Having a baby often causes a woman to lose control of her bodily functions. Fecal incontinence, or inability to control bowel movements and gas, may be common during and after, but that does not make it any less embarrassing.

Causes of Fecal Incontinence After Pregnancy
Many of the same muscles used to control bowel movements and gas are tapped into during a vaginal birth. The pressure and strain of pushing a baby out of the womb can leaves the muscles used sore, stretched and bruised. While these muscles are healing, fecal incontinence and gas is common.

Episiotomies (an incision made in the perenium to assist with giving birth) can also attribute to a lack of bowel control. While the incision heals, you may have to deal with a bit of embarrassment.

Important Facts About Fecal Incontinence After Pregnancy
Within a few short months after giving birth, fecal incontinence should pass. Because the anus is used every day to expel waste, healing can take longer than many moms expect. If fecal incontinence lasts for more than a few months, medical attention may be required.

Treatment for Fecal Incontinence After Pregnancy
Foods that are hard to digest and food that is spicy or fried, can cause diarrhea and loose stools which compound the problems associated with fecal incontinence. Eating a diet of foods that are easy to digest is a step in the right direction. Kegel exercises, the same ones you used to prepare the vagina for delivery, can also be used to strengthen the anus. Simply tighten the muscles surrounding the anus, hold for 10 seconds and release – repeat.