Stomach pain after childbirth: identify the causes and how to deal with it

There are various body changes that occur after you go through labor. These changes can make certain parts of your body feel sore and uncomfortable. One thing you might feel is pain or pain in the stomach after giving birth.

Maybe a lot of questions cross your mind, for example, what is the cause of abdominal pain or pain after childbirth and how to deal with it? For more details, let's look at the reviews below.

x

What causes abdominal pain after childbirth?

In fact, complaints of postpartum abdominal pain during the puerperium are normal.

Here are some causes of stomach pain after childbirth:

1. The process of uterine contractions

This is because the uterus, skin, abdominal muscles, and blood vessels in the stomach are stretched for nine months, aka when you are pregnant.

After a normal delivery or a cesarean section is complete, the uterus will contract so that it can shrink or return to its original size.

These contractions have also caused the placenta to escape from the uterine wall and eventually exit your body.

After that, the uterus will close the blood vessels where the placenta attaches.

This condition causes you to feel pain or soreness in the stomach after giving birth, especially in the lower abdominal area.

You can feel pain or abdominal pain after childbirth in the lower part, usually on the right or left side.

The appearance of pain or pain in the lower abdomen, for example the right or left side, after childbirth is also known by name afterpains.

Interestingly, stomach cramps are usually less painful for those of you who are giving birth for the first time.

However, it will get even worse after giving birth to the second, third, and so on.

This is because during the first delivery, the uterus or uterus is still in good condition.

Meanwhile, if you have given birth more than once, the stretch of the muscles in the uterus tends to decrease.

2. The incision from a caesarean section

Apart from the process of returning the uterus to its original size, complaints of pain or abdominal cramps after childbirth can also appear after cesarean section.

In fact, you can also experience this discomfort in the stomach due to constipation, which is common after having any surgery on the stomach area, according to Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

In this case, including difficulty defecating after childbirth that you can experience.

Lower abdominal pain after cesarean section is usually caused by an incision or wound around the abdomen.

Complaints of pain in the lower abdomen are especially felt for the first few days after cesarean delivery.

How long does postpartum abdominal pain last?

Generally, contractions that occur in the uterus to return to their original size can take about 6-8 weeks.

However, the length of illness due to the re-size of the uterus after childbirth can vary from woman to woman.

The length of time the pain lasts depends on several factors.

For example, from a previous history of childbirth, the length of time for delivery, to a history of cesarean section.

Stomach pain after childbirth is more pronounced when breastfeeding

The level of postpartum abdominal pain that new mothers usually complain about can vary.

There are mothers who experience pain or stomach cramps in a fairly high level after giving birth, but some are quite mild.

Quoting from the Family Doctor page, this postpartum abdominal pain will usually be more pronounced when you breastfeed your little one.

The reason is, breastfeeding will stimulate the body to release chemicals, namely the hormone oxytocin.

The production of the hormone oxytocin then triggers contractions in the uterus to eventually cause abdominal pain ..

However, you don't need to worry because the pain in your stomach that gets worse during the breastfeeding period is actually a good thing.

As explained earlier, lower abdominal pain after childbirth is the body's attempt to return the uterus to its original size and shape.

So indirectly, the stomach that feels sore after giving birth is actually helping the uterus to shrink in a faster time to its normal size.

Therefore, the blood vessels that release the placenta will close immediately and can reduce the risk of anemia if postpartum hemorrhage occurs.

How to deal with stomach pain after childbirth?

As previously explained, postpartum abdominal pain is normal and will go away on its own over time.

That's why it really doesn't matter if you don't take any medication.

However, if the stomach ache after giving birth is getting more and more bothersome, there are several ways you can deal with it, namely:

1. Give warm compresses to the stomach

Warm compresses to the abdomen can help with pain in the lower abdomen after childbirth.

You can also do this while lying on your stomach and place a compressed pillow on the lower part of your stomach.

2. Massage the stomach

If possible, there is nothing wrong with trying to do gentle massage after childbirth on the abdomen slowly.

This method is expected to help reduce the intensity of pain or abdominal pain in the lower right and left after normal delivery and cesarean section.

3. Routinely urinate and walk

Urinate frequently and don't hold it in. The reason is, a full bladder can inhibit uterine contractions.

In addition, start walking more frequently to relieve abdominal pain after childbirth.

4. Perform breathing and relaxation techniques

If during labor you were taught breathing and relaxation techniques, try to apply these again to reduce postpartum abdominal pain.

5. Take a safe pain reliever

Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help with postpartum abdominal pain.

With a note, use this drug according to doctor's recommendations and prescriptions.

The doctor will provide a drug that is safe for breastfeeding and postpartum mothers according to your health condition.

6. Consume fiber sources

If the complaint of stomach pain or cramps after childbirth is also caused by constipation or constipation, treat it with postpartum foods that are rich in fiber sources.

Sources of fiber that can be selected are vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Do not forget, also drink lots of water to complement the nutrition of breastfeeding mothers or after giving birth.

7. Get enough rest

Apart from some of the methods previously mentioned, try to always meet your rest time.

After giving birth, whether normal or cesarean, you are advised to avoid too much pressure on the stomach to prevent the pain in the stomach from getting worse.

Take for example, try not to lift heavy objects at first.

However, it is okay to keep your baby in your arms at this time.

Just don't push yourself if your pain starts to bother you. Hold your little one related to your partner or family at home.

When to see a doctor

You are advised to see a doctor immediately if you experience the following:

• There is redness around the caesarean section scar
• Fever
• Large amounts of vaginal bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain that gets worse after childbirth

If the complaints of abdominal pain after childbirth do not go away or the pain is getting more and more than normal, you should further consult with your doctor.

This condition may lead to infection or other health problems that require medical attention.