Upper Stomach Pain After C-section: What Should You Do?

Upper Stomach Pain After C-section: What Should You Do?

Following a cesarean section, it is typical to experience some bleeding, discomfort, and fatigue. Usually, all it takes is some time, rest, and self-help. After the birth of their baby, most new mothers experience a complete and quick recovery. However, sometimes postpartum complications and health issues, like sudden blood loss, high fever, headache, leg pain, and stomach pain, do arise and necessitate emergency assistance.

After giving birth, you undoubtedly anticipate being sore and exhausted, but you might not anticipate experiencing stomach pains. Upper stomach pain usually results from postpartum discomfort, constipation, or healing from a cesarean section during the postpartum period (the first six weeks following delivery). It is typically not dangerous, despite being uncomfortable.

Here are the most common causes of upper stomach pain after delivery. You will also learn how to take care of yourself and your newborn while managing it and symptom relief.

Read more: Yoga After C-section: Recommended Poses – Tips for Health Care

Why Will You Suffer Upper Stomach Pain After a C-section?

C-section Afterbirth

Afterpains may initially surprise you if you are a new parent. Afterpains are postpartum cramps that start soon after giving birth and last for a few weeks. After a vaginal delivery, applying ice to the perineum and labia for the first 24 hours can ease pain and swelling.

Many people continue to have contractions for several days after giving birth. They frequently resemble period cramps. As your uterus returns to normal size, you will experience these contractions. The uterus weighs about 2.5 pounds right after delivery, but after a few weeks, it only weighs a few ounces.

The hormone oxytocin is released during breastfeeding, which may make these upper stomach contractions feel stronger. The pain from the cramps actually helps to control excessive blood loss and postpartum bleeding.

Upper Stomach Pain After C-section: What Should You Do?

C-section Healing

Being a surgical procedure, a C-section carries some risk of infection. The main causes of infections are poor hygiene and insufficient wound care. A post-cesarean infection frequently manifests as redness, swelling, lower abdominal pain, and fever. Visit a doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Following a C-section, upper stomach pain is another possibility. Since the internal wounds and incision are still healing, mild cramping is typical. Additionally typical is some soreness or pain near the incision, especially in the first few days.

Constipation

Constipation may also result in upper stomach pain. Finding the root of your symptoms will help you determine the most effective course of action for treating constipation after giving birth.

Reasons for upper constipation include:

  • Low-fiber diet
  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress
  • Reduced physical activity after delivery
  • Vaginal tears or a bruised perineum (the area between the anus and the vagina) from labor
  • Hemorrhoids (which are common during pregnancy as well as during the postpartum period)
  • Pain at an episiotomy site

Medication is yet another factor that may be to blame for constipation following delivery. Constipation can be brought on by or made worse by certain medications, including anesthesia and opioids used to treat upper stomach pain following labor or a C-section4.

How to Fix Upper Stomach Pain After a C-section?

For C-section Afterbirth

Although you can’t stop the aftereffects, it’s crucial that your uterus shrinks and returns to its pre-pregnancy size. The use of a warm heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen can be used to relieve any after-pain. If your doctor gives the all-clear, you may want to take an over-the-counter NSAID, such as Motrin (ibuprofen), or another NSAID to treat upper stomach pain.

For C-section Healing

The best thing you can do following a C-section is to make sure you get enough rest and refrain from overtaxing your abdominal muscles. Do not lift anything heavier than your child.

If you underwent a C-section, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and take painkillers as prescribed while recovering from childbirth. Ask friends and family to assist with meals, housework, and other errands while you recover from your incision (as long as they don’t interfere with your need for rest, of course).

To handle larger tasks like yard work, shopping, and cleaning, if at all possible, hire professionals. That will give you the time and energy to concentrate on your recovery and your new child.

Upper Stomach Pain After C-section: What Should You Do?

For Constipation

Constipation can be avoided by eating a lot of fiber-rich foods (like whole grains, beans, nuts, and fruits and vegetables) and drinking lots of water throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Your upper stomach pain may be relieved by eating enough fiber and drinking plenty of water. Exercise is another option if necessary.

Ask a healthcare professional if it is safe for you to engage in physical activity before you begin. Depending on the type of delivery you had and how active you were before and during pregnancy, you can determine when you can resume exercising. Begin by going for brief strolls. You should both get some fresh air, so put your infant in a stroller or carrier and go outside.

If you have hemorrhoids, taking warm sitz baths might help. Additionally, you can get relief from upper stomach pain in the vaginal or anal region by applying ice packs or over-the-counter painkillers (again, consult your doctor or pediatrician before using anything, especially if you are breastfeeding).

How Long Does the Upper Stomach Pain Last After a C-section?

If you had a vaginal delivery, upper stomach or pelvic pain will likely fade after eight to ten days. For the first few weeks, particularly if you’re breastfeeding, you might have cramps. The pain should disappear by your first postpartum checkup, which is usually around six weeks after the delivery. Inform a medical professional if your postpartum sharp abdominal pain persists.

If you had a C-section, the upper stomach pain may last a bit longer. Make sure to care for your scar according to the instructions from your healthcare provider or midwife.

Final Thoughts

You may experience upper stomach pain after a C-section as a result of constipation, post-operative recovery, and afterbirth, but the right exercises or enough rest can help relieve your pain.
The postpartum period is one of adjustment and healing. It’s not always easy, both physically and emotionally, even when you receive assistance. Get as much rest as you can while also attempting to treat your symptoms proactively.

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