After Pains

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Afterpains postpartum

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🔴 The womb increases in size during pregnancy to be able to hold a baby or babies

🔴 After the birth of your baby/ babies ( via cesarean section or vaginal delivery) , the womb gradually reduces to its size before pregnancy. This usually happens during the six week period postpartum

🔴 As the womb reduces to its original state, it can come with abdominal cramps which can be uncomfortable and a bit painful.

🔴 This painful or uncomfortable feeling is what we call afterpains.

🔴 This pain is usually more intense during breastfeeding.

🔴 You might also feel pain in your lower back and breast. This differs from person to person

🔴 This is because as your baby suckles, oxytocin ( a hormone) is released which causes the womb to respond in the form of contractions.

🔴 Afterpains are usually more intense during the first week postpartum .

🔴 If you're a first time mother, you're likely to find afterpains less intense than a mother who has had more than one child.

🔴 Afterpains are usually more painful as the number of births you've had increases ( afterpains after second delivery is more than the first, third more than the second, etc)

🔴 There's no way you can prevent afterpains. Your womb will have to return to its pre- pregnancy state whether you like it or not.

🔴 Afterpains aren't a reason why you should stop breastfeeding as well, if you choose to breastfeed. This can be managed.

🔴 Before you leave the delivery ward, you should ask your obgyn or midwife which painkillers you can take should these cramps be a bit too painful or uncomfortable for you.

❗ Not all painkillers can be used during breastfeeding. Your health history can influence the type of painkillers you can use as well.

❗If you have extreme afterpains postpartum even when you're not breastfeeding, kindly see your obgyn to make sure nothing is wrong with you.

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