It’s normal to feel a range of pain levels as your body readjusts to life post-baby. Afterpains are the most common cause of this discomfort, and usually feel like menstrual cramps or labor contractions. They are caused by your uterus shrinking down to its normal size.
Afterpains are the strongest around days two and three postpartum, and may last for up to ten days. This pain could be mild, moderate, or severe– everyone is different. You may also have some soreness and pain around your vagina and episiotomy or perineal tears, if you had any.
To help manage the pain, use a heating pad or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin. If your pain is severe or you’re struggling to manage, it might be a good time to reach out to your healthcare provider.
