Pregnancy Questions

The cramps known as afterbirth pains, or simply after pains, are caused by contractions of your uterus as it returns to its pre-pregnancy size after you have your baby. This process is called involution. These involuntary contractions of the uterus can follow both vaginal birth and caesarean section and usually last for two to three days after childbirth.

Afterbirth pains can often be quite a lot more uncomfortable after a second birth and usually get worse with each successive birth That's because first-time mothers tend to have better uterine muscle tone, which means the uterus can contract and stay contracted, rather than relaxing and contracting intermittently. They are frequently described as intense period pain.

Whether you have had a planned or an emergency caesarean, it will take you longer to recover than it would after a vaginal birth. Caesarean surgery is a common and relatively safe procedure but as with any surgical procedure there are a number of risks and complications that can occur which may affect your recovery. Patients receiving an emergency C-section have often been in labour long before surgery which can make it harder to recover than if they are having a planned elective C-section (but there are many exceptions to this rule).

Most women feel some discomfort after a caesarean. You can take strong pain medication, and it is important to control pain since this will help your recovery. You will probably go home after about 3 to 5 days. Make sure you have plenty of rest at home and accept as much help with the baby as you can. Do not lift anything that weighs more than your baby. You may experience some cramping and aches and pains around the incision for several weeks. Most women feel well after about 6 weeks, though some numbness in the skin around the incision may last longer.