Everything On Using Indian Toilet During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is wonderful. But this is also a time when you should be careful and act carefully. One common doubt is about using Indian toilets during pregnancy. For a very long time, Western culture has influenced us Indians. The influence was so deep that we forget the importance of our systems.

Many households prefer western toilets for comfort, but some still opt for Indian style.  So, is it unsafe to sit on an Indian toilet during pregnancy?

Contrary to common belief, using an Indian toilet while pregnant is safe. Actually, it is not only safe but there are many advantages to using Indian toilets during pregnancy too. 

Which Toilet Is Best Indian Or Western During Pregnancy?

Both the Indian toilet, aka squatting toilet, and the Western toilet, aka sitting toilet, are good during pregnancy. Its all about comfort. Those who used to use western toilets may find difficulty using Indian toilets during pregnancy and vice versa.

Some pregnant women who used to use Indian toilets may prefer Western toilets, as squatting can be difficult as the pregnancy advances.

However, Indian toilets are thought to be beneficial during pregnancy.  Regular squatting can help strengthen the abdominal and thigh muscles.

The squatting position is considered to be the natural position for labour and delivery¹. Thus, regular usage of Indian toilets could prepare the body for natural labour. 

Is It Safe To Use Indian Toilet When Pregnant?

Yes. But, if you are not in the habit of using a squat toilet, ask your doctor about using it.

Pregnancy is not a good time to try some activities for the first time. If your doctor says you can try it, go ahead.

Some childbirth experts not only say that it is safe for pregnant women to squat, but also recommend it.

However, in cases of complications like cervical insufficiency or the risk of preterm labour, the doctor may advise against using an Indian toilet during pregnancy. In such a situation one must avoid using Indian toilet during pregnancy. 

Related Reading: Sitting Cross-Legged During Pregnancy – Is It Safe

Safety of using Indian toilet during first trimester

Indian-style toilets are generally safe for most women in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, be cautious for the following reasons:

• During the first trimester, the sudden surge of pregnancy hormones can make women dizzy. Be cautious when using an Indian-style toilet if you feel dizzy. 
• Pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments and joints.  This increases the risk of strain in hips, lower back and knees while squatting.  
• Morning sickness or nausea  could hit women during first trimester. Squatting can worsen these symptoms.

Safety of using Indian toilet during second trimester

Indian toilets are safe during the second trimester as long as they are comfortable or have an uncomplicated pregnancy. But as your pregnancy belly grows, sitting in the Indian toilet may become more uncomfortable going forward. 

However,

• The second trimester is relatively calm phase of the pregnancy. The risk of falling may be lower during this time when compared to the first and third trimesters. Even then, it is important to focus on stability and balance when using an Indian-style toilet. 
• Pregnancy hormones can continue to affect ligaments and joints. So avoid any sudden movements. Sitting and standing up should be done slowly and carefully.

Safety of using Indian toilet during third trimester

Again, comfort level matters. If you do everything slowly and carefully and have an uncomplicated pregnancy, you can safely use Indian toilets during the third trimester. 

However, 

• By now, pregnant women experience joint pain and the discomfort of growing belly. 
• Due to her big belly and pain in her legs, the pregnant woman may not be able to broaden her legs much while sitting in an Indian toilet. 
•  Also, while using  the Indian toilet, they could feel like the belly was squeezed from both ends.

 Are There Benefits Of Using Indian Toilet During Pregnancy?

Sitting in Indian toilets makes you squat. And, squatting is beneficial during pregnancy. The act of using an Indian toilet is like doing squats.

Women using squatting toilets during pregnancy are found to lower the chances of contracting vaginal discharge, UTIs, and constipation compared to those using western-style toilets.

Following are the benefits of using Indian toilets during pregnancy:

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1. Using Indian toilet reduces the risk of pelvic prolapse and urinary incoitance.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition in which female pelvic organs descend through or into the vagina.

Squatting while using Indian-style toilet helps to position the pelvic muscles correctly and thus enhance pelvic floor health².

Thus, using Indian toilets helps reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. Because it strengthens the pelvic muscles, using an Indian closet for a long time can also help prevent urinary incontinence. 

2. It is good for healthy digestive function

Some studies say that those who use Indian toilets have fewer stomach issues compared to those who use Western toilets.

It is easier to get rid of stools with the Indian toilet because it helps build up enough pressure for defecation. Squatting positions make a straighter path for the stool to leave the body. While using an Indian toilet, gravity does most of the work.

This position relaxes and opens the rectal muscles, thereby facilitating complete evacuation without straining much.  Thus, using an Indian toilet during pregnancy can keep the most common issues, like haemorrhoids and  constipation, at bay.

3. Using Indian toilet helps to strengthen important muscles

The way you sit in the Indian toilet increases your blood circulation. This obviously reduces the risk of issues like varicose veins.

Also, when compared to the western toilet,  while using Indian toilets, more muscles get engaged. Indian-style toilets require a squatting position, which engages muscles in the legs, buttocks, and pelvic area³.

This can contribute to strengthening these muscles over time. This is beneficial during pregnancy. 

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What If I Cannot Squat During Pregnancy?

If you cannot squat during pregnancy, never try to use Indian toilets. Convinence and comfort are very important. Irrespective of the benefits of using Indian toilets, it is important to take the body’s signal seriously when it comes to pregnancy.

What Precautions To Take If I Use Indian Style Toilet During Pregnancy?

To reap the benefits of using Indian toilets, it’s important to ensure the safety and comfort of the pregnant woman. 

Following are some precautions to take while using Indian toilets during pregnancy: 

• To reduce the risk of falling, install handles on each side of the bathroom. The pregnant woman should hold it for a better grip.
• Make sure that the toilet area is clean and dry.
• Make sure that water or toilet paper is easily accessible. Keep it within one hand distance. Thus, pregnant women do not have to stretch unnecessarily. 
• In case of pain or persisting discomfort after using Indian toilet, share it with your doctor. 
• There should be enough ventilation and light in the toilet. This will help to prevent accidents.
• Wear bathroom slippers with good grip.
• Always keep the back straight while squatting 
• Never try to squat on a Western-style toilet. It could cause fatal accidents.
• Be vigilant  when a pregnant lady is inside the toilet. So that you can lend a hand when she needs it. 

In conclusion, opting for an Indian toilet during pregnancy can offer several benefits. Its squatting position can help alleviate some common pregnancy discomforts. However, always prioritize the comfort of the mother. 

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