Pain after delivery

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Pain after delivery

You may have some pain after your delivery because of changes in your body as it returns to its nonpregnant condition. You may have belly cramps from passing clots and from your uterus shrinking to its nonpregnant size.

You may have a hard time urinating for a day or two after delivery. Later, in the days and sometimes weeks after delivery, it is not unusual to urinate more often than usual. Your body is ridding itself of the extra fluid from pregnancy. Some women also sweat heavily as they lose their extra fluid. If you have pelvic or back (flank) pain and symptoms of a kidney or bladder infection, call your doctor.

You may also have constipation or discomfort with bowel movements for a few days after delivery. Your first bowel movement may be painful if you had an episiotomy or tear in your vagina. Drink plenty of water and juices to ease constipation. You may also wish to try a stool softener, such as Colace. You may have painful hemorrhoids after delivery. Use home treatment measures or talk to your doctor about treating your hemorrhoids.

You may have pain, discomfort, or numbness around your vagina. If you had a cesarean delivery (C-section), an episiotomy, or a tear in your vagina, you may have pain when you sit or walk. It may be uncomfortable to have sex during this time. If your doctor has given you special instructions to manage the pain or discomfort, be sure to follow those instructions.

Credits

Last updated:	March 12, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer