Why Do I Still Hurt? Postpartum Pain Management
Pregnancy is a beautiful and miraculous journey—watching your body stretch and grow as new life forms inside. Once your bundle of joy has emerged into the world, you only want to stare in amazement at how perfect and tiny your little one is. But, when postpartum pain takes control of how you adjust to newfound motherhood, connecting with your baby can become a challenge.
Don’t let tenderness and discomfort keep you from being super-mom. Instead, trust in Dr. Gary B. Sullivan to alleviate your aches and pains. In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about postpartum pain, including how we can help relieve you of your symptoms.
What Is Postpartum Pain?
As your body heals and recovers from childbirth, it’s normal to experience postpartum pain. Postpartum is the time right after you deliver your baby and the six or so weeks following childbirth. And while the days and weeks after your birth are extremely exciting, you may experience some discomfort as your body heals. The severity and longevity of postpartum pain vary from person to person, but most women usually experience mild bleeding and uterus contractions following childbirth.
What’s Normal Postpartum Pain?
Common postpartum indicators can include a variety of symptoms, such as:
Vaginal bleeding: Heavy vaginal bleeding after childbirth isn’t unusual and should lighten as time progresses. The color may be bright red, then transition to a darker shade of red or brown, and then become clear.
Cramping: Also called afterpains, your uterus will continue to contract to help reduce blood loss after childbirth. You can expect afterpains to begin once you give birth and become more intense the following day. Cramping usually lasts for about a week or so. As you heal, your pain should subside, and your uterus should return to its normal size.
Discomfort in the neck & back: You’ll most likely experience some joint and muscle pains after childbirth—you just went through a lot! We recommend heating pads on your neck or back to ease discomfort and using a pillow to support your arms while breastfeeding.
Swollen & tender breasts: Between hormonal changes and breastfeeding, it’s not uncommon for your breasts to feel sensitive and uncomfortable.
Painful urination: If you experience discomfort while using the restroom after childbirth, you’re not alone. Any residual soreness can take three to six weeks to heal, especially if you had a perineal tear.
Hemorrhoids: These enlarged veins in your anus and rectum can develop during pregnancy or as a result of pushing during labor. Most hemorrhoids resolve on their own in a few weeks.
How Can I Manage Postpartum Pain?
You can manage postpartum pain in numerous ways, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural remedies, and prescription medications. Before taking any medication, we recommend asking your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby.
OTC & Prescription Medications
You can take the recommended dosage of OTC medications, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, for discomfort. If you’ve had a C-section, you may have received prescription medication for the days following your operation, and we recommend taking it as needed. If you had a natural birth and aren’t finding relief with OTC medications, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if you feel like you need additional options.
Natural Remedies
If you’d prefer not to take medication or want to incorporate other pain-relieving methods, natural remedies are a great option. We recommend applying ice packs to sensitive, sore areas and taking warm showers to loosen muscles. Additionally, you may find that taking a sitz bath can ease pain and improve stress. For this, you can add a variety of salts or oils like Epsom, sea salt, lavender, or rosemary. These baths encourage healing and diminish swelling, while also being extremely relaxing.
When Should I Call a Doctor or My OB/GYN for Postpartum Pain?
If your pain—no matter where it is—gets significantly worse at any point, we recommend calling your OB/GYN. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms including:
Persistent headaches
Headaches that cause blurred vision
Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
100.4-degree fever or higher
Heavy bleeding (Bleeding through two sanitary pads in an hour for more than an hour)
Painful breast lumps
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Feelings of hopelessness, intense anger, or panic attacks
Life after giving birth can be an adjustment, and it can feel like your body is out of control. But you’re still the one who knows your body the best, so if anything feels wrong or unusual, don’t wait to seek medical care.
Do You Need Postpartum Support? Call Dr. Gary B. Sullivan
We’re here for you during postpartum! If you’re having persistent afterpains or other discomforts, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan and his team can help. Or, if you’re a new mom preparing for childbirth, we can offer knowledgeable advice and support throughout your entire pregnancy. Whether you’re a first-time mother or a fifth-time mom, we’re here to ease your fears and treat your pain.
Do You Need Postpartum Support? Call Dr. Gary B. Sullivan
Proudly serving Statesboro, GA, and surrounding areas, we can help you manage your postpartum pain. With years of experience, our team can help find pain relievers that work for you and your baby. Call us at 912-871-2000 or contact us online today!