Well Done Mum

Abdominal Cramps

It's quite common for women to feel cramps known as afterbirth pains for the first few days after birth. This is caused by the Uterus contracting and relaxing in order to return to its pre pregnancy size. (A process known as involution)

These pains are generally mild with a first baby and stronger with subsequent pregnancies. They may also be more severe when you are breastfeeding because the uterus is working harder.

It generally takes about 6 weeks for the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy state.

To help ease your discomfort

• Relax and take deep breaths, or try one of the breathing techniques you used during labor;
• Gently massage your lower abdomen or uterus;
• Lie face down with a pillow under your stomach;
• Try to urinate as often as you can, a full bladder displaces the uterus so it can't contract as well as it should;
• Discuss pain relief with your health care provider.