Is Abdominal Pain Normal After Childbirth?

Many women experience abdominal pain after childbirth, which is generally physiological in nature. This is because after giving birth, the bones and muscles in the abdominal cavity lose their original support, leading to pain. Other reasons may include uterine contractions. However, it is also important to consider potential medical causes. Frequent pain requires timely examination at a hospital. Let's explore this further:

Causes of Abdominal Pain after Childbirth

1. Uterine Contraction during Recovery

Severe, intermittent abdominal pain after childbirth can be quite unbearable for many women. This pain is actually caused by the uterus contracting as it recovers. After childbirth, the placenta separates from the uterine wall, leaving a large wound. As the uterus contracts to heal this wound, it can cause intense pain.

2. Oxytocin (Prolactin)

Severe abdominal pain after childbirth typically improves after 5 to 7 days. The worst pain is usually experienced around 2 to 3 days postpartum. During this time, mothers are often still in the hospital and receiving intravenous fluids. These fluids often contain oxytocin, which helps the uterus contract and recover faster. This can make the abdominal pain feel worse during infusion.

3. Lochia Discharge

Severe abdominal pain usually resolves once the bloody lochia discharge ends. This indicates good uterine recovery and that the uterus has returned to a certain degree of normality. Mothers may notice that this severe pain also occurs when breastfeeding their babies, as the sucking action stimulates uterine contractions and recovery.

So, what causes abdominal pain after childbirth? It is mainly due to uterine contractions and recovery. Mothers experiencing this pain should not worry, as it is a normal part of the postpartum process for every mother. Uterine recovery involves contractions to expel lochia and gradually heal the internal wounds. Therefore, abdominal pain after childbirth is normal and will improve over time.