-By Bushra Hatahet, UK-Trained Clinical Midwife
Bringing your baby into the world is an incredible achievement, but it is completely normal to experience some discomfort as your body begins to heal. Every woman’s recovery is unique, and the amount of pain you experience will depend on the type of birth you had, whether you required stitches, and your individual healing process.
Most women notice that the discomfort gradually improves over the first few weeks after birth. Understanding what is normal, knowing how to manage your pain safely, and recognising when pain may indicate a problem can help you feel more confident during your recovery.
Remember, effective pain relief is not only about keeping you comfortable—it also helps you move more easily, care for your baby, establish breastfeeding and begin your recovery.
Pregnancy and childbirth place significant demands on your body. During labour, your muscles, ligaments and tissues stretch considerably, and after birth they begin the process of healing.
You may experience discomfort from:
Most of these symptoms improve steadily over the first few days and weeks.
If you have had a vaginal birth, it is common for your perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) to feel sore, swollen or bruised.
The discomfort may be greater if you experienced:
Many women describe the pain as a bruised, aching or stinging sensation, particularly when sitting down or standing up.
This discomfort usually improves significantly during the first two weeks, although deeper tears may take longer to heal completely.
After your baby is born, your uterus begins contracting back to its pre-pregnancy size.
These contractions are known as afterpains.
Many women describe them as period-like cramps.
Afterpains are often stronger:
Although uncomfortable, these contractions are a positive sign that your uterus is healing and reducing the risk of excessive bleeding.
If you have had a caesarean birth, it is normal to experience discomfort around your abdominal wound.
You may notice:
Good pain relief allows you to move comfortably, walk safely and care for your baby, all of which are important for your recovery and help reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots.
Labour is physically demanding.
Many women experience aching muscles after birth, particularly in the:
This is especially common after a long labour or prolonged pushing.
These aches usually improve over several days with rest, gentle movement and regular pain relief if needed.
Haemorrhoids (piles) are swollen veins around the anus that commonly develop during pregnancy and childbirth.
They may cause:
Keeping your stools soft, drinking plenty of fluids and using any recommended creams or suppositories can help improve symptoms.
As your milk comes in, your breasts may feel:
This usually settles once breastfeeding becomes established.
Some women also experience sore nipples during the early days of breastfeeding.
Persistent nipple pain is often caused by an attachment or positioning issue rather than breastfeeding itself. Your midwife or infant feeding specialist can assess your baby’s latch and provide support if needed.
There are several safe and effective medications that can help manage pain after birth. Your healthcare professional will recommend the most appropriate option based on your individual needs.
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Paracetamol
Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used pain relief medications after birth.
It helps relieve:
When taken at the recommended dose, paracetamol is considered safe during breastfeeding.
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Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
It helps reduce both pain and inflammation and is particularly effective for:
Ibuprofen is generally considered safe while breastfeeding.
However, it may not be suitable for women with certain medical conditions such as stomach ulcers, severe asthma, kidney disease or some bleeding disorders. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional.
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Stronger Pain Relief
Some women, particularly after a caesarean birth or more complex vaginal birth, may require stronger pain relief.
This may include medications such as codeine, tramadol or morphine for a short period.
These medications can cause side effects including:
Some opioid medications are not routinely recommended during breastfeeding because they may affect your baby. Your healthcare team will prescribe the safest option if stronger pain relief is required.
Never take medication that has not been prescribed or recommended by your healthcare professional.
Cold therapy can be very effective during the first 24–48 hours after birth.
Ice packs help reduce:
Always wrap ice packs in a clean cloth and avoid placing ice directly onto the skin.
Use for around 10–20 minutes at a time, allowing the skin to return to normal temperature between applications.
Once advised by your healthcare professional, warm baths or sitz baths can help:
The water should be warm rather than hot, and the bath should be kept clean to reduce the risk of infection.
Simple changes in position can significantly improve comfort.
When sitting:
When lying down:
If you have had a caesarean birth, supporting your wound with a pillow when coughing, laughing or sneezing may reduce discomfort.
Although rest is important, gentle movement also plays a valuable role in recovery.
Short walks around your home can:
Avoid strenuous exercise until advised by your healthcare professional.
If you have stitches, keeping the area clean will help promote healing.
You should:
Stitches usually dissolve naturally over several weeks and do not normally need to be removed.
Pain can feel more difficult to manage if you are tired, anxious or overwhelmed.
The early days with a newborn are physically and emotionally demanding.
Try to:
Looking after your emotional wellbeing is an important part of your physical recovery.
Pain should gradually improve each day.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
Early assessment can identify problems such as infection or wound complications before they become more serious.
Yes. Many women continue taking regular pain relief for several days after birth, particularly if they have had stitches or a caesarean birth. The amount you need should gradually reduce as healing progresses.
Breastfeeding often causes temporary uterine cramps during the first few days because oxytocin helps the uterus contract. Although uncomfortable, these afterpains are a normal part of recovery and usually settle within a few days.
Most women notice significant improvement within one to two weeks. Deeper tears may remain tender for longer, but discomfort should steadily improve rather than worsen.
Many commonly used pain relief medications, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Always take medicines exactly as advised by your healthcare professional.
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