What should I do if I have painful contractions after an abortion?

Abdominal pain caused by uterine contractions after abortion is called postpartum uterine pain. Women will feel uterine contraction pain one to two days after giving birth, which usually gradually improves and disappears after two to three days. Women have an increased reflex oxytocin secretion due to breastfeeding after giving birth, which will cause the uterine contractions to worsen. This situation causes certain pain to the mother. Let's see what to do if you have uterine contractions after abortion.

1. What are the causes of postpartum uterine contraction pain?

1. The severe paroxysmal pain in the lower abdomen caused by uterine contractions in the early postpartum period is called postpartum uterine contraction pain. Postpartum uterine contraction pain usually occurs 1 to 2 days after delivery, lasts for 2 to 3 days and then disappears naturally. It is more common in multiparous women. The increased reflex secretion of oxytocin during breastfeeding can make the pain worse. The main cause of postpartum uterine contractions is uterine contractions. After delivery, the uterus gradually returns to its normal size through contraction. The pain is more intense for women who have given birth to multiple babies or those who have given birth multiple times, mainly because the uterus can only return to its normal size through strengthened contractions.

2. On the first day after delivery, the uterus maintains its position at the navel and then descends one horizontal finger every day. It will return to its position in the pelvis in 10 to 14 days and return to its normal size in 4 to 6 weeks. For breastfeeding women, when the baby sucks milk, oxytocin is released into the body, stimulating uterine contractions and increasing uterine pain. Postpartum abdominal pain may be cramp-like (especially when breastfeeding), which is caused by the contraction of the uterus in order to allow it to descend normally into the pelvis. This pain will disappear naturally after 4 to 7 days.

2. How to relieve postpartum uterine contraction pain?

1. Change the sleeping position and let the mother sleep on her side, avoid standing or sitting for a long time to reduce pain in this area. It may also be helpful to put a cushion under the mother's buttocks when sitting.

2. Massage the lower abdomen in the first few days after delivery. You or your family can use your palms to apply a little force to help the mother do circular massage until you feel the area harden, so as to promote the discharge of residual substances in the uterine cavity. When the pain is severe, massage can temporarily relax the uterine muscles and relieve pain.

3. Painkillers: If the pain of uterine contractions affects your rest and sleep, you should notify your medical staff. If necessary, mild sedatives can be used to relieve the pain.

4. Psychological care: Use distraction, massage, and deep breathing to eliminate the mother’s nervousness and improve her tolerance to pain.

3. Notes

Use a hot water bottle to apply heat to your lower abdomen for half an hour each time.