Postpartum Pain

The Afterpains

Among the pains after childbirth, afterpains are contractions of the uterus.

Here are the three main actions of uterine contractions:

To close the blood vessels that were connected to the placenta, in order to prevent hemorrhage.
To help the uterus return to its initial size in the abdominal cavity, which is only 5 to 10 cm after 2-3 weeks.
To gradually clear the uterus of any remaining clots, leading to bleeding and discharge known as "lochia".

Also, the secretion of oxytocin triggers or increases afterpains.

The baby's sucking induces a secretion of this hormone in the mother. This sends a contraction signal to the body to eject the milk.

Thus, breastfeeding is often accompanied by afterpains during the days following childbirth.

And they are generally stronger for women who are not having their first childbirth.

Pelvic-Perenial Edema

Childbirth remains a significant trauma for the body. It generally causes inflammation (edema) in the vulva and vagina, whether visible or not. This inflammation constitutes an impregnation of the tissues by a liquid full of toxins that tend to fibrose (ankylose) if the liquid is not drained quickly. A pelvic floor stiffened by this type of inflammation can be painful. It is important to promote its healing to limit potential sequelae. Such as incontinence, organ prolapse, pain during sexual intercourse, etc. They can appear immediately after birth. Sometimes, several years later.

Genitourinary Prolapse (Organ Prolapse)

The pelvis, or small basin of the woman, contains three organs: the bladder in front, the uterus and the vagina in the middle, and the rectum at the back.

A genital prolapse (or organ prolapse) is an abnormal displacement of one or more pelvic organs downward, possibly resulting in the exit of this organ through the vulvar opening, deforming the vaginal wall.
There are several types of organ prolapse depending on the affected organ(s).

– Urethrocele for the urethra
– Cystocele for the bladder
– Hysterocele for the uterus
– Cervical Prolapse for the cervix

These prolapses are primarily of traumatic origin, related to a difficult childbirth, and have a significant impact on quality of life.

What are the symptoms:

Discomfort in the lower abdomen
A feeling of vaginal heaviness
A sensation of a "bulge" either intra-vaginally or outside the vulva, present during abdominal pushing.

This "bulge" is more easily perceptible when standing, straining, or squatting, requiring manual reintegration before sitting down. It generally causes pain that increases when standing, urinary issues due to compression of the urethra (difficulty urinating, urinary leaks, stress incontinence, and/or sexual issues (discomfort or bleeding during sexual intercourse).

Postpartum Pain

The Afterpains

Pelvic-Perenial Edema

Genitourinary Prolapse (Organ Prolapse)

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