How to overcome the pain after giving birth?

Postpartum pain such as back pain, pelvic pain, uterine pain ... makes many people feel uncomfortable. Do you want pain relief? It's easy, just apply the tips of aFamilyToday Health.

After successfully passing the birth, you will still face a lot of pain after giving birth. However, with the little angel by your side, along with the pain relief methods of aFamilyToday Health below, you will get over the pain easily and do not need to worry too much about this.

Common postpartum pain

Due to many changes in the body after giving birth, it is possible that after giving birth, you will experience pain in many different parts of the body:

1. Back pain

You may experience back pain due to changes you go through during pregnancy. The stress during childbirth also causes back pain. The pain will last until the muscles regain strength (usually a few months). If you had back pain before you became pregnant, your chances of seeing it again after giving birth are very high. Being overweight and obese also increase this risk.

2. Abdominal pain below or above

Lower abdominal pain can be caused by prolonged contractions of the uterus and breastfeeding. Sometimes, it can be due to a genital infection or appendicitis. Upper stomach pain is very rare and is usually caused by an infection. If this happens, talk to your doctor right away.

3. Pelvic pain

During pregnancy, hormones stimulate the pelvis to expand so that delivery can take place easily. The ligaments will loosen. Therefore, any activity (even walking) can cause pelvic pain. Pelvic pain can make it difficult for you to urinate, pass bowel movements, and have sex.

4. Postpartum cramps

Postpartum cramps are quite common because during pregnancy, the increased weight puts pressure on the leg muscles. Postpartum hormonal changes also relax joints and ligaments, causing postpartum cramps. Medications given by doctors during labor, long sitting, and lack of sleep are also the reasons why you have postpartum cramps.

5. Hip pain

Hip pain is also a fairly common symptom, especially if you have a normal birth. If the doctor had to use forceps during delivery, it could bruise, tear or even fracture the hip, causing pain. This is normal, but if the pain is severe and lasts longer than 2 weeks, you should consult your doctor.

6. Chest pain

Postpartum chest pain can be caused by labor, tightness in the chest muscles, or an infection in the chest. It can also be caused by a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot blocks a pulmonary artery). If you experience severe pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood, see your doctor right away.

7. Headache when breastfeeding

You may experience a breastfeeding headache as your body produces the hormone oxytocin. This usually lasts about a few weeks or until the baby stops feeding. If you experience persistent headaches, consult your doctor.

8. Abdominal pain after eating

Postpartum colic is quite common and usually lasts up to 6 months after birth. If your body is lactose intolerant or just eating whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, it can increase your risk of stomach upset and postpartum cramps.

9. Uterine pain

It takes 6-8 weeks for the uterus to return to normal size. As the uterus contracts, you should feel contractions and these pain will subside over time. You can feel these pain when you breastfeed and in subsequent pregnancies.

10. Postpartum breast pain

During the first week of life, the breasts will become larger and firmer as colostrum begins to release. Whether you breastfeed or not, you are likely to experience this. The pain should go away within a few days but if it lasts longer, see your doctor.

11. Thigh pain

During labor, the ligaments in the pelvic area stretch, causing pain or soreness in the thighs. This situation will gradually decrease in 3 months.

Besides the above pain, many people also suffer from pain in the ribs, joints such as wrists, ankles ... These pains are caused by contractions that the body has undergone during labor. Caring for and holding your baby after birth can also make these pain worse.

The cause of the pain after giving birth

Pressure and stress are responsible for postpartum pain. In addition, there are a number of other causes such as:

During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges 25 times its normal size and is almost as large as a basketball. It then shrinks again and returns to its original size. It is understandable if you feel pain during this process.

Breastfeeding is also a cause of pain after birth. When the baby sucks, it stimulates the body to produce oxytocin, which causes contractions.

If you had a caesarean , after giving birth, you will suffer from abdominal pain for a long time.

How long do postpartum pain last?

It takes 6-8 weeks for the uterus to return to a normal size. Therefore, severe pain only lasts 1-2 days after giving birth. If the pain lasts longer, talk to your doctor. Pain and stress during lactation can adversely affect milk production.

What are postpartum pain like?

Postpartum pain is like menstrual cramps or in labor. Mothers who are pregnant for the first time often experience less pain than mothers who are many times pregnant.

Postpartum pain relief measures at home

You can try the following remedies to relieve postpartum pain:

1. Use a hot compress

A hot compress is the best way to treat upset stomachs and aches from uterus contractions. Besides, it also helps support blood circulation, relieves lower abdominal pain.

2. Rice water

Drink rice water 2 times a day to help soothe stomach aches, aid digestion and prevent constipation.

3. Ginger tea

Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, this is a great food to help relieve postpartum pain and cramps by relieving pain in the abdomen and hips.

Add ginger to a cup of boiling water. You can also add some cilantro and cook. Add a little honey and take it 2 times a day.

4. Dill tea

Dill seeds also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Add 2 tablespoons of cumin seeds to water, boil for 10 minutes and allow to cool. Add honey to taste better. You can drink 2 times / day.

5. Lemon tea

Most postpartum problems are caused by a weakened immune system. Therefore, you should supplement with vitamin C. Lemons are another very rich source of vitamin C. Boil water, let it cool and squeeze a little lemon. Drink it 2 times a day to strengthen the immune system and help relieve stomach upset.

6. Mint

Peppermint has soothing properties and relieves postpartum colic and headache. Add mint leaves to the water and boil for about 10 minutes. Cool and squeeze a little lemon before drinking. Drink it 2 times a day to help relieve abdominal pain and cramps.

7. Chamomile tea

Chamomile helps relieve pain caused by uterine contraction. Add dried chamomile to a cup of boiling water and let sit for about 10 minutes. You can add honey and lemon for better taste. Drinking twice a day helps to ease postpartum uterine contractions.

8. Massage with essential oils

You can ask your husband or mother to gently massage the abdomen with the essential oil mixture: 5 drops of lavender oil, 10 drops of cypress oil, 15 drops of peppermint oil, and 28 ml of base oil (olive oil, almond oil or oil coconut). Place your hand on your navel and move in a circle. This will help reduce contractions.

9. Some other measures to help reduce postpartum episodes

There are some tips you can try to reduce the number and frequency of cramps pain.

Urinate more often because an overly stretched bladder makes you feel uncomfortable, puts pressure on your uterus and makes pain worse.

Deep breathing helps to reduce uterine spasms and relieve pain after birth.

Lie face down: You can place a pillow under your stomach. This will help relieve the pain.

If none of the above works, talk to your doctor for further pain relief strategies that are right for you.

Parenting is important, but taking care of yourself is just as important. You must give yourself time to heal and take care of your baby. If it hurts, you won't be able to give your baby all the attention.