It is a fact that cesarean section is an extensive surgery. In it, 7 layers of tissue are cut, including the skin, muscles, and the uterus itself to remove the baby. However, it is a very safe procedure that saves many lives, mothers and babies, when properly performed. The number of cesarean sections performed in Brazil is extremely high1 compared to other countries. That is why questions about recovery from this type of delivery are very common. Well, abdominal pain after cesarean section is one of those frequent questions. Questions about the intensity of the pain, the type of pain, whether the pain occurs during the recovery or in the immediate postpartum period. But after all, what is the cesarean section pain like immediately after recovering from anesthesia and also a few days later?
Abdominal pain after a cesarean section is something normal to happen. After all, there are 7 layers of tissue that have been damaged to remove the baby. However, pain is a relative thing. Its intensity may vary depending on your body. Some people tolerate pain better than others, so the pain will be less. For others, abdominal pain after cesarean section can be unbearable. Of course, in the hospital there is immediate post-anesthesia pain medication. In addition, they administer anti-inflammatories, along with antibiotics to prevent any type of infection or inflammation of the incision, which would hinder the woman’s recovery.
Getting up for the first time
There is a myth about the pain women feel when getting up for the first time after childbirth. For some women, the possible pain they might feel is cause for panic, such is the reputation of the experience. However, we must remember that the incision is still very recent and yes, it can hurt, burn, or even throb. But you will be medicated, supported, and wearing a very effective bandage to hold the new stitches.
In fact, speaking of this pain that some women feel and say is intense, others may not feel any discomfort, only a difference when sitting down. It seems more like there is something in the lower belly that prevents her from sitting as before, and that’s it. The place with stitches becomes very hard because of the suturing. The suture used typically lasts, even if the cut in the last layer (skin) was glued, the other layers will certainly be stitched.
What is the pain from cesarean section like?
Abdominal pain after childbirth feels more like a strange pulling sensation. It is not a sharp pain, like a thousand knives stabbing you—not at all. If the pain does feel like this, then something is wrong and the doctor must be called immediately. The pain in the abdomen right after cesarean is mild most of the time2, sometimes you may feel stinging or notice the area is sore, like the pain from a bruise when the spot is purplish. Getting up and sitting down on the first or second day can be uncomfortable, but not a battle. If you are experiencing a lot of pain, speak with your obstetrician to be examined. It is completely normal for the cesarean incision area to feel numb or tingly, and even to have bruising—don’t be frightened!
It is also possible to feel the area warm and notice some redness. In this case, the recovery is not going as it should, and the doctor should prescribe medication to help the incision heal. Ideally, the area should be dry, a normal color, and without a burning sensation. If there are any changes, the doctor should be notified immediately to start antibiotics or any other medication required.
And After a Few Days?
Abdominal pain after cesarean section tends to decrease significantly after a few days. If you follow treatment correctly as advised by your doctor or nurses (wash with soap and water and dry the area well), the incision should heal quickly, and a few days after birth, you should already be feeling much better3. However, in some cases, the woman may feel burning on one or both sides where there are stitches. It’s also possible to have purulent or foul-smelling discharge. This can happen due to an isolated infection at one or two stitches. This infection should be treated with antibiotics and, if your doctor did not prescribe them at discharge, you should go back and ask to have them prescribed.
Important: the pain is not a seven-headed monster. There are extremely effective postpartum medications, and if you are still hurting, you need to assess if it’s the best medication for you. When you go home, strictly follow the medication schedule given by your doctor and if you have any doubts, consult the obstetrician responsible for your delivery.
Important Tip: For new mothers who are breastfeeding, it’s still necessary to take vitamins to help with good milk production! So, a good multivitamin will make all the difference! We recommend FamiGesta, the vitamin for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers!
See also: Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
