In the postpartum period, there are discomforts and pains that are part of the recovery phase. Headaches, twinges in the back, and discomfort during sexual intercourse are some of the common discomforts that may occur after childbirth. Along with the emotion that fills the hearts of new mothers and the joy of finally bringing the baby home to enjoy this special moment, these discomforts arise—although common, they deserve special attention1. It is very important to understand what is natural after a C-section and what calls for medical attention. Read on to find out more!

Back Pain After Childbirth

Lower back discomfort is absolutely natural after giving birth. As soon as pregnancy begins, a woman’s body undergoes dramatic changes to accommodate the baby in the womb, with the spine being among the most affected areas.

The increased size of the abdomen directly shifts the lower back during pregnancy, which explains why many women complain of back pain after giving birth2.

This condition can be eased with good physical preparation before or during pregnancy, because once the baby is born, the mother will need to carry the baby’s weight, bathe the baby, and lift them from the crib. Posture correction exercises are also recommended for this new stage. Another option is chiropractic care—a good professional can help a lot.

The amount of weight gained during pregnancy impacts the mother’s lower back health, and it’s recommended to gain no more than 9 to 12 kilograms. The more weight the expectant mother gains, the greater the risk of developing lower back problems after childbirth.

Headaches After Childbirth: When Should I Be Concerned?

This symptom appears as a consequence of anesthesia and is considered one of the possible side effects. Strong headaches or cephalalgia can also occur in cases of preeclampsia, a complication related to blood pressure that may appear in certain situations after birth. It is important to see a doctor if the headache is persistent, to check the exact cause of the problem3.

Is It Normal to Feel Pain During the First Sexual Intercourse After Childbirth?

Generally, after 30 or 40 days (known as the postpartum waiting period), a woman can return to sexual activity with her partner. It’s common at this stage for penetration to be a bit painful, and infections are more likely. Regardless of vaginal delivery or C-section, it’s important to know the body needs time to return to normal. If the woman feels comfortable resuming sex before 30 days, she should check with her doctor and get approval. For this stage, a good lubricant is recommended. Besides improving comfort, it can reduce the pain of the first post-childbirth intercourse. We recommend using FamiGel because it is very similar to a woman’s natural mucus.

A vaginal birth places a lot of demand on the vaginal muscles, so some women may feel some discomfort when having intercourse, but this is not always the case. The medical recommendation for women planning a vaginal birth is to practice exercises that strengthen the vaginal muscles.

This activity helps a woman return to her sex life more quickly and enjoy the same pleasure she was used to. Ask your gynecologist about exercises to help strengthen your pelvic muscles.

Blood Discharge After Childbirth

This is normal and is the uterus expelling all the material accumulated during pregnancy. Where the placenta was, for example, it takes about 10 days to return to normal conditions.

Until this happens, heavy bleeding is common during the first and second day after childbirth. The fluid is similar to menstrual flow.

The amount of blood decreases as the days go by, leaving only a brown-colored discharge. When the secretion becomes white, after about 10 days, it means the spot where the placenta was attached has recovered.

Breastfeeding May Be Painful in the First Days

The excitement for this very special moment for mother and baby makes the discomfort seem secondary, although it does exist.

First-time mothers, especially, not only feel pain from nipple sensitivity, but also struggle to position the baby properly until the baby latches securely and feeds well.

Breastfeeding, although instinctive, can come with challenges such as low milk supply, engorgement, or even health-related issues. Difficulties are quite common at this stage; what matters most is to respect your individual experience because every case is different.

Bloating and Gas After Childbirth: Why Does It Happen?

The belly and the whole body experience swelling after pregnancy, including the feet. This is due to poor blood circulation caused by the size of the abdomen, making some areas swell, like the extremities.

Women who have C-sections may notice even more swelling, as surgery requires longer rest. In addition, opening the abdomen during birth allows for air to enter and the formation of gas.

Feeling Uterine Contractions After Birth

The uterus keeps contracting after childbirth because it needs to return to its normal size. Some women can feel these contractions, but they’re usually not intense.

The process of the uterus recovering its normal shape is stimulated mainly by breastfeeding. When the baby suckles, a hormone called oxytocin is released, which helps the uterus return to its original form.

Tips for a Healthy Postpartum Recovery

Some precautions and recommendations can be followed to prevent or at least minimize the most common and recurring postpartum discomforts.

  • Avoid infections: if you’re bleeding, change pads frequently. Keep the incision (where stitches are) clean and well cared for;
  • Follow maternity’s recommendations for caring for your dressings;
  • Pelvic floor exercises support healing;
  • Eat healthily: include fiber, vegetables, and fruits, as well as plenty of water and fluids;
  • Get lots of rest especially in the first week;
  • Ask someone to help you with housekeeping so you can focus on breastfeeding and caring for your baby.

See also: Why Postpartum Hemorrhage Happens