Hi Guys,

I have a question for you... mainly for recent 2nd timers or more.

I had an op 3 years ago which prevents me absorbing fat (amoung other things). Fat goes straight through me, making what comes out the other end generally runny, EXCEPTIONALLY smelly and noisy.

When it comes to the enivitable labour bit, these days can you request an enema? That would be preferable for the poor midwife dealing with me I'm sure!! I know they are used to normal BMs while women are in labour, but mine are quite out of this world and I am not exagerating It's highly embarassing if I have to go in a public loo (generally I head to a disabled loo if I have no choice). I can't hold it in like others can.

If not, what can I do to make sure I don't do what I am dreading? Can I include something in my birth plan to cover this?

Sorry I know this is way too much info but I had to ask because weirdly it's the bit of labour which appeals to me the least! The pain doen't worry me too much because if it gets too much then bring on the epidural, but this bit is mortifying and highly embarassing!!

I'm sure that if you talk it thorugh with your MW and make it claer in your notes that you have bowel issues that something could be arranged.

No it isn't normal for Mothers to be given enemas now, but not everyone poo's, some women have a good old clear out for a couple days before labour kicks in good and proper.

I'm guessing as you have an added complication in that err area then they may do it for your own peace of mnd - however you may have to keep asking when you get to hospital as the staff wouldnt be aware of the need until they bother looking at your notes.

I was freakin gout about this yesterday. I want to have a water birth and I was looking at birthing pools and I saw they come with sieves
Is there any thing you can do the days before labour that will make you less likely to need to go when in labour? I want my OH there but would die if it happened to me! I know its not a major thing and pushing a baby into the world is amazing but would hate the embarresment

I thought that I'd be embarrassed about various things too. I am a very private person and the thought of having someone sat at the end of the bed with my legs akimbo and my hoo hoo hanging out for all to see, horrified me. However, with each labour I found that I couldn't have cared if a brass band paraded around that end. Without sounding a bit daft, it just doesn't seem to matter at the time.

I'm sure that if you make very clear in your birthplan AND notes, you wont have a problem. Having a copy of the birthplan to hand to your MW as you get settled in with reference to them looking at your notes immediately should help too. Good luck!

when I was in early stages of labour with my son I had the runs so cleared me out, so I didn't poo when I gave birth...like the other say, mention about your bowel problemsxxx

do mention it if it worried you so much but i can honestly say you wont careless when in labour and the midwifes are so discreet about it.


i can recall asking if i had done a No2 and she said no but i knew i had lol but i couldnt careless once i had my baby in my arms they see it everyday

I know its a really silly thing to worry about. Im just going to concentrate on growing a healthy baby and having a happy birth.

Talk to your midwife. Chances are your body will clean itself out in early labor, or before you get to the pushing phase. I had LBM from early labor right through transition with several of my babies.

is it really that bad or do you not notice/care when it may happen?

i am really really hoping i dont shat myself, i really worry about it, but like you say midwifes see it all the time, i would write it in your notes and definately have a word with your MW about it, she may be able to offer some advice about it