Pain after caesarean section: causes and treatment

Stomach and stitch pain

Pain after cesarean section in the abdomen and suture area occurs in all women. After all, ACS is an open operation that violates the integrity of tissues and pelvic organs.

Severe pain after a cesarean section usually occurs during the first few days. Then their intensity decreases.

Normally, the suture hurts after a cesarean section and can cause pain from 3 weeks to 6 months.

In addition, in the postoperative period, the healing process of damaged tissue is accompanied by the formation of adhesions, which also provoke abdominal pain.

Symptoms

Women after a cesarean section usually go to the doctor with complaints of pain:

• constant or recurring in the lower abdomen, increasing with exercise;
• in the seam area;
• during sexual intercourse;
• in the uterus.

In addition, patients experience flatulence and problems with bowel movements (constipation).

Bowel problems after caesarean section

Most women who had a caesarean section experienced some problems with their intestines after surgery. The appearance of problems with stool after cesarean section is often associated with other postoperative complications, which only complicates the period of postpartum rehabilitation.

Why does constipation occur after cesarean section?

Patients often complain to doctors that an attempt to defecate ends in serious pain, which after a cesarean section can be caused by traumatic damage to the muscle tissue of the peritoneum. Sometimes the causes of pain come down to psychological factors, i.e.

The postpartum woman, due to fear of suture divergence, provokes a spasm of the anal muscles, which causes pain during bowel movements. Sometimes the causes of painful bowel movements are caused by a phenomenon such as constipation, which significantly spoils the first joy of motherhood and interferes with the passage of intestinal gases.

For some mothers, this problem persists for a fairly long postoperative period.

Experts name several reasons explaining the occurrence of this complication:

1. Intestinal paresis, which is characterized by fading of intestinal activity and slowing of motor activity. This reaction of intestinal structures is quite logical and natural during surgical interventions in the abdominal cavity, especially with the use of general anesthesia. Additional signs of intestinal paresis are cramp-like painful sensations, lack of passage of feces and gases, uneven bloating of the abdominal area, etc. This condition is typical for the first postoperative days. A similar picture is not dangerous if observed in the first 3 days after a cesarean section, because even before the operation the woman is given a cleansing enema and is forbidden to eat during this period. Normally, postoperative emptying should be expected approximately on the third day of the postpartum period, and if this does not happen, then the woman is given an enema again.
2. In the late postoperative stages, problems with the intestines can be caused by an adhesive process, which significantly worsens intestinal motility. Adhesions consist of the same tissues as scars, i.e. they have a connective tissue base. They are located between intraorganic structures in the abdominal localization and are a consequence of the protective reaction that occurs in the body to surgical intervention. Adhesions actually limit the possibility of inflammation spreading in the cavity where the intervention was performed. But even such seemingly good-intentioned adhesive processes have their drawbacks. The inelasticity and density of such adhesions leads to disruptions in the activity of the fused pelvic organs. Such fusion of the intestinal sections can lead to their obstruction, causing constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and other intestinal troubles.

Additional factors

If doctors have tried several ways to normalize stool and none of them gave the desired result, then there is every reason to assume the development of an active adhesive process, which can only be eliminated with the help of surgical manipulations.

However, in such an advanced form, such a phenomenon is quite rare.

Such fusion can be avoided through physical activity; the sooner the mother gets out of bed and moves, the sooner recovery will occur and adhesive processes will be prevented.

Another cause of constipation after cesarean section is weakened muscle tissue of the peritoneum, which is observed in all childbirths, regardless of their tactics. As a result, the patient cannot create the necessary pressure in the intestine to move stool.

But the most important factor in such a complication is the wrong approach to shaping the diet of a postpartum woman. Food like sandwiches and other dry foods cannot have a positive effect on intestinal motility, so with this approach, every attempt to defecate literally ends in torture.

The development of constipation can be triggered by excessively weakened muscles, hemorrhoids, lack of activity, low intestinal motility, insufficient water consumption and poor nutrition, change in the location of the intestines, etc.

Signs of a problem developing

As already mentioned, the cause of this problem is usually an incorrectly formulated and irregular diet. But if problems with bowel movements are accompanied by additional manifestations, then nutrition has nothing to do with it at all.

Such signs include the absence of bowel movements for 2 or more days.

Confirms the pathological etiology of constipation and discomfort in the left peritoneum or its cavity as a whole, flatulence, a feeling of fullness and distension of the intestinal structures.

A sign of serious constipation is pain and other difficulties with bowel movements such as too small or too large portions, etc. Belching, lack of appetite, nausea attacks, apathy and fatigue, irritability, soreness of the anus, cracks and bleeding from the anus - all this indicates a complex origin intestinal problem.

The clinical picture of constipation is determined by its form, of which there are 2 types: atonic and spastic. Atonic constipation is most typical for cesarean section. They have a rare desire to defecate.

Feces stagnate in the intestinal structures and harden, which is why subsequent release is accompanied by intense pain. Spastic constipation has psychological reasons for its development and is caused by the presence of intestinal bowel movements before the upcoming one.

The patient feels that if she strains, she may damage the postoperative sutures. Therefore, when you want to empty your bowels, spontaneous contraction of the sphincter occurs.

Danger of constipation

Constipation directly leads to the occurrence of anal fissures and hemorrhoids, so such conditions must be eliminated as soon as possible.

When hemorrhoids develop, various toxins penetrate into the resulting wounds. Where do they come from? From feces, in which they are formed due to prolonged intraintestinal retention.

From there, toxic substances enter the bloodstream and cause general organic intoxication.

Such conditions overload the liver, which immediately affects appearance and general health.

The woman is in a constant state of fatigue and exhaustion, her skin is pale, dry, and there may be signs of hair loss.

If in such a situation a woman breastfeeds her baby, then toxins with milk can enter his body. Therefore, problems with the intestines need to be resolved immediately after childbirth, before the onset of full lactation.

Ways to restore intestinal activity

To begin with, at the first signs of constipation, mom can try to solve the problem on her own. If you can’t cope with constipation, you will have to seek medical help, otherwise the body will suffer seriously due to the toxic effects.

Constant worry and discomfort in the intestines, painful sensations in the abdomen - all this steadily leads to a complete cessation of lactation and a worsening of the overall picture of the condition.

To restore full intestinal activity, traditional medications, nutritional correction and home tricks can be used.

Traditional medicine

The approach to treatment with traditional medications requires careful attention when prescribing drugs to lactating women, because not all of them are approved for use. In general, the following medications are prescribed:

• Fortrans or Forlax. Powder for the preparation of a drinking solution with the main active ingredient in the form of macrogol. The drug liquefies fecal deposits and promotes their natural release. Take in a dosage of 1 sachet per day.
• Duphalac, Normaze, Portalac. These are drugs containing a lactulose component that stimulate intestinal activity, soften and remove feces along with toxins. You need to take this drug in a dosage of 1-3 sachets per day.

If a woman does not breastfeed her baby, then medications such as Gutalax, Regulax, Dr. Theiss or Bisacodyl can be used for treatment.

You can also use rectal suppositories like Glycelax, suppositories with sea buckthorn, Calciolax or Ferrolax to treat stool. Suppositories are administered daily, following the instructions.

The main thing is not to overdo it, strictly following the recommended dosages, otherwise constipation can gradually turn into diarrhea, which is also a rather unpleasant condition.

Nutrition

During the postpartum recovery process, it is important to follow the principles of special dietary nutrition, which will help normalize all organic functions.

Such a diet involves eating foods enriched with fiber, for example, steamed vegetables, bran bread, dietary meat or dairy products. Water-based liquid porridges, kefir, oven-baked apples - all this should be eaten more often.

Olive oil also has a laxative effect. But fried foods and white bread should be avoided.

Home methods

There are many methods against constipation, which are based on the knowledge of traditional medicine. Decoctions of figs or mixtures of cumin, anise and fennel have a laxative effect.

Also helping to cope with constipation is a herbal mixture of components such as chamomile flowers and strawberries, mint and anise, and nettle leaves. But without fanaticism. You should definitely discuss the prescription with your doctor, because everything you eat or drink will enter your baby’s body.

When the seam heals and stops getting wet, you can perform a special massage for the abdominal area.

Prevention of constipation after surgical delivery

The postpartum mother needs to begin measures to prevent postoperative constipation even before transfer to the postpartum ward. To do this, it is recommended to drink sufficient volumes of liquid, which are at least 2 liters per day. Meals need to be planned by the hour. Taking boiled vegetables as the basis of the diet.

Start getting up as early as possible, such activity will help you recover faster. Constant exercise is also beneficial for the intestines, i.e. special exercises. You need to lie down on your right side, extend your lower limb, bend your upper limb at the knee and press it to your chest.

If you take this position more often, the intraintestinal pressure will increase, which stimulates intestinal activity.

There is no need to be ashamed of problems, even such delicate ones as constipation, because they may indicate adhesions, tumor processes or malignant intestinal obstruction.

Source: https://JdemBaby.com/rody/cesarean/problemy-so-stulom-posle-kesareva-secheniya.html

Back and lower back pain

In obstetrics, there are many cases where a woman in labor has a back pain after a cesarean section. This is natural, because the back area and spinal column bear increased load during pregnancy. Doctors identify several reasons that contribute to back problems in nursing mothers.

Neurological Pain

Muscle strain, pinched nerve endings, problems with the joint system are possible postpartum pathologies.

Clinical picture of a young mother:

• lower back pain after cesarean section, especially when moving or lifting heavy objects;
• Sharp and sudden “shots” occur.

Sides hurt after cesarean

Some mothers have pain in their sides after a cesarean section. What is this connected with?

Common reasons

ACS is an abdominal surgical intervention that disrupts the structure and functions of the internal systems of the body. Pain in the sides of various types is often observed after surgery. Their causes are adhesions, temporary intestinal dysfunction and diseases of other etiologies.

With a narrower examination, specific pathologies are identified that are prerequisites for right-sided or left-sided pain syndrome.

Headache

Spinal anesthesia used by obstetricians and gynecologists has a significant side effect - the risk of post-puncture (postdural) headache (PDPH).

Studies have shown that one of the “provocateurs” of headaches after cesarean section are needles for puncture of the largest caliber.

Manifestations of cranialgia are well known in medicine:

• pain of a pulsating nature, bilateral and symmetrical;
• headache constantly;
• in the “lying” position, the intensity of the pain onslaught decreases, and in the “standing” position – vice versa.

In the case of PDPH, the head may hurt after a cesarean section from several days to two weeks. In general, the prognosis is considered favorable. The vast majority of cases resolve on their own. In some cases, unpleasant consequences remain and require medical intervention.

In the maternity ward, specialist doctors always take into account the general condition and information in the medical history of the admitted patient as part of the differential diagnosis.

Along with post-injection cranialgia in a woman in labor, the following may be detected:

• migraine – intense unilateral headaches, photophobia, odor aversion, nausea;
• hypertension - heaviness and pain in the fronto-occipital part of the head, feeling of heat, tachycardia;
• infectious meningitis - increased body temperature, headache, cervical numbness, blurred vision, vomiting.

Women who suffered from headaches before pregnancy are under special medical supervision.

After examination and diagnosis, the patient is prescribed symptomatic therapy using medications.

The success of recovery after a cesarean section depends on the specific diagnosis, the course of prescribed therapy, individual characteristics and the general condition of the female body.

Surgical childbirth is a difficult test for the female body. However, if you follow all medical instructions, take a responsible attitude towards your own health and receive attention from your family, this period will end happily for the young mother.

Photo: ru.freepik.com, pixabay.com/ru

Abdominal pain 3 months after cesarean section. Stomach hurts after caesarean section, what to do

A woman who has given birth through surgery should take special care to monitor her health and monitor how steadily her body is recovering.

To do this, she needs to know how much discharge there is, when lactation should begin, how correctly the suture is tightened and, most importantly, how long the stomach normally hurts after a cesarean section. The nature of the pain, as well as the location of its localization, can be different.

In the first days after childbirth, they practically do not stop and are felt quite strongly. But if enough time has passed after a caesarean section, and the pain makes itself felt again, it is imperative to find out its causes.

How much does your stomach hurt after a caesarean section?

As after any surgical intervention, a woman after a CS will have to go through a period of rehabilitation. After all, in order to remove the child from the uterus, the surgeon cuts the skin on the abdomen and internal organs layer by layer, then applies sutures. Therefore, it is quite logical that after a cesarean section the stomach hurts and discomfort occurs.

In the first few days, while the young mother is in the intensive care unit, painful sensations are considered normal. At this time, they are treated with medications prescribed by the attending physician. In addition, the woman in labor can be given vitamin compounds to generally strengthen the body, and antibiotics to minimize the risk of inflammatory processes in the uterus.

Sometimes it is necessary to infuse patients with blood plasma if there has been blood loss.

How long does your stomach hurt after a cesarean section?

1 monthfrom 2 months

After 3-4 days, the pain is significantly dulled, and after another week it should not be there at all.

Otherwise, it is imperative to consult a doctor, especially when painful sensations are accompanied by high fever, strange discharge from the suture, or red secretion with an unpleasant odor from the vagina.

Only a specialist will be able to correctly determine the cause of this phenomenon and prescribe therapy to eliminate it. The gynecologist needs to be told all the details - how much and how badly the stomach hurts after a cesarean section, what else is bothering you, and what additional symptoms are present.

How is a caesarean section performed?

The operation is performed in several stages:

• the doctor makes an incision in the abdominal wall, more often a transverse one above the pubis, less often a longitudinal one from the navel and below;
• removes the child by the head, leg or pelvic fold;
• gives the baby to the obstetrician, cuts the umbilical cord between the clamps;
• removes afterbirth;
• sews up the incision.

When a caesarean section is performed under general anesthesia, the woman does not experience any sensations, as she is in an unconscious state. With regional anesthesia, sensation is lost from the chest to the knees. This feeling often frightens women, as it seems that there are no legs at all or that they are not their own.

Anesthetics not only relieve pain, but also reduce blood pressure, so after administration of the drug, weakness, dizziness, and darkening of the eyes often occur. In rare cases, there may be a feeling of shortness of breath associated with the effect of the administered drugs on the chest muscles, as well as trembling and insufficient reduction in pain sensitivity.

All these conditions (except for trembling and loss of sensation) are corrected by an anesthesiologist: he can inject saline and blood pressure-increasing drugs into a vein, apply an oxygen mask, add an amount of anesthetic, or change the type of anesthesia.

Cause of abdominal pain after caesarean section

The reasons why abdominal pain occurs at first after a cesarean section may be different. Here everything depends on the age of the woman, and on how many births she had previously, how the pregnancy proceeded, and the process of delivery itself.

So the problem may be caused by:

1. Features of postpartum suture healing. The anesthesia used during surgery does not leave the body immediately. Therefore, the first few hours after the baby is born, the young mother may not feel pain at all. But when the anesthesia wears off completely, the wound will bother you for quite a long time. The intensity of pain can vary depending on the pain threshold of an individual woman and the number of uterine surgeries she has undergone. If a CS was done for the first time, then the suture will take longer to heal and ache than for a second-bearing mother. Severe painful symptoms should normally disappear after three days, but tingling in the suture area can take up to two weeks to make itself felt.
2. Malfunctions of the intestines. The accumulation of gases in the intestines is a common occurrence after a CS. This can cause severe discomfort and bothersome abdominal pain. The bottom line is that any operation causes disturbances in peristalsis. As a result, food moves slowly, bloating begins, causing sharp and sharp pain. The reason may also be the formation of postpartum adhesions that appear between the internal organs and intestinal loops.
3. Involution of the uterus. It is known that after natural delivery the uterus begins to contract, and because of this, pain occurs in the lower abdomen, very similar to those that accompany menstruation. Despite the fact that with CS the process of giving birth to a baby is radically different, the body’s reaction is the same in both cases. That is, the uterus is also actively contracting and the sensations are similar. The primary influence on the process is the hormone oxytocin, which is intensively produced by the body during lactation. If the pain is unbearable and continues constantly, you should definitely inform your doctor about it to exclude possible complications.
4. Physiological processes . Immediately after a CS, the suture may react with acute pain to the slightest movement, be it even inhalation and exhalation, sneezing or coughing. You need to try to endure these unpleasant sensations and, despite the discomfort, minimize the time spent in a lying position, since the lack of physical activity only further delays the recovery process.
5. Complications. Among the most possible is endometritis or, in other words, an inflammatory process in the uterine cavity. We also cannot rule out seam divergence, which will certainly cause severe pain.

I have listed just a few factors that most often cause pain. There can be many more reasons and they are all individual. It is impossible to make a diagnosis remotely, relying only on the woman’s feelings and general symptoms. Therefore, a detailed examination and testing are necessary measures.

Types of constipation

Based on the principle of occurrence, constipation is divided into two types:

Atonic . It is characterized by a general decrease in the tone of the intestinal muscles, as a result of which its motor activity is disrupted and the normal movement of food masses in the body becomes difficult.

This type of constipation is characterized by:

• formation of a large amount of gases;
• feeling of fullness in the intestines;
• aching and pulling pain;
• decreased activity, depressed mood, apathy.

In the case of defecation (the process of excreting feces), with the atonic type of constipation, a large amount of feces is released. The first part is formed, of a dense consistency, the last part is of a liquefied form.

The process of defecation is painful, often accompanied by tearing of the mucous membranes of the rectum. There are bloody or mucous clots in the stool.

Spastic . Often due to the psychological state of the woman. In this case, the tone of the intestinal muscles, on the contrary, is increased, and compression of the intestine leads to sluggish peristalsis.

• pain occurs mainly on the left side of the abdomen and is paroxysmal in nature;
• gas formation is increased, flatulence is present;
• nausea, lethargy;
• lack of appetite;
• irritability.

The stool is shaped like small round fecal stones. There is a desire to go to the toilet frequently, but defecation is difficult.

What to do? How to help the body?

Source: https://housewives-school.ru/zdorove/bolit-zhivot-posle-ks.html