The pains which succeed childbirth, as in expelling the afterbirth.
sharp abdominal pains caused by the uterus contracting after delivery. It is normal and desirable for the uterus to contract as it returns to its pre-pregnancy size. Afterpains are most common during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. Afterpains typically subside by the third day.
pains felt by a woman after her baby is born; associated with contractions of the uterus
Uterine contractions that may cause discomfort after delivery, especially during nursing. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, which may lead to cramping.
Cramping triggered by the contractions of the uterus in the postpartum phase as it shrinks and makes its normal descent back into the pelvis.
After the baby is born the womb, or uterus, shrinks back to almost the same size as it was before pregnancy. Breastfeeding helps this process as the hormones produced while feeding also make the uterus contract. Afterpains tend to be stronger with second and later babies and some women need to take paracetamol to help them cope with the pains for the first few days.
normal contractions of the uterus after childbirth that usually occur for the first few days after delivery
