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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Managing afterpains?

28 replies

4athomeand1cooking · 01/07/2013 09:02

Number 5 is on it's way and these pains have gotten worse with every child

In fact they are the only thing worrying me about the whole labour experience.

Did anyone find any routine that actually managed to help with these.

Mine tend to peak just like contractions for 3-4 days and baby crying sends them into overdrive.

OP posts:
Hashtagwhatever · 01/07/2013 09:05

Paracetamol 4 hourly on the dot is the only thing I can recommend. Seemed to do the trick with my after pains

Judyandherdreamofhorses · 01/07/2013 09:06

Diclofenac worked for me.

Animol · 01/07/2013 10:20

I'm expecting DC5 in November and I'm not looking forward to them either - they got worse for me too with each one - I think regular paracetamol, gritting your teeth while breastfeeding ( that was always the big trigger for mine) and trying to remember they'll be gone soon. Can you take diclofenac while bf?

littlehelp · 01/07/2013 10:22

After pains? When do you get them I'm due dd2 on wed wasn't aware of after pains Shock

TheFunStopsHere · 01/07/2013 10:30

Pain killers and a hotwater bottle/heat pad helped with mine. Also, the tip I got from the midwives, an empty bladder.
All the best.

Judyandherdreamofhorses · 01/07/2013 10:32

Yes, you can take diclofenac while breastfeeding. I was taking it for episiotomy pain and found it very helpful with afterpains.

Yonididnaedaethat · 01/07/2013 10:33

I'm pregnant with no 4 and must be lucky as I don't think I had after pains before.

Fairydogmother · 01/07/2013 10:34

i'm only expecting my first so cant help you with advice on after pains but diclofenac has been linked to heart attacks - there was an article on the bbc website about it.

Drhamsterstortoise · 01/07/2013 13:41

Littlehelp I think you get them on second and subsequent births.What got me through them was the thought that everyone is helping your uterus shrink back to size.

littlehelp · 01/07/2013 14:04

Another joy of pregnancy then Grin

herethereandeverywhere · 01/07/2013 17:56

Sympathies, they were by far the most painful part of my recovery with DD2, who was delivered by CS! I have no idea what they must ramp up to by the time #5 comes along .

The dicofenac I was taking for the post-cs pain helped a bit but biting down hard on something and hitting myself on the head to distract were the only things I found effective (sorry to be so unhelpful!) Days 3 and 4 were the worst then they vanished.

Oh and please don't worry about the diclofenac scare stories. The risks show up in people with multiple risk factors (such as smoking) and I think increases if taken over a long period (eg: for arthritis) not for short term pain management. If your Dr prescribes it then it will have been deemed safe for you.

RandomMess · 01/07/2013 17:57

Voltarol (is that the same drug as dicofenac?) the hospital prescribed me some to take home with me.

midori1999 · 01/07/2013 18:30

Just whatever pain killers they'll give you. I'm expecting DC7 and am absolutely dreading the afterpains, they were horrendous last time, especially while breastfeeding. Sad

RandomMess · 01/07/2013 18:39

midori mine were worst after dc2 much to my relief with the others, I was screaming and crying in pain Sad

midori1999 · 01/07/2013 18:46

Thanks Random. I'd like to think mine may not be worse then, but they have gotten progressively worse with each baby. Sad Fingers crossed though...

RandomMess · 01/07/2013 18:49

Voltorol definately helped with the next 2, I took everything I could on a strict timetable. I also took loads of arnica remedy the day before labour and during with the last 2 - perhaps that helped??? Certainly had no bruising down below or anything despite having whoppers again.

PensAndPencils · 01/07/2013 18:59

Would a tens machine work? I'm sure I heard of a someone who got hold of some gas and air for at home after the birth of baby 11ish. Not sure if you can get it prescribed?

Original poster
4athomeand1cooking · 02/07/2013 07:40

I used TENS and Paracetomol with DC4 but was doubled over screaming.

I have to say I am full of admiration for those of you who managed to continue breast feeding through them. They were the sole reason I switched to bottles during this time as I was a quivering wreck.

OP posts:
vix206 · 02/07/2013 07:55

I had terrible after pains last time (dc1) triggered by breast feeding. I remember crawling to the door to call dh because I couldn't walk with the searing pain.

10 weeks pg with dc2 and already worrying about next time!!

Twinklestarstwinklestars · 02/07/2013 11:53

I was dreading them with dc3 as they were horrendous with dc2 as I was expressing so I didn't this time until my milk came in and they were nowhere near as bad, obviously not a solution if bf.

DifferentNow · 02/07/2013 22:05

I had DC5 last Saturday and Christ almighty they're awful . I'm staving them off with a paracetamol and ibuprofen combo but am going to see my GP in the morning hopefully for something stronger.

Lovemynailstoday · 02/07/2013 22:14

It's one of those things no one ever warns you about. DC2 was awful--spoiled the whole after glow thingy.

NAR4 · 02/07/2013 22:24

My after pains lasted about 2 wks after dc4 but oddly didn't seem as bad after dc5, so fingers crossed for you.

Hawkmoth · 02/07/2013 22:30

Co-codamol and curling up into a ball. DC3 is 6 days old today.

It's not even just the pain as such, mine made me shake all over so had to deal with the muscle pain and stiffness in legs, back, stomach etc as well.

ANJALI777 · 02/07/2013 23:32

I am a sufferer too. Bloody agony. DS2 due next week and dreading them. THanks OP for posting, good luck xx

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