Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience, they said. It will bring you so much joy, they said. But then no one ever warned you about the pain of childbirth and c-section recovery. It's like someone punched you in the stomach repeatedly for days on end.
If you've had a c-section delivery yourself or know someone who has, chances are that the post-c-section pain is no joke. You may wonder how long it lasts and when relief kicks in - we're here to walk you through everything from what causes your pain to managing your symptoms post-surgery.
What Causes Post-C-Section Pain?
The Procedure
The first rule of C-Sections is: You don't talk about C-Sections? No wait, wrong movie reference. In all seriousness though, a caesarean section is fairly invasive surgery, during which an incision is made across the lower abdomen (bikini line) and into the uterus to deliver a baby.
Though it’s relatively safer these days than before with modern surgical techniques and anesthesia, there are bound to be some complications based on various factors leading up till after birth especially if this was an emergency procedure.
Your Body
After any surgery involving an incision or fresh wound(s), there’s often some degree of inflammation around the affected area as part of our body’s natural defense mechanism against invaders whether by bacteria/fungi/ viruses etc.
Essentially that means increased pressure within tissue spaces raising levels further down leading to muscle spasms resulting in discomfort-pain/nerves endings exposed creating unpleasant sensations among others.
What Does Post-C Section Pain Feel Like?
C-section moms describe several types: Sharp pains Tenderness Stabbing pains Incision site burning sensation
Some women also feel throbbing-like cramping due many reasons including uterine contractions which essentially aid the uterus to return back to its pre-pregnancy size.
When Does Post-C-Section Pain Start and How Long Does it Last?
Immediately after Surgery
The first few hours directly following surgery are usually unpleasant, especially as the pain medication administered through spinal or epidural wears off.
Pain levels tend to be at their highest about 6 - 12 hours post-surgery tends but many women still feel ongoing conditions like:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pelvic pressure/discomfort
Tender areas of your body may become more sensitive when near incision sites due increasing blood/gas passing over nerve endings leading up till early days depending on other factors like:
- Analgesic needs,
- Obesity,
- Smoking habits etc.
The First Few Days
While you might feel better overall each day that passes post-operation, symptoms can persist for a while. Your doctor will prescribe medication in order for recovery time and severity to improve drastically over ~2-4 weeks depending on individual rate of healing which various factors come into play; such as:
- Type of Delivery
- Size/positioning position(s) of baby during pregnancy/ labour complications etc.,
Other general challenges breastfeeding mothers face called 'afterpains' mostly occur due changing hormone levels creating additional pangs resembling menstrual-like cramps lasting anywhere from 24-48 Hours.
Tips for Managing Post-C-Section Pain
Though things might seem rough immediately after your c-section operation, there are several ways you can manage this discomfort:
Bug Your Doctor For More Drugs!
This is no place for stoicism! Even if you have high pain tolerance (kudos!), C-sections aren't something anyone should bear without medical help where necessary-so lobby hard(ly) with care provider(s).You hear!? Doing so would mean getting appropriate quantities/prescriptions designed specifically for your case for better quality pain relief without the worry of overdosing-or under-doses.
Always record and report any side effects you may experience during this time - even mild.
Sleep Well
Well no one ever told us childbirth would come with a free gift bag full of drugs, adult diapers...and sleeplessness!
Getting enough rest is essential to healing but between night-time feedings or generally taking care of babies plus other obligations- It’s easier said than done.
One tip that might help is sleeping when baby sleeps.Try to take advantage of company, if there's anyone who can take over helping out; Let them!
Mind Your Movements
Sudden turns and movements do not good pain sensations make so it'd be best avoiding such situations as much especially within first few days directly following surgery:
- Avoid heavy lifting (5kg+) till you get an all-clear nod from Dr.
- Bed Exercise/Movement - Gentle exercises like Kegels/Pelvic Tilts assisted movement strengthening core muscles while regulating blood flow in affected areas.
Yoga/Stretches also have been recommended across various levels thereafter.
Conclusion
Though we wish post-c-section pains were non-existent altogether sadly isn’t possible at least entirely almost always but common among many women facing similar challenges after delivery. Treatment options available which helps mothers transition more smoothly through recovery stages reducing physical/ mental stresses caused thereby leading to earlier return into daily routines finally (Congratulations on making it thus far!).
So switch off those painful thoughts with regular follow-up appointments alongside personal attention focused toward ongoing self care regime towards wellness through whatever works best for you hereonwards!