Stomach Pain After Pregnancy: Causes & Home Remedies

With all the pains women experience during pregnancy and childbirth, most mothers are relieved to know that they are free from all that pain after delivery. However, some of them, possibly including you, might continue to experience tummy pain after pregnancy. These intense pains are generally a sign of your body going back to normal, post-pregnancy, but it is important to understand these in detail. Postpartum stomach pain can result from various factors such as uterine contractions, gas buildup, or incision healing for cesarean deliveries. Understanding the causes can help manage discomfort effectively and ensure a smoother recovery process. Read on to know all about abdominal pain after childbirth.

Causes of Abdominal Pain After Delivery

Some of the common reasons why you would continue having stomach pain after delivery are,

1. Pain as a Result of Afterpains

Right after your delivery, the uterus starts reducing back to its pre-pregnancy size. This leads to some cramping in the abdominal area, termed as afterpains. These are usually present for an initial couple of days right after birth, as the uterus takes nearly 6 weeks to return to originality. Breastfeeding is known to trigger this belly pain after birth further. Mothers who are giving birth to their first child have lesser post delivery stomach pain as compared to others since their uterus retains more muscle strength.

2. Pain as a Result of Constipation

Many women can suffer from constipation following their delivery. A barrage of bowel movements that are quite painful, straining to poop, and passing hard and dry stools without feeling totally empty further contributes to this pain.

This is generally due to elevated levels of progesterone, the presence of piles, vaginal tears, or the absence of any physical activity following labour. Certain medicines like anaesthetics, hydrocodone, and others can also cause constipation. This usually lasts for a short period of time, compared to that during pregnancy.

3. Pain as a Result of the Healing Process After C-Section

A caesarean birth comes with its own share of pains that are usually around the incision and the internal wounds, as they proceed with the healing process. Taking rest and lying down are the best ways to reduce pain. Pain relievers suggested by doctors can help alleviate it to an extent.

How Long Does Stomach Pain Last After Childbirth?

The pains post-delivery depend on the kind of delivery that the mother has had. If the delivery was a normal vaginal delivery, then most of the pain fades away within a couple of weeks following the delivery. 

In case you have had a caesarean delivery, the pains fade away in a couple of weeks. However, certain pains or sensations might remain beyond that time. The medical history of the mother plays a key role in this, such as the number of surgeries undergone previously if the labour has been extremely lengthy, if there have been any complications during the delivery, and so on. Some amount of soreness might also feel like intense pain, so the fading away time is subjective and varies from person to person, based on their capability to sustain it.

Treatment for Post Pregnancy Stomach Pain

Since the stomach ache that a woman has after her delivery is mostly the body coming to terms with the abrupt change in physiology, weight, and internal structure, it’s simply a matter of time for the pain to subside. Until then, the usual techniques of using well-known painkillers are the go-to method. Ibuprofen or paracetamol are the best bets to control such pain. Using a warm blanket that is heated or a warm water bag can help soothe the pain as well. Any medications should always be taken after consulting a doctor. This is primarily because the newborn baby would be breastfeeding and anything the mother consumes passes on to the baby as well. Many women find relief by adopting various breathing and relaxation exercises that are similar to those undertaken during the delivery.

Home Remedies for Postpartum Abdominal Pain

Here are some simple home remedies to relieve abdominal pain.

1. Honey Juice

At times, infections in the womb can cause severe cramps as well. If you also face swelling in the abdomen and bleeding in the vagina, a doctor’s consultation is advised. Until then, consuming honey is a good way to combat the infection, since it contains natural properties that combat bacteria and viruses, and it is an antiseptic as well. Adding a tablespoon of honey to lukewarm water, and squeezing some lemon juice in it helps soothe the stomach and works wonders when consumed first thing in the morning.

2. Lime Juice

A mother’s body is at its weakest post-delivery. The immune system is just getting back to building itself and the digestive system is coming to terms with all the changes. Improving overall health is key to reducing pains and bringing back normalcy. In such a case, loading up on Vitamin C acts as a boost to help repair all systems. Squeezing some lemon juice with boiled water not only reduces stomach ache, but also provides you with the minerals necessary for recovery.

3. A Warm Water Bath

As the pain generally resides around the uterus and abdomen, warm compresses in the area are known to help. What helps, even more, is taking a nice relaxing bath in a tub filled with warm water. Don’t make it scalding hot. Keep yourself immersed for half an hour or so twice a day, and enjoy the relief that accompanies it.

4. Turmeric Milk

Chances of infection post-delivery are at an all-time high, given the weak immune system of the mother. Such infections may also result in stomach aches and it is necessary to combat and prevent them altogether. Using boosters to increase immunity is necessary, and there’s nothing better than a natural antibiotic for the job, called turmeric. Taking a spoonful of turmeric powder with a glass of milk protects the body from infections, and prevents the building up of the pain.

5. Fennel Seeds

Post delivery, mothers might observe some inflammation and pain in the areas around the hips, since most of the physical change happens there. Opting for natural remedies such as fennel seeds helps reduce the inflammation. Many prefer chewing on the seeds to prevent vomiting and nausea after pregnancy. Boiling fennel seeds with water and adding honey to the strained mixture form a tea that can help reduce the pain substantially when consumed two times a day. Plus, fennel seeds also help increase the production of breast milk.

6. Ginger Tea

Ayurvedic medicines make use of ginger in almost all remedies that treat stomach-related disorders. Not only is ginger an antiseptic, but it can also improve emotional stability. Grating some ginger in boiling water, and letting it simmer with a few leaves of parsley, forms what is known as medicinal ginger tea. Best enjoyed with some honey, this not only tastes great but takes care of stomach cramps by reducing pain.

7. Rice Water

Once you’re done cooking rice, the water that remains is extremely beneficial to treat stomach problems. What it does is create a smooth lining on the inner layers of the stomach, which reduces stomach pain. It further improves digestion and reduces constipation, as well as the presence of blood in urine. It’s best to add more water than needed while cooking rice so that you have enough rice water to consume.

8. Hot Water Bag

After the delivery, the muscles in the abdominal area undergo a lot of cramping due to the expansion and contraction they have undergone. Your belly might be extremely sensitive and the lower area might hurt. This is where using warm compresses or making use of a hot water bag relieves pain. It improves blood circulation in the area, which also allows the uterus to loosen up a bit. Wrap the bag in a cloth and hold it over the area every time you feel a sharp pain. The intensity will gradually reduce.

9. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has natural antispasmodic properties that can help alleviate postpartum abdominal pain. Brewing peppermint tea by steeping peppermint leaves in hot water for several minutes and then straining can provide relief from cramps and discomfort. It also aids digestion, which can be beneficial in easing postpartum gastrointestinal issues. Enjoy a warm cup of peppermint tea a few times a day for soothing relief.

Tips on Relieving Abdominal Pain After Giving Birth

1. Pee Frequently

Do not let your bladder fill up until you have a strong urge to pee before you visit the bathroom. Go as often as possible. A full bladder increases discomfort and worsens abdominal cramps, so peeing often provides relief and prevents the pain from getting worse.

2. Opt for an Oil Massage

Ask your partner or loved one to massage your abdomen with coconut or almond oil. Applying light pressure to the abdomen helps relieve pain and cramping. You can even amp up the effects by mixing in a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or peppermint oil, which are known to help with pain relief.

3. Sleep on Your Stomach

You may have been advised not to sleep on your tummy during pregnancy, but there’s no harm in doing so after pregnancy, especially if it helps relieve pain. Put a pillow under your belly to strengthen the pressure on your tummy and relieve cramps.

4. Practise Meditation and Deep Breathing

Deep breathing during uterine contractions decreases pain and relieves any cramps you may suffer. Practise meditation to stay calm and breathe through any pain you face.

When Do You Need to Visit a Doctor?

• The area around the incision of the c-section begins to turn red
• There is a fever and the pain becomes severe
• The vaginal bleeding increases and the blood is bright red in colour
• Both your sides feel extremely tender
• Nausea and vomiting become severe

FAQs

1. Are there any dietary changes I should make to alleviate postpartum stomach pain?

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals can aid in digestion and promote healing after childbirth. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding foods that may exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort, such as spicy or greasy foods, can help alleviate postpartum stomach pain.

2. How long does postpartum stomach pain typically last?

Postnatal stomach pain can vary in duration and intensity for each individual. In most cases, the discomfort gradually improves within a few weeks after childbirth as the body heals and adjusts. However, if the upper stomach pain postpartum persists or worsens over time, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

This was all about pain in stomach after delivery. Most women who face lower abdominal pain after delivery manage to keep a strong face throughout by taking the right precautions. It is important to know that lower stomach pains are generally short-lived and fade away in a couple of weeks, as your body returns to normalcy.

References/Resources:

1. Deussen. A, Ashwood. P, Martis. R; Analgesia for relief of pain due to uterine cramping/involution after birth; Cochrane Library; https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004908.pub2/full; May 2011

2. ACOG Recommends Postpartum Pain Management Approach Tailored to Patients; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2018/05/acog-recommends-postpartum-pain-management-approach-tailored-to-patients

3. Shin. G, Toto. E, Schey. R; Pregnancy and postpartum bowel changes: constipation and fecal incontinence (American Journal of Gastroenterology); National Library of Medicine; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25803402/; April 2015

4. FAQs: Exercise After Pregnancy; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-after-pregnancy

5. Turawa. E, Musekiwa. A, Rohwer. A; Interventions for preventing postpartum constipation; Cochrane Library; https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011625.pub2/full; September 2015

6. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 736: Optimizing Postpartum Care; Obstetrics & Gynecology; https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2018/05000/acog_committee_opinion_no__736__optimizing.42.aspx

7. FAQs: Cesarean Birth; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Cesarean-Birth

Also Read:

Joint Pain after Pregnancy
Back Pain After Pregnancy
Postpartum Perineal Pain
Workout After Delivery

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