What no one tells you about going to the toilet after birth
Words by
Clare Bourne, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Updated on
14 Oct 2025
Let’s talk about the stuff no one talks about: weeing, pooing and passing wind after birth.
It might sting. It might feel urgent. It might feel like your body has forgotten how to do the basics.
Here’s what can help, depending on how you gave birth.
If you had a vaginal birth
You might notice:
A stinging or burning feeling when you pee
A sense of urgency or trouble starting a wee
Fear about your first poo (totally common!)
What can help:
Pour warm water over your vulva while you wee, it dilutes urine and soothes stitches.
Don’t rush. Breathe, relax your shoulders, and give your body time.
Keep a stool near the toilet, placing your feet on it helps you get into a better position for pooing.
If you had a C-section
Even without a vaginal delivery, your bladder and bowel can be impacted. Surgery, pain relief and less movement can all slow things down.
You might notice:
Bloating or wind pain
Constipation
Fear of straining near your scar
What can help:
Sip water regularly throughout the day
Include fibre-rich foods (oats, fruit, veg, flaxseeds)
Walk gently, movement helps get things going
Support your scar with a folded towel as needed
Things that are common (but still annoying)
It’s common to notice a few changes in bladder or bowel control after giving birth, such as:
Accidentally passing wind
Leaking wee when you cough, sneeze or lift
Not being able to make it to the toilet before leaking wee
Your pelvic floor is still finding its rhythm. If symptoms don’t settle after a few weeks, check in with a pelvic health physio.
What to watch for
Call your GP or midwife if:
You haven’t pooed for more than three days
You’re need to strainhard to pass a poo
You feel a bulge or pressure in your vagina
Gentle tips to try today
Sit upright on the toilet with feet raised on a stool and elbows on knees (like a squat)
Breathe out slowly like you’re blowing bubbles, it helps avoid straining
Keep a water bottle nearby and sip often
Take your time. No one’s timing your toilet trip.
This is recovery too
It might feel awkward, messy, or frustrating, but how you pee and poo after birth matters.
Looking after these basics now helps protect your pelvic floor and sets you up for smoother healing later.
And remember: you’re not alone. Everyone goes through this part, we just don’t always talk about it.