Childbirth is one of the most amazing things a woman will experience in her life. But it's also pretty bloody terrifying!
Along with the fear of complications and of course, the sheer pain of delivering a baby, many women are also scared about the possibility of pooing during labour.
But how common is it to poop during childbirth? Does every woman poo druing labour? And is there anything you can do to stop it happening?
Well mother-of-four and midwife and author of How To Grow A Baby, Clemmie Hooper, went on BBC Woman's Hour, to lift the lid of this taboo subject. Here's what she had to say...
Do you poop during childbirth?
So straight in with the big question - do all women poop during childbirth?
"No, they don’t actually, but I would say the majority do," Clemmie told Woman's Hour's Jane Garvey.
She went on: "And If you do, so what… there’s much more important things in labour that’s going, and a poo is really not that bigger deal."
While many women fear needing to poo during labour, the mother-of-four explained that as a midwife, hearing that a woman wants to poo during labour is a good sign.
"As midwives we get quite excited by the sounds of a woman saying she needs to do a poo, because it means that the babies on it’s way," she revealed.
And Clemmie was keen to reassure women that if they do poo during labour, their midwife will be on hand to clear it up quickly and discreetly. She told listeners: "We’re quite discreet as midwives at clearing it away – flush it, put it in the bin."
Pooping after childbirth
While the concern pre-birth may be pooing during labour, Woman's Hour host Jane Garvey explained that many women are also terrified of going to the toilet for the first time after childbirth.
Discussing the issue of pooping after childbirth, Clemmie commented: "I think a lot of women really worry about it... You may have had some stitches after you’ve had a baby, if you’ve had a vaginal birth, and so it can be quite terrifying the thought of having to push something out – obviously not of your vagina."
Talking about what to do if you are nervous about doing a poo after you've given birth, Clemmie revealed: "My top tip for that is, try not to worry about it, and when you feel like you need to go, you definitely need to go then."
She added: "Some women find holding a sanitary pad on your perineum as you’re going for a poo can help… and good diet and keep yourself hydrated."
Pooping during childbirth videos
Still got some questions on the subject? Then have a watch of this brilliant pooping during childbirth video by Youtube channel Daily Break TV...
You can read more great tips and advice from Clemmie Hooper on all things childbirth and mother on her blog, Gas & Air
Were you worried about pooing during or after giving birth? Let us know on Facebook orTwitter
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