After childbirth, perineum and stomach hurt, breasts full of milk become pregnant, painful hemorrhoids appear, and also problems with defecation! The first few days after giving birth may not be easy. Fortunately, postpartum pains pass quite quickly and most women forget about postpartum discomforts.
After giving birthmom is tired but happy - this is one of the most beautiful moments in a woman's life. However, this wonderful event comes at a cost of pain - not only in childbirth, but also afterwards. It is just like that - no other way to treat children has yet been invented. So let's know whatpains after childbirthcan occur and be prepared for it. But you also don't have to worry that "it's all so terrible" - as young women sometimes think. These are not pleasant matters, it is a fact, but if there are no complications, most women forget about these ailments quickly. Besides, they are more or less intense and differently felt. Some you may not experience at all, but it's better to know what's going to happen.
Pain after childbirth in the perineum
This is the main "setting" - the way the baby was born. Of course, there are consequences of this. Even when the perineum has not been incised or broken - it is stretched, sore, and sometimes bruised. This may or may not be uncomfortable, especially while sitting. However, it hurts even more when the perineum is incised and sewn together. The skin then swells, stretching the sutures (they will be removed on the 5th day after delivery). Sitting or even walking is painful, and the urine stream causes a burning sensation and stinging. It usually takes 7-10 days for a wound in the perineum to heal, but the soreness may last for a month or more.
How to reduce perineal pain after childbirth?
- sit on a pillow with a hole in the center or a children's swimming ring
- take paracetamol or ibuprofen
- make ice packs
- wash your body frequently, using antibacterial fluids and special anti-inflammatory preparations
- after washing, dry your perineum with a paper towel and a hair dryer
- perform Kegel exercises ( alternating tightening and relaxing the muscles of the perineum); they not only restore the proper muscle tone, but also stimulate blood circulationthis area, which helps in the healing of the wound
Note: if you notice severe redness, swelling or an unpleasant odor coming from this area, contact your doctor or hospital immediately as these may be signs of infection.
Bloody feces in puerperium
After childbirth - both in those women who gave birth by vaginal delivery and after cesarean section - vaginal bleeding occurs. The so-called postpartum faeces (lochia) is the result of uterine cleansing and healing of the place where the placenta was implanted. They contain blood, mucus and tissue debris of the placenta. This unusual "period" lasts from 3 to 8 weeks. It is abundant at first, but gradually the amount of discharge decreases. For the first 3-4 days, it is light red in color and resembling mucus, then pink or brownish and watery, and finally yellowish.
How to help yourself?
- change sanitary pads often - use the so-called postpartum pads (such as Bella) that are larger and more absorbent than regular pads. Note: do not use tampons during the puerperium as they increase the risk of infection
Pains in the lower abdomen after childbirth
Immediately after birth, the uterus begins to shrink - from the size of a watermelon it returns to its normal size of a small pear. The collapse of the uterus (involution) is again done by uterine contractions - these can be painful, especially in the first week. Pain worsens during breastfeeding, when oxytocin is released, which stimulates contractions. It is felt more strongly by women who have given birth to another child and mothers of multiple babies, because their uterus is more stretched and requires more contractions to return to its normal size. Painful postpartum contractions go away after 4-7 days.
How to reduce pain in the lower abdomen after childbirth?
- make warm compresses on your belly
- empty your bladder frequently
- use the breathing techniques that helped you during your labor
- you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen when the pain is very severe
Problems with urinating after childbirth
Most women have trouble with this. Some feel no pressure to urinate at all, others feel the urge but are unable to empty their bladder. This is because the bladder suddenly has more room to expand and its volume increases, so you feel the urge to urinate less often. In addition, pain in the perineum may cause a reflex spasm in the urethra; The fear of pain and burning when urinating is also inhibiting. However, this is a very important activity because it protects the urinary tract from infection and helps the uterus to collapse (fullthe bladder prevents it from returning to its proper position). It is therefore advisable to empty your bladder 6-8 hours after giving birth.
How to make urination easier after childbirth?
- drink plenty of fluids
- get out of bed and walk as soon as possible - the movement stimulates the bladder and intestines to function properly
- while sitting on the toilet, turn on the tap - the sound of the flowing water will help you urinate
After a while, another problem may arise: urinary incontinence due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. You can deal with it by exercising your Kegel muscles (the effects will appear at the earliest after 6-8 weeks). If, despite regular exercise, there is no improvement, see your doctor.
Problems passing stools after childbirth
The first bowel movements can also be uncomfortable. The young mother does not feel the need to pass stools, sometimes even for a week. When she wants to do this, she feels an "inner vacuum" because the muscles that push up the stool are flabby after birth and refuse to cooperate. In addition, the intestines have a slower peristalsis, and there is also a fear of the seams coming apart when pushing.
How to help yourself when you have constipation after childbirth?
- do not be afraid that the seams will come apart - this is a completely unfounded fear
- follow a diet that prevents constipation (whole grain bread, bran, apples, prunes)
- drink plenty of fluids
- move - movement stimulates the intestines to work
- use a mild laxative (e.g. a glycerin suppository)
Painful postpartum hemorrhoids
The condition of the veins around the anus may worsen as a result of childbirth - painful hemorrhoids appear, which usually disappear within the next few weeks.
How to reduce pain?
- use ointments and suppositories
- do cold compresses and baths
- prevent constipation with a diet
Pain associated with swollen breasts after childbirth
When the breasts begin to produce milk, they become much larger and more sensitive to touch. By the time babies are able to eat regularly and lactation is normal, they can become overcrowded - hard, swollen and painful. This state (the so-called attack) usually passes after two days.
How to reduce breast pain after childbirth?
- Feed your baby as often as possible: at least 10-12 times a day. In the first week of a newborn's life, put them to the breast at least every 3 hours (even at night)
- compress your breasts - warm before feeding, and cold after feeding (this will reduce swelling andpain). Drinking an infusion of sage, which reduces lactation, may also help
Later on, the breasts may also hurt due to inflammation of the mammary gland or injured nipples.
"M jak mama" monthly