Pain after delivery is common but unpleasant. The pushing and contortions of labor will make you feel washed out, tired, and achy. It could be severe and as intense as your labor pain. The soreness in the body you experience may be for days or weeks after childbirth. Your ribs, abdomen, back, vagina, pelvis, and breasts could hurt like you have lost a boxing match.
Crampy Contractions
The uterus will contract after childbirth. The afterpains caused due to postpartum contractions could really trouble you. Involution or contraction of the uterus happens immediately after the delivery and continues to do so for a period of six weeks till it restores its original shape. If you breastfeed the baby, your body triggers the release of hormone Oxytocin which helps in the contraction of your uterus.
If you have abdominal aches and flutters which are similar to menstrual cramps that grow more pronounced while breastfeeding and if you feel the sensations painful, talk to your doctor. Your doctor might prescribe OTC painkillers. But just hang in there, this cramping isn’t going to last longer than a week.
Frequent urination to clear the urinary bladder is important to prevent uterine contractions.
Strained Muscles
Imagine pushing out your little one through your nether regions, and now imagine the strain you have gone through while pushing the baby out. Your abdomen and pelvic area go through unimaginable strain during labor and delivery. These strained muscles need a lot of time recover. The pain can be reduced with painkillers and a lot of rest.
Episiotomy
If you have had a surgical cut in the muscular area between the vagina and the anus during delivery – episiotomy – or if you had experienced a tear during birth, the stitches given in the perineum area will take some time to heal. This pain may be there for a while and it might increase when you walk or sit for a long time. You may also feel the pain when you sneeze or cough till it heals.
Tender And Sore Breasts
The soreness in the breasts is another pain you have to deal with after birth. The milk engorgement and the clogged ducts could make it worse, especially when you feed the baby. Sore nipples can be discomforting.
Constipation
When you hit the toilet for the first time after childbirth, it will be one big experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. The first postpartum bowel movement may be a few days after delivery, it can be very painful. The healing stitches, sensitive hemorrhoids, sore pelvic muscles could make things hurt after childbirth. Drinking a lot of fluids and having a diet rich in fiber ease constipation. Also, many women suffer from swollen anal tissues (hemorrhoids) due to the strain during labor.
Back Pain
One of the most common pain after delivery. Giving birth does take a toll down on you. Swelling and stinging are normal, but the recovery is fairly rapid. Back pain due to the uterus expansion during pregnancy, incorrect posture during nursing can get aggravated. This pain is normal for a few months after delivery and can be avoided if you follow the right posture, do mild exercises after consulting your doctor, and take good care of yourself. Try to focus on bending from your knees while you lift your baby, and use a footrest to elevate your feet while feeding or sitting.
Infections
Infections arising out of C-section surgery, catheters, or obstetrical tools could cause pain in your pelvic region. Antibiotics are given to treat infections. If your pain persists for long you need medical attention to avoid any complications.
Lochia Or Vaginal Discharge
Initially, the discharge will be heavier than the normal period which often contains clots. The vaginal discharge gradually fades and stops after a few weeks.
Night Sweats
The body after delivery gets adjusted to the new hormones and new life, it can wreak havoc on your internal thermostat. NIght sweats are the result. Try covering your pillow with an absorbent towel and drink plenty of fluids to help compensate the water you lose through sweat.
