During pregnancy, a woman regularly thinks about childbirth. The expectant mother imagines this process and is studying a lot of information on this topic. During this period, the pregnant woman is most often not worried about what will happen to the body after the baby appears. And this is not entirely correct. This article will tell you how uterine contractions occur after childbirth. You will find out how long painful sensations will last. It is also worth mentioning about the discharge during this period.
Painful uterine contractions after childbirth, or afterbirth rejection
When a fetus is removed from the cavity of the genital organ, many women believe that childbirth is over. However, only the second period of this process can be considered completed. In just a few minutes, uterine contractions will begin after the birth of the baby. This is necessary to reject the child's place, or the placenta. It is also often called the afterbirth. Women note that in terms of pain intensity these contractions are not so strong. And they are tolerated quite easily.
After the birth of the afterbirth, we can assume that the process is completely completed. The doctor conducts the necessary hygiene procedures and leaves the woman in labor to rest. However, literally a few hours later, contractions of the uterus after childbirth, which are often called postpartum contractions, will begin.
Why are uterine contractions needed?
During pregnancy, a major restructuring of the work of all organs and systems of a woman occurs. The genital organ is particularly affected. It stretches and increases in volume. Machine tools become thinner and prepare for the appearance of the child.
After childbirth, the reverse conversion process should occur. Contraction of the uterus after childbirth in most cases occurs spontaneously. It is painful in the first week. During this period, a woman may note that she feels mild periodic contractions. What is the term for uterine contractions after childbirth? Allocations will also be considered further.
The first 7 days after the baby
A woman feels contractions of the uterus after childbirth especially strongly. On the first day, the genital organ has a weight of about 1000 grams. In this case, the pharynx is opened by 8-10 centimeters. Painful sensations are especially felt during breastfeeding or stimulation of the nipples. Also, in some cases, doctors prescribe injections with oxytocin. Especially often this drug is recommended for women with multiple or multiple pregnancy and large fetus. What can be said about the discharge during this period?
Postpartum hemorrhage begins immediately after placental discharge. In the first week it is more plentiful and has a bright red color. It is worth noting that conventional hygiene products can not always cope with such secretions. That is why special postpartum pads were invented for women .
Second week after birth
During this period, the contraction of the uterus after birth continues. However, women no longer feel this process so much. At this time, the genital organ has a weight of about 500 grams and is already placed in the small pelvis. If a woman is still taking oxytocin, then she may notice minor pulling pains in the lower abdomen immediately afterwards.
Contraction of the uterus after childbirth (in the second week) also provokes discharge. During this period, they become less abundant and acquire a pale shade. Blood no longer looks like menstrual, it begins to gradually thicken.
Third and fourth week after childbirth
This period is characterized by a uterus weight of 300-400 grams. She still needs to shrink. However, the newly made mother no longer feels pain. Sometimes she may notice that the lower abdomen hardens and secretions come out. Most often this occurs during breastfeeding.
The discharge at this time is already quite light and more reminiscent of orange-pink water. It should be noted that lochia have a specific smell. However, it should not be harsh and unpleasant.
One month after delivery
During this period, the weight of the uterus is from 50 to 100 grams. The reproductive organ has almost returned to normal and decreased. However, the reduction continues. Most often, it happens completely unnoticed by a woman.
Allocations during this period are almost over. However, in some women, they can last up to 6-7 weeks after the birth of the baby. This period depends on how the pregnancy progressed and whether there were complications.
Special cases and complications
It also happens that there is a poor contraction of the uterus after childbirth. Most often, it is caused by the abnormal size of the genital organ, cesarean section, lack of breastfeeding, and so on. At the same time, the woman notes a very profuse discharge and a daily increase in bleeding. Also, a newly mummy can detect the absence of lochia. This indicates a blockage of the cervical canal. Most often this happens after the birth of a child through Caesarean section.
If during the birth process a complication such as placental rejection arose, then the woman undergoes surgery. In especially severe cases, it requires the complete removal of the genital organ. Also, the extirpation of the uterus is performed in case of growing a child's place in its wall. In this case, the timing of postpartum discharge will be slightly different. Reduction in this case does not occur at all, since the organ is removed. However, there are sucrose discharge after surgery. They can last no more than one week, but at the same time they should decrease every day.
If there is a delay in the placenta in the uterine cavity, then most often a woman is prescribed curettage. It is produced under anesthetic several days after the birth. After it, the intensity of discharge and the timing of the reduction of the genital organ may be less. All due to the fact that most of the mucus and blood was separated using medical instruments.
How does the uterus contract after the second birth?
Some women believe that rebirth increases the duration and contractility of the genital organ. However, doctors completely refute this statement.
The timing and intensity of uterine contractions directly depends on how the birth took place and the pregnancy progressed. Moreover, the previous number of births is absolutely irrelevant.
Is it possible to speed up the process?
So, you know how uterine contractions occur after birth. The timing of this process is described above. In order for the reproductive organ to quickly return to its original size and get rid of lochia, some rules must be observed.
- Put your baby to your chest more often. Regular sucking movements stimulate the nipples. This leads to the production of the hormone oxytocin, which is responsible for contractility and strength.
- Use the prescribed medication. If the doctor has prescribed certain drugs for you, then do not neglect them. Most often, intramuscular or sublingual use of oxytocin is recommended. Correction is carried out in the period from three days to two weeks.
- Avoid overheating. Do not bathe in a hot bath and abandon the sauna. All this can provoke increased bleeding and weak contractility of the uterus.
- Observe hygiene. This will help prevent pathogens from entering the uterus that cause inflammation and inhibit contractions.
- Lie on your stomach. Many doctors recommend this position to prevent kink of the isthmus of the genital organ, which can provoke a stop of secretions and clogging of the cervical canal.
- Wear a postpartum brace. This device will help the uterus recover faster due to its correct fixation.
So, you now know the timing of the discharge and painful contractions of the genital organ after childbirth. If there is a strong deviation from the described phenomena, then you should consult a doctor. This will help you avoid future complications. Be healthy!