Why Do I Have Abdominal Pain After I Had My Baby?

After birth a mother experiences many new aches and pains, especially in the abdomen. Most of these pains are a normal part of the healing process but it is important for new moms to closely monitor the pain to be sure they do not have an infection.

  1. Vaginal Birth

    • After a vaginal birth, the abdomen is often sore from the work of pushing during labor. The abdominal muscle pain will subside after about a week.

    Cesarean Birth

    • A cesarean birth requires that the abdomen be sliced completely open, which is extremely painful. Abdominal pain can last as long as six weeks, and the abdomen may not feel completely normal for as long as six months.

    Breastfeeding

    • When a mother nurses her baby, she may notice severe abdominal pain. During nursing, the uterus contracts just as it did during labor. Nursing helps the uterus shrink back to its normal size, but it can be quite painful.

    Pain Relief

    • Mild pain relievers will help most of the discomforts after birth; however, a doctor will prescribe a stronger medication if a new mother feels she needs one.

    Warning Signs

    • Abdominal pain is normal after birth but some pain points to a serious issue. If a woman has vaginal discharge with a strong odor or her cesarean scar is oozing or giving off an unpleasant smell, she must see her doctor to be sure everything is healing properly.

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