Is it Safe To Use Indian Style Toilet During Pregnancy?

While the news of a new family member makes everyone celebrate, it also calls for attention and careful behaviour. An expecting woman’s eating habits are monitored during pregnancy, childproof accessories are installed, and exercise is mandated. However, a regular function to which people do not give much thoughtfulness is the excretion of human waste. Nowadays, most of us have Western-style bathrooms for comfort, but some prefer Indian style toilets. So, is it harmful to use an Indian toilet during pregnancy? Let’s read on about the fact on medical terms.

Is It Safe to Use an Indian Toilet While Pregnant?

On the reverse of popular thinking, using an Indian or squat toilet during pregnancy is safe and suitable for both mother and child. There are no known adverse effects of using the Indian toilet during pregnancy. However, if your doctor has advised you, avoid using an Indian toilet during pregnancy.

Benefits of Using an Indian-style Toilet During Pregnancy

An Indian style toilet is beneficial to use even by a pregnant woman. Following are the benefits one may derive from an Indian style toilet.

• Squatting reduces the chance of pelvic prolapse.
• When a pregnant woman squats, it helps her build necessary pressure on the colon to eliminate waste.
• It avoids any unsanitary contact between the to-be-mothers body and the toilet surface.
• It strengthens the woman’s thighs and pelvic area and prepares her for the delivery of the baby.
• It is also considered an ideal position in labour time as it opens up the birth canal and helps the child descend naturally.

Precautions to Be Taken While Using an Indian Toilet

Keeping the benefits of Indian style toilets in consideration, one should be careful of the settings and make sure everything caters to the mother’s needs. Here are a few things to consider while using an Indian-style toilet:

• Make sure the toilet area is clean and dry to avoid any unforeseen accidents.

• To maintain balance while squatting, install handles on each side of the bathroom so that she can hold it for a better grip and not fall backwards.

• Ensure water or toilet paper is readily available within arms-length to avoid unnecessary stretching by the mother-to-be.

• It is vital to consult with the doctor if any pain you experience while using an Indian style toilet.

• Ensure that the bathroom is well-lit and ventilated. This will prevent any accident or even suffocation while using the toilet.

• Avoid straining yourself while passing a motion; this can give too much pressure on your colon and pelvic area, leading to preterm labour.

• Keep your back straight while trying to squat (this may be slightly tough in the beginning but will be easier with time). A straight position helps to maintain balance and avoid any falls or aches.

• Wear a pair of bathroom footwear with a rugged grip to prevent slipping on the toilet floor.

• Never try and squat on a Western-style toilet, i.e. on a commode Squatting on a higher surface can cause fatal accidents.

• It is good to stay nearby to the toilet when a pregnant lady is inside. It helps in case of emergencies.

An Indian style or squatting toilet is better for a pregnant woman for various health reasons. However, as beneficial as for a pregnant woman, we must take preventive measures to ensure a safe environment for a woman.

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