In the first few days after having your baby, you may experience after birth pains. This is something that I never knew about when I was expecting my first or second baby. The first time I became aware of it was when I had my second baby and every time I breastfed him I experienced intense and strong contractions, they were so strong that in the first couple of days that they literally bought me out in a sweat.
In pregnancy, your uterus grows and expands to accommodate your baby. Pre-pregnancy your uterus is about the size of a pear and by the time you’re full-term it is roughly the size of a watermelon. After birth pains are caused by the uterus contracting to shrink down to its pre-pregnancy size. It can take up to 6 weeks for your uterus to return to its original size.
After birth pains can feel very similar to the type of cramping that you would experience when you have a period. Just like me, most first time Mums aren’t so aware of the afterpains as they’re fairly insignificant, afterpains do however increase with each subsequent baby and become more uncomfortable. With each subsequent baby, the uterus is likely to have less muscle tone and therefore has more work to do in order to contract down to its original size. The afterpains are likely to be at their strongest in the first few days after the baby’s birth becoming much less intense after that. Breastfeeding can trigger the afterpains as when you breastfeed it stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone that is responsible for helping to contract your uterus.
What can you do to help after birth pains?
- Remember that this is a completely normal. It is a natural process, helping to ensure that your uterus contracts reducing postnatal bleeding.
- Use a hot water bottle or heat pack over your lower belly.
- Massage or rub the area.
- Breathe really deeply – like the breathing you will have learnt to do throughout labour.
- Take painkillers if the pain become really uncomfortable.
For more pregnancy-related hints and tips, visit Just Exhale and/or my Instagram: Pregnancy Yoga & Hypnobirthing (@sallyjustexhale) • Instagram photos and videos
