Vagina Pain After C Section
“A high percentage of newborns” are delivered by cesarean section, or C-section. That’s when the baby comes out through a cut in the mother’s belly & uterus, rather than going through the birth canal & coming out through the vagina” [1]. Vaginal pain could come about due to several aspects of a C-section delivery
What Happens Post-C-Section Surgery?
If you undergo a C-Section, you will generally have to stay in hospital to recuperate for two to three days, and during this period, your baby will stay with you. The majority of women are fully awake during the C-Section procedure, after which their blood pressure, heartbeat, and breathing will be monitored. In the days following this surgery, you should anticipate experiencing several weeks of vaginal bleeding. – This is a natural occurrence, as the body has to discharge the extra blood and tissue in your uterus (womb), which served to keep your growing fetus healthy [1].
During the first few days post-delivery, you will discharge bright red blood. – This is perfectly normal, and over time, before this discharge ceases, the colour of the blood will change to pink, brown, yellow, and then clear, in that order [1].
Afterpains
Post-delivery, you can also expect to experience a type of pain which resembles menstrual cramps. – But this should not go on for more than a few days. – This pain derives from the narrowing of the blood vessels in the uterus – a physiological change which which stops you from bleeding too much [1].
The Effects of Labouring Pain Pre-C-Section
Women who go through this scenario will almost certainly experience post-procedure vaginal pain. This is because of the fact that: “during labour, with each labour contraction, the baby’s head is thrust upon both the cervix and the vagina” [2].
The Substantial Force During Labour
Did you know that: “the uterus can generate a force that is up to 100 Gs or 100 times that of gravity. So, if a seven or eight-pound baby is being thrust upon the cervix and the vagina every two to three minutes with uterine contractions for an extended period of time, that is the equivalent to 700 or 800 pounds of weight being pressed upon the cervix and the vagina” [2].
Further, if a woman was labouring for “10 hours straight and feeling all that weight applied to their cervix, then they’re going to experience more vaginal pain than someone who only laboured for two hours before c-section surgery” [2].
Dealing With the Pain By Seeing a Pain Specialist
Although you may experience up to 6 weeks of post-operative pain, it should gradually diminish during this time. However, in some instances, the pain could get worse due to various complications. At such a wonderful time in a woman’s life, pain in the vagina is the last thing they want. – To that end, making an appointment to see an Experienced Pain Specialist who has been helping women who have undergone C-Sections, for many years, is the best way forward. – They will see if you have any complications, and regardless of whether you have or not, they will devise a Holistic Personalised Treatment Plan to get you back on track, and negate your vaginal pain.
References
[1]. WebMD. “C-Section Recovery.”
https://www.webmd.com/baby/recovery-after-c-section#
[2]. Schreier, A.B. (2021). “Here’s Why Your Vagina Might Still Be Sore, Even If You Have A C-Section.” Romper.
https://www.romper.com/pregnancy/does-your-vagina-hurt-after-a-c-section