1. You May Get Postpartum Hemorrhoids
Many women have hemorrhoids after giving birth. This is due to pushing the baby out of the birth canal. Make sure you're keeping the area as clean as possible after a bowel movement. Using Tucks pads or similar pads is very helpful. You should also increase your fiber and water intake and make sure you're getting lots of exercise to keep constipation (which makes hemorrhoids worse) at bay. If hemorrhoids are severe, talk to your care provider.
2. Treating Tears and Episiotomies
Whether you tear or have an episiotomy (surgical incision made to enlarge the vaginal opening), your perineum (the area between the rectum and vagina) may be sore and swollen. Make sure you follow your care provider's instructions for care of your perineum. Use a peri-bottle to clean your vaginal area after using the bathroom. Pat dry gently. You should also use ice packs for your perineum. You can take your baby's clean diaper, put water in it and freeze it for an easy ice pack. You should also abstain from sex until you get your care provider's approval and watch for signs of infection.
3. Your Back May Ache
A common birth injury is backache after birth. While some people blame this on the epidural, most likely your back pain is due to pushing positions and not changing positions while lying in bed after the placement of the epidural. Ibuprofen can help with the backache as can heat from the shower or a heating pad. Baths can help too, though you should check with your care provider first. You should also make sure you're picking up your baby properly, not stretching to pick up your baby from the ground and using your knees to pick up car seats and baby equipment. If the back pain is severe or comes with numbness down the legs, check in with your care provider.
4. The Fun of the Epidural Headache
About 1 to 3 percent of the population that gets an epidural gets an epidural headache. An epidural headache is like the worst migraine of your life for a few days after you deliver. Your care provider may give you a blood patch block, which may treat most of the pain. If that's not an option for you or it doesn't work, you'll have to remain flat on your back until the headache goes away. You'll need extra help caring for your baby and yourself from friends and family.
5. Treating General Soreness From Giving Birth
Most women after giving birth have general body aches. If you do, taking Ibuprofen can help. You can also take hot showers and use heating pads to help work any soreness out of your body. Make sure you're getting as much rest as possible and not moving around much. Ask your partner to bring you the baby for feedings and such.
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