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Abdominal/ tummy pain after you've had your baby

Abdominal or tummy pains may have a number of causes after the birth of your baby. The most common causes are after pains, UTIs (urinary tract infection - an infection of your bladder or kidneys resulting in pain when you pee), an infection in your womb (uterus), or pain following a caesarean section.

 

Self care

Continue providing care at home. If you are still concerned call your GP or NHS 111 – dial 111

After pains

After pains following birth are normal and not a cause for concern. You may notice these are worse when you have had more than one child and during a breastfeed. You should expect after pains to improve day by day as your uterus returns to its normal size. Taking regular paracetamol (1g every 4-6 hours- not exceeding 4g in 24hrs) and ibuprofen (300–400 mg 3–4 times a day) will help with the discomfort.

Constipation

If you become constipated you may experience pain/cramp in your pelvis; you may also notice that your blood loss (lochia) is slightly heavier or redder in colour when you attempt to open your bowels. You might also pass small blood clots (the size of your little fingernail). Increasing your water and dietary fibre intake should provide relief or an over the counter gentle laxative. Contact your GP if this does not resolve.

Post Caesarean Section

It is normal to experience post caesarean section abdominal discomfort which should improve when taking regular pain killers. This should improve day by day but mild discomfort may be experienced for up to 6 weeks. Please click here for more information about post caesarean recovery.

Red

If you have any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing or severe breathlessness
  • Difficulty waking up / unable to rouse - cannot be woken up at all
  • Vaginal bleeding that is getting much worse or heavy bleeding (bright red and flowing constantly, soaking your sanitary towel and clothes)
  • Any change to your speech including slurred speech
  • Any change to your thinking including confusion

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

Amber

If you have any of the following:

  • Your blood loss is not normal according to this guide.
  • Your abdominal pain does not improve within 4 hours of taking oral pain killers (paracetamol and ibuprofen as directed)
  • Your blood loss has developed an unpleasant smell, despite having recently had a bath or shower and changed your sanitary towel.
  • Extreme shivering or muscle pain; passing no urine (in a day); Skin mottled or discoloured
  • Unpleasant discharge from your caesarean section wound.

Please ring your maternity unit within the next hour.

  • Frequency and pain / discomfort on passing urine which does not improve when well hydrated (drinking to thirst).
  • Vomiting more than once
  • Passing diarrhoea or watery stools more than three times a day

You need to contact a Doctor today

 

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

 

Green

Self care at home if:

  • You are experiencing after pains (see below) and your blood loss normal
  • You have mild constipation (see below)
  • Your pain is relieved within 4 hours of taking pain killers (paracetamol and ibuprofen as directed).

Self care

Continue providing care at home. If you are still concerned, call NHS 111 – dial 111