When do postpartum cramps stop

[Gerdticker]

I’m day 5 post partum, after a straightforward vaginal birth in the water.

After no pain for 2 days, Suddenly my cramps have started badly this evening, right down low in my uterus area, in the middle. It’s a constant strong ache.

I think this is probably normal? But just wanted to ask anyone else’s experience?

I’m bleeding still of course but not crazy amounts, so not too worried about that

How long did everyone else’s cramping go on for?
Thanks guys :)

Ohhh not soon enough!!! And worse with subsequent pregnancies apparently. With DC1 mine were pretty light and just a few days. With DC2 they were stronger and I think I remember them bothering me on and off for around 3-4 weeks? All a bit of a blur though! I think you’re doing the right thing to monitor the bleeding first and foremost, and mention it anyway to your health visitor next time you’re speaking and/or if they get much worse.

DD 1 just a day or so after delivery, hardly any pain. DD 2 A max three days after delivery, first day was painful, I woke myself up moaning in sleep. Apparently the fourth kid is hell. I’m stopping at 2!

Take paracetamol? Worked for me

Mine started within about 12 hours of birth, maybe less with my first and probably lasted about 2 days, but not constantly. I did think it was worse with the second but thought maybe I was just forgetting. I'm dreading g this third one now 😫

I had the worst pains after my babies. I honestly felt they were worse than contractions and was dying for stornger painkillers. I couldn't believe no one had told me about them so I could have mentally prepared myself.
I think mine lasted a week or so. First couple of days were agony but they eased off.

Congratulations on the baby and hope you recover soon!

Thank you everyone, that’s a big help

I’ve had some paracetamol and a little red wine and feel loads better

I think around a week! I just kept chugging the painkillers down every day 🤣

They're the result of your womb shrinking back down, so not a bad thing, but painful as you say. I especially found they ramped up when breastfeeding.
Take the recommended painkillers. They do stop eventually. (The red flags to be worried are heavy bleeding and / or large clots - that combined with pain should be seen by a HCP urgently.)
Congratulations on your new baby!

If you're breastfeeding you get awful cramps as you start to feed. Very off putting.

I didn't notice mine with baby #1. For baby #2 I think I noticed them for a week, especially when feeding. I just took OTC painkillers as needed, but it does seem that they get worse with each birth. I think they'll keep on until your uterus is mostly done shrinking down again, tbh.