure if I pooped or not during labor, they just don't even address the issue at all. I asked my husband who was right there watching the whole thing and he said he did not know either. Good luck.

I had the same anxiety and it kept me awake at night. I am the biggest prude and all I could think about was being naked in bright lights in front of people (even my husband) and having THAT happen. My doctor insisted that I wouldn't care at the time, but I didn't believe her. The truth is that you can't prevent it (don't bother with the enema) but it definitely is not as horrifying as you think. Your body takes care of these things for you. For example, you won't be eating huge meals right before you deliver (you won't want to) and as freaked as you are about it now, you will be surprised at how little it matters to you at the time because your brain is so focused on delivering that baby. Most importantly, everything is messy down there with the blood and other fluids, there won't be very much if it does happen, and while you are pushing the nurse is constantly whisking away the soiled pads. Believe me, it will be ok. You will not be humiliated, and afterwards you might even chuckle about being so upset and worried over it. Good luck with your delivery!

At the time of delivery, if you poop or not, you likely won't care. Remember the medical community sees it ALL the time! Once upon a time they used to make everyone have an enema before labor, but they don't anymore.

I have 3 children and one on the way. With my first two, I was so concerned about pooping and told the medical staff - "I have to poop" repeatedly, and they calmly said, "No, it's just the pressure of the baby on your bowels". I never pooped with the first two deliveries. On the third one, I squatted to deliver, and I felt that same pressure and recalled all the times they told me it was the pressure of the baby I was feeling. So, I just focused on pushing the baby out. And...a poop did come out. EEK...Embarassing as it SHOULD have been, I really didn't care because with the next push out came my youngest son! So, don't fret - they know what to do and keep everything sanitary - despite our own embarassments.

You'll be fine, and far more concerned about your baby than anything (or anyone) else!

As everyone else has posted, don't worry about BMs during labor! You won't have the energy or time to think about it when pushing your baby out and so many women do it, that it is totally normal. I think I had BMs both times, but never really knew it, because they were ready to catch it and toss it away right away. My husband told me about it later. I think it would be an additional hassle to take an enema and then have to deal with pooping or diarrhea before going into labor. Just relax and focus on that new little baby and getting him/her out safely! Good luck! I just had my second one three weeks ago.

I'm sure you've been told not to worry about it, so I won't say that. What I will say is having gone through labor two months ago, I do not think you would even know IF you had a BM during labor. While I did not have one myself, I know many women who have and it's completely normal. --It makes sense that it would happen when you think of it. --The doctor and nurses will not care if it happens and truly when it comes down to it I doubt you would either, you're going to be concentrating on many other things at that moment. Oh, and from what I understand from my mother, enema's are no fun. Congratulations and best wishes!