is exerting pressure on the whole area as you're actively pushing down to push your baby out. So if there's anything in your bowels the chances are that it'll be pushed out too. In fact, lots of women say that when they need to push during labour it feels just

when you know that you won't rip any stitches when you open your bowels - which you won't - it may feel to you as though this may happen and this can be quite disconcerting. Try supporting the vaginal area with a clean sanitary pad and pressing gently

to put an end to the loose bowel movements like Imodium. Treatments designed to rehydrate your system are usually fine (check with your doctor or chemist for specific brands). It's important that you keep drinking plenty of fluids to replace the fluids

care. Mothers meanwhile, can experience problems such as scarring, haemorrhaging, deep vein thrombosis and damage to the bowel, bladder, uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. Figures from the NHS present c-section as three times more likely to result in a

) designed to strengthen the muscles for you. If you are worried about your stress incontinence then do go and speak to your GP about it. Bowel problemsIt's not at all unusual to suffer with discomfort around the anus following birth, because the area has

, pulses, bran) and do regular gentle exercise to avoid constipation. Applying an ice pack can soothe pain, and you should wash your bottom after each bowel movement to keep the area clean. To relieve the pressure on your abdomen, meanwhile, try to lie

system. Symptoms include going more than four days between bowel movements, hard faeces that are difficult to pass and a feeling that not all the faeces are being passed. Taking iron tablets can also cause problems (talk to your doctor about switching

regular bowel movementsShowing an interest in other people's use of the toiletAn older child may also actually ask to use the potty or ask to wear normal underwear.When NOT to potty trainIt's easier to say when it isn't the right time to start potty

as similar to prune juiceBowel / urinary pain - a woman may experience discomfrot or pain when passing urine or stoolsDizziness / fainting - an ectopic pregnancy may be accompanied by a falling blood pressure, light-headedness and feeling faint. In some cases

vegetable stock to give a fairly thick consistency. Heat through and serve with a dollop of low-fat crème fraiche.5 Figs The most fibrous fruit or veg you can buy, figs not only keep your bowel moving but they also contain more potassium (which can help