Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain postpartum is a common experience for many women after childbirth. This pain can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain and can have various causes. Understanding common causes, associated symptoms, and complications can help you manage the abdominal pain and seek appropriate care.
what causes abdominal pain
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Gas and Bloating: Hormonal changes and labor can slow down digestion, causing gas build-up and discomfort.
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Symptoms: Sharp, moving pains, bloating, and fullness.
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Duration: Typically resolves in a few days as digestion normalizes
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Constipation: Reduced activity, pain medications, dehydration, and labor strain can lead to constipation postpartum.
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​Symptoms: Painful bowel movements, bloating, and incomplete evacuation.
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Duration: A few days to several weeks, depending on diet, hydration, and activity.
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​Cesarean Section Recovery: Post-C-section, pain around the incision site is common as it heals, typically more intense than after vaginal delivery.
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​Symptoms: Sharp, burning, or throbbing pain, and lower abdominal soreness.
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Duration: Several weeks, with decreasing intensity over time. If pain does not decrease, see your care provider.
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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Pregnancy and childbirth stretch and weaken pelvic floor muscles, causing pain and heaviness.
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Symptoms: Lower abdominal pain and pressure, especially with movement or standing.
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Duration: Several weeks to months. Pelvic floor therapy is highly recommended.
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Uterine Involution: Post-birth, the uterus contracts to return to its pre-pregnancy size, causing cramping or "afterpains."
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Symptoms: Menstrual-like cramps, especially in the first few days postpartum.
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Duration: Subsides within a week, but can last longer.
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Infection: Infection in the uterus, urinary tract, or incision site can cause severe abdominal pain, requiring medical attention.
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Symptoms: Severe pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, and increased tenderness.
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Duration: Until the infection is treated, usually with antibiotics
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When to seek medical Attention
While mild abdominal pain postpartum is normal, certain symptoms require medical attention. These symptoms could indicate complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, infection, or a retained placenta, which require prompt medical evaluation.
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Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain
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Nausea, vomiting, or irritation to food High fever (100.2 deg or more)
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Foul-smelling and colored vaginal discharge
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Heavy bleeding or clots/clumps
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Discoloration and discharge at C-section or perineal stitches site
Managing Postpartum
Abdominal Pain
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Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ask your doctor to see which one is right for you.
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Hydration and Diet: Staying hydrated and eating a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation.
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Physical Activity: Gentle exercise, such as walking, and positioning yourself towards the left when sitting or lying can help reduce gas and bloating.
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Pelvic Floor Exercises: Pelvic floor therapy prescribed exercises to engage the pelvic floor and reduce pain
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Visceral Mobilization: Find a provider that performs visceral massage/mobilization that can aid in gastrointestinal health and abdominal muscle healing.
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Managing incision: For cesarean recovery, maintaining a clean incision and preventing complications. See cesarean recovery handout for more information.
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Abdominal Binder: Wearing an abdominal binder when out of bed can help decrease stress on abdominal muscles.
