Caesarean Related Pains & Discomforts

Out of the hundreds of emails I have received thus far, the most commonly asked questions are
about the pains and discomforts experienced after undergoing a Caesarean Section. Many women
are unsure what pains are normal, what discomforts are common, and how long they should last.
Recovering from a Caesarean is indeed painful, and it is very important to distinguish between a
normal pain or discomfort and one that can signify something serious.

After a Caesarean women in general will experience similar pain and discomfort. The onset of the
pain begins as the uterus begins contracting down to its original size. The feeling is like a
menstrual cramp, and can cause pain and discomfort. This sensation is normal however and
usually eases off within 24-48 hours.

The real pain and discomfort begins when those first steps are taken. The pain feels like a burning
sensation as well as sharp pains that extend from the incision into the lower abdominal area.
Experiencing this pain can actually deter some women from getting out of bed and moving.
However, it is essential that a woman begins moving as soon as possible to help with the recovery
process.

The pain experienced when trying to walk will make many women walk hunched over. Standing
up straight causes a feeling of burning and tearing in the incision area. All of these pains are
normal. Fortunately the pain will ease up gradually, and walking straight won't be as painful.

As recovery progresses, the sharp burning pains ease off and new discomforts may set in. Most of
these new discomforts are located in and around the incision. The most important thing to
remember is that if the pain surpasses the normal pains you experience, or if they are
accompanied by fever, chills, heavy bleeding, or dizziness, you need to contact a physician.

Achiness: An aching sensation in the incision area is normal. Both nerves and muscles are cut
during a Caesarean. During the healing process, those muscles surrounding the incision are can
ache as they heal.

Numbness: Numbness in and around the incision area can be a startling sensation for many
women. The area directly beneath, above and to the sides of the incision will be numb. Many
women never regain any sensation in those areas. When you place your fingertips on those areas
and rub, chances are you won't feel it! This too is completely normal and a result from the cut
nerves.

Itching: As the incision heals, itching will occur. However, even after the incision has healed,
many women will still continue to experience itching in and around the incision. Unfortunately,
because of the numbness, scratching those areas will provide little relief. Itching is in most cases
normal. However, if it is accompanied by fever, chills, drainage, or dizziness, contact your
physician as it may be a sign of a possible infection.

Cramping: As I mentioned earlier in this article, cramping begins immediately after the
Caesarean as the uterus contracts back to its normal size. This cramping can actually occur during
impending ovulation, whether or not you experienced it before the operation. Cramping, in most
cases, is normal. If the pain is excessive, or cannot be eased off by Tylenol, a call to your
physician may be in order.
 Sharp Pains: The sharp pains begin immediately after a Caesarean and tend to continue for a
lengthy amount of time. They can range from short, quick jabs of pain to sharp pains that extend
through the whole incision. They can be brought on by many things including turning a certain
way, rolling over in bed, walking, bending, lifting, or stooping. If the pain does not ease up or is
accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, bleeding, dizziness or leakage, contact your physician.

The pains and discomforts listed above are the most common pains experienced after a
Caesarean. If you ever have a doubt about a pain or discomfort, don't hesitate to contact your
physician. Pain and discomfort are normal parts of the recovery process, but sometimes it is our
body's way of telling us that something is wrong.