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Afterpains following childbirth
Afterpains are sharp abdominal pains that occur in the first few days after childbirth. These are normal uterine contractions that slowly shrink the uterus back to normal size. Afterpains are most noticeable during breast-feeding; breast-feeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which in turn causes the uterus to contract. These pains usually begin to subside by the third day after childbirth.
If afterpains are severe, your health professional can prescribe a safe and effective pain medication.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 7, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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