Pregnancy And Indian Toilets: Are They Safe?

Using an Indian-style toilet while pregnant is considered safe and beneficial for both mother and child. Contrary to popular belief, there are no known adverse effects of using an Indian toilet during pregnancy. In fact, squatting on an Indian toilet can help a pregnant woman build the necessary pressure to eliminate waste completely and can also strengthen the thighs and pelvic area, preparing her for delivery. However, it is important to note that pregnant women who have been advised against it by their doctors, especially in cases of cervical insufficiency or threatened preterm labour, should refrain from using Indian toilets.

Using an Indian toilet while pregnant is safe and has health benefits

Using an Indian-style toilet, which requires squatting, is safe for pregnant women and has several health benefits. There are no known adverse effects of using an Indian toilet during pregnancy, and it can even be beneficial for both the mother and the child. Here are some reasons why using an Indian toilet while pregnant is not only safe but also recommended:

Reduced Chance of Pelvic Prolapse

Squatting on an Indian-style toilet helps reduce the chance of pelvic prolapse. It allows for better elimination of waste by building necessary pressure on the colon.

Improved Hygiene

Squatting avoids any unsanitary contact between the pregnant woman's body and the toilet surface, which is often an issue with sit-down toilets.

Strengthened Muscles and Improved Delivery

Squatting strengthens the thighs, pelvic area, and abdominal muscles, making it ideal for preparing the body for natural labour and delivery. It opens up the birth canal and helps the child descend more easily during childbirth.

Other Benefits

In addition to the above, squatting may also help prevent constipation and haemorrhoids. It can improve posture and spinal alignment, and increase mobility in the hips. Squatting is also a great way to stretch and align the pelvis during pregnancy.

While using an Indian toilet during pregnancy is generally safe, there are a few precautions that should be taken to ensure the comfort and safety of the mother. It is important to ensure that the toilet area is clean and dry, and wearing bathroom footwear with a good grip can prevent slipping. Installing handles on each side of the toilet can aid in balance and prevent falls. Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with an obstetrician or a doctor to ensure that squatting is suitable for your specific needs and conditions.

Squatting reduces the chance of pelvic prolapse

Contrary to popular belief, using an Indian-style toilet while pregnant is not only safe but also beneficial for the mother and child. Squatting on an Indian toilet reduces the chance of pelvic prolapse and helps build necessary pressure on the colon to eliminate waste completely. It also strengthens the woman's thighs and pelvic area, preparing her for delivery.

However, squatting on a Western-style toilet can be dangerous and should be avoided. Squatting requires balance and leg and hip strength, which can be challenging for pregnant women, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

• Ensure the toilet area is clean, dry, and well-lit to avoid accidents.
• Install handles on each side of the toilet to help the mother maintain her balance and prevent falling.
• Keep water or toilet paper within arm's length to avoid unnecessary stretching.
• Consult with an obstetrician about the type of toilet you should be using, especially if you are not used to Indian-style toilets.
• Wear bathroom footwear with a good grip to prevent slipping.
• Avoid straining during bowel movements, as this can cause too much pressure on the colon and pelvic floor, leading to prolapse.

By taking these precautions, pregnant women can safely use Indian-style toilets and benefit from the squatting position.

Squatting helps build pressure on the colon to eliminate waste

Contrary to popular belief, using an Indian-style toilet or squat toilet during pregnancy is not just safe but also beneficial for both mother and child. Squatting on an Indian toilet helps a pregnant woman build the necessary pressure in the colon to eliminate waste completely.

Squatting is a more natural position for defecation, and it has been practised for centuries in Asia and Africa. The act of squatting relaxes the puborectalis muscle, a U-shaped muscle that wraps around the rectum, and straightens out the colon, providing a straighter route for waste to pass through. This position also lowers pressure in the belly, indicating less straining.

X-rays and studies have shown that squatting results in faster, more complete bowel movements with reduced straining. Squatting may also help prevent constipation and haemorrhoids, which are often caused by straining. Additionally, it can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by accelerating defecation and resulting in more complete bowel emptying, reducing exposure to potentially carcinogenic material.

For pregnant women, squatting on an Indian toilet has several benefits. It reduces the chance of pelvic prolapse, strengthens the thighs and pelvic area, and prepares the body for delivery. It is also considered an ideal position during labour as it opens up the birth canal and aids in the natural descent of the child.

However, squatting on an Indian toilet can be challenging for pregnant women due to the added weight and balance issues. Therefore, it is essential to take certain precautions, such as ensuring the toilet area is clean and dry, installing handles for better grip, and wearing bathroom footwear with a good grip to prevent slipping.

Squatting is considered an ideal position during labour

Squatting during labour is a practice that has been observed in countries with low medicalisation of childbirth, such as Nepal, where 38.9% of births took place in a squatting position in 2012. It is also a common position in countries where childbirth occurs in non-medical facilities.

The squatting position is considered ideal by some because it allows gravity to aid the birthing process. This position may also reduce the need for an episiotomy, make pushing easier, and reduce the duration of the second stage of labour. It may also be beneficial for the baby, as it can reduce the number of instances of fetal distress and lower the chance that the baby will need to go to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

However, squatting during labour may not be suitable for everyone. It can be tiresome to maintain the position, and there is an increased risk of hemorrhoids due to strain. Squatting may also make fetal monitoring more difficult and can be challenging for those with knee or ankle pain or injury.

For those who wish to give birth while squatting, it is recommended to practice the position in advance and to seek guidance from a healthcare professional to ensure it is a safe option.

Precautions to take when using an Indian toilet during pregnancy

Using an Indian-style toilet during pregnancy is generally considered safe and beneficial for both mother and child. However, there are some precautions to be taken to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Here are some important guidelines to follow:

Keep the toilet area clean and dry

Ensure that the toilet area is clean and free from any moisture to prevent slipping and falling accidents, which can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Install handles for balance

Install handles or rails on each side of the toilet to help the pregnant woman maintain her balance while squatting. This is especially important as the growing belly can make squatting more challenging.

Have water or toilet paper within reach

Make sure that water or toilet paper is readily available and within arm's length to avoid any unnecessary stretching, which could cause discomfort or instability.

Consult with a doctor

It is important to consult an obstetrician or a doctor to determine the most suitable type of toilet for your specific needs. This is crucial, especially if you are not accustomed to using an Indian-style toilet, to prevent any potential complications.

Ensure proper lighting and ventilation

Keep the bathroom well-lit and adequately ventilated to prevent accidents and create a comfortable environment for the pregnant woman. Good ventilation can also help prevent feelings of claustrophobia or suffocation.

Avoid straining

Avoid straining while passing motion, as it can cause excessive pressure on the colon and pelvic area, leading to potential complications like prolapse or preterm labour.

Maintain a straight back

Try to keep your back straight while squatting. Although this may be initially challenging, it improves balance and helps prevent falls or aches.

Wear appropriate footwear

Wear bathroom footwear with a rugged or tough grip to prevent slipping on the toilet floor.

Do not squat on a Western-style toilet

Squatting on a Western-style toilet, or commode, can be dangerous. Squatting on a higher surface increases the risk of falling and can lead to fatal accidents.

Stay nearby for assistance

It is recommended to have someone within earshot of the pregnant woman while she is using the toilet. This ensures that help is readily available in case of emergencies or if the woman experiences any discomfort, light-headedness, or pain.

Frequently asked questions