afterpains

[benandoli]

I am pregnant with DC4. Is it true that afterpains are worse with number 4?

I think they are supposed to be stronger with the 2nd child (mine were), but round that same level for all subsequent children.
This may be because BF establishes faster with 2nd/subsequent DC, and the hormones released by BF cause strong after pains, as they cause the uterus to cramp down to it's previous size.

I was told they get worse with each pregnancy. Mine were awful - nearly on a par with labour - with DD2. For that reason alone I am relieved that DD2 will be my last child.

Sorry, not very encouraging from me Am sure someone will be along to reassure you. And congratulations on your pregnancy

Hi rindercella, well, I did get told that too by some people - but ds3 was no worse than ds2, so I'm hopeful that will also be the case for ds4, due in Oct.

DS2 was A LOT worse than ds1 though - really strong pains, but MW said the stronger the faster it shuts down all the blood vessels and extra tissue that grew during the preg, and the less risk of problems??? Or maybe she was just putting a positive slant on things, who knows.

I have 4 children. Number 2 was definitely the worst - by ten fold.

My 3rd was the worst by far, I had to take pain killers for the pains!

Also found it strange that the pains were worse when I fed him, even though he was FF!

The midwife said it must have been a subconcious thing!

I am also pg with DC4 and very anxious about the afterpains, to the point where I am considering asking for a an anaesthetist referral to discuss analgesia. Mine have just got worse and worse, with DD3 I actually had to stop feeding her, dislatch (?) her and "breathe" through the pain. It was as bad in parts as labour. I am really bothered by it happening again.