As a new mom, you are surely overjoyed to finally hold your baby in your arms. In the first few days after birth, your body needs a lot of rest to recover from the rigors of childbirth. However, many women struggle with afterpains.
Your uterus contracts to regress, which is associated with pain for most women. We summarize how to recognize afterpains during the postpartum period, when they are particularly strong, and how you can relieve them.
What are afterpains?
Immediately after the birth of your baby, the so-called afterpains begin. They start after the birth has been completed by the expulsion of the placenta. In the process, your uterus contracts rhythmically.
These contractions ensure the wound closure of the uterine wall and thus also the slow decline of the lochia. At the same time, the afterpains are also beneficial for the regression of the uterus and ensure that it will shrink back to its original size in a few weeks.
The afterpains occur in different phases. In the first five days after birth, the muscles of your uterus are permanently tensed. This is a so-called continuous contraction: the detachment of the placenta has left a wound in your uterus, which heals faster through the contractions. In this phase, the pain is strongest for most women.
Although they occur in all mothers, afterpains are not noticeable for every woman. It may be that you perceive the afterpains clearly, while other mothers hardly notice anything of the contractions after birth.
How to recognize afterpains in the postpartum period
Afterpains usually manifest as a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen. These can also radiate into the back and remind many women of stronger menstrual cramps. They occur in waves: this means that the pain first increases and then subsides again. However, afterpains are significantly weaker than labor pains.
The perception of afterpains in the postpartum period can vary from woman to woman. While some mothers hardly feel the pulling in the lower abdomen, other women complain of intense pain. The pain is significantly stronger if you have given birth to twins or a very large baby: because then your uterus had to stretch further and now has to regress more strongly.
This also applies to women who have already given birth to one or more children. Your uterus is then less elastic and therefore regresses more slowly. This can lead to stronger afterpains.
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Why are afterpains stronger when breastfeeding?
Many women observe that afterpains become stronger during breastfeeding. In this context, they are also referred to as irritation pains or breastfeeding pains. When babies suck on the nipple, this stimulates the contraction of your uterus. This is because the hormone oxytocin is released in your body during breastfeeding.
Oxytocin is also called the cuddle hormone and ensures a particularly close bond between mother and child. At the same time, however, it also stimulates the contraction of the uterus to promote regression. If you breastfeed your baby in the weeks after birth and feel increased afterpains, this is a completely natural development.
Do afterpains also occur with a C-section?
Whether you give birth to your child vaginally or by C-section has no influence on the afterpains. The regression of the uterus occurs in all women – therefore, you will feel afterpains regardless of the type of birth.
However, it may be that you perceive the afterpains as somewhat more painful due to the fresh C-section wound. The intensity of the afterpains does not change due to a C-section, however.
What helps against the pain?
After delivery, you probably long for peace and relaxation. After pregnancy and birth, your body has achieved a lot and you just want to recover from the rigors of the last few months. The afterpains can therefore be a great burden for new mothers.
If you experience strong pains in the postpartum period, some simple tips can help:
- Heat: If afterpains are bothering you, heat could relieve the pain. Similar to menstrual cramps, heat also promotes muscle relaxation during afterpains. Note, however, that a fresh C-section wound must not be exposed to direct heat.
- Magnesium: Magnesium also ensures that your muscles relax. Perhaps you already relied on magnesium during pregnancy to combat leg cramps. After birth, the mineral can also have positive effects on your body.
- Natural herbs: For strong afterpains, many new mothers rely on soothing herbs. These include, for example, silverweed, which is said to have an antispasmodic effect. Feel free to talk to your midwife about which home remedies and herbs she can recommend.
- Bathroom breaks: If the bladder and bowel are full, this can intensify the afterpains. Therefore, go to the toilet regularly. Nevertheless, make sure to drink enough and provide your body with sufficient fluids.
- Painkillers: If you find the afterpains particularly strong, you can use painkillers. However, talk to your doctor or midwife beforehand, as you are not allowed to take certain medications while breastfeeding.
- Light movement: While you probably just want to rest during the postpartum period, light movement could relieve the afterpains. A short walk can promote blood circulation and thus relieve the pain of the afterpains. However, do not overexert yourself and listen to your body's signals.
The contraction of the uterus after birth can be painful. However, the home remedies mentioned above can help you relieve the painful afterpains. If you suddenly suffer from extreme pain, your lochia stops, or you have a fever, you should see your doctor and have the cause of the symptoms clarified.
How long do afterpains last after pregnancy?
Afterpains occur in different phases. Directly after birth, you have so-called afterbirth pains that expel your placenta. They end the birth.
Subsequently, the first afterpains usually occur a few hours after birth. In the first three to five days after delivery, these are strongest. Afterwards, both the intensity and the frequency of the pains subside.
Most women feel afterpains in the first two weeks after birth. After this phase, the uterus has usually contracted again and is now hardly palpable. By the end of the postpartum period (eight weeks after birth), the afterpains should have completely subsided.
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