Abdominal pain in the puerperium

introduction

Postpartum abdominal pain is a symptom that can occur in the postpartum period. The time of the puerperium includes the time between delivery and complete completion of the regression of changes in pregnancy. Mostly this period is given as 6 weeks. The abdominal pain can vary in severity and, depending on the cause, occur more in the upper or lower abdomen.

Most of the time, postpartum abdominal pain is a normal occurrence in the regression of pregnancy changes and is not a cause for concern. However, if the pain is very severe, it is better to clarify it to rule out a more dangerous cause.

Read more on the topic Puerperium or on the subject Abdominal pain after a caesarean section.

causes

Most often, abdominal pain is a puerperal one physiological Phenomenon. Physiologically, that means it normal is when you experience certain abdominal pain after giving birth.

Common cause are Aftermath, that is, the uterus continues to contract after the child is born. This is done during childbirth to drive the child out. After delivery, this happens more irregularly in order to prevent any bleeding on the wound surface where the placenta was previously located and so that the uterus regains its original size. Such after-pains can some days occur long. Most of the time, these intensify during and after breastfeeding. When breastfeeding is the hormone Oxytocin poured out to the mother. This is done by stimulating the nipple through sucking the child and has the function of strengthening the process of regression.

Another cause of abdominal pain in the puerperium may be that postponed by pregnancy internal organs back to hers hike back to original place. This can briefly lead to irritation that is perceived as abdominal pain.

The same thing changes again after the delivery Activity of the intestine. After the delivery, the Hormonal balance of the woman again. This hormonal change can make the intestine a little sluggish for a short time, so that it also closes Constipation (Constipations) can come.

In addition to the abdominal pain in the puerperium Tenderness above the abdomen and fever added, the cause may be a Lochial stowage (Weekly river jam, Lochiometra). This leads to a reduction or absence of the weekly flow due to a narrowing of the cervix.

Read also: Abdominal pain after childbirth

Symptoms

The stomach pain can be different depending on the cause. Most of the time they kick Pain more in the abdomen on what is due to the regression of the uterus or the blockages.

If the causes are physiological for the recovery time, then usually no additional symptoms occur. If there is also a fever and no weekly flow, you should go to a Weekly river stagnation (Lochial stowage) should be thought.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of normal puerperal pain is usually based on the symptoms. It is important in the case of severe pain with suspected one Weekly flow congestion, to examine the abdomen closely as well as a gynecological check perform. The Stand of the uterus (Fundus status) assessed. This allows conclusions to be drawn as to whether the uterus is regressing normally. Also the Weekly flow (Lochien) is assessed (normal amount, appearance, color, etc.).

During the gynecological examination, the cervix looked at whether the closure of the cervix works. If necessary, a Ultrasonic can be carried out to assess the uterus more precisely (length, any remaining placenta in the uterine cavity).

therapy

There is no proper treatment for pain in the puerperium. If the pain gets too severe, a Painkiller be taken. However, it should be noted that the pain reliever when Breastfeeding is allowed. Paracetamol is approved for example during breastfeeding. Otherwise, warmth or using one helps some women Hot water bottle, to relieve the cramps.

The cause of the pain is one Weekly river stagnation and this has been clarified by a doctor Oxytocin (Hormone) and a antibiotic may be prescribed to help the uterus contract and treat or prevent bacterial infections.

forecast

Normal puerperal pain can be a a few days stop and mostly listen Completion of uterine regression. Also Constipation and the associated pain usually disappears over time.

prophylaxis

Puerperal pain caused by a Lochial stowage can be caused by the timely start of Postnatal exercise possibly prevent. At non-breastfeeding women may possibly be the gift of Oxytocin help promote uterine regression.