During pregnancy, every woman hopes for a normal delivery. However, sometimes a normal delivery is not possible due to medical reasons or complications. In such cases, doctors opt for a C-section, or cesarean delivery, to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Although this procedure has become quite common today, many women experience various physical problems afterwards. One of the most common issues is back pain. Complaints of back pain are frequently reported by women after a C-section delivery. This pain can range from mild to severe, often making it difficult to perform daily activities and care for the newborn. Regarding the same, we reached out to an expert, who shared a few tips to manage and reduce the pain.
What Causes Pain After C-Section Delivery?![1 - 2025-04-16T173017.955]( "pain after c-section")
According to Dr Saloni Patil, Consultant, Dr Patil’s IVF and Fertility Clinic, Mumbai, there can be many reasons behind back pain after cesarean delivery. Some of them include anaesthesia used during surgery, muscle weakness and getting up and sitting in the wrong way. This pain can be mild and sometimes so severe that it becomes difficult for the mother to take care of the child.
The main cause of back pain after a C-section is spinal anaesthesia. This injection is given near the spinal cord, which makes the lower body part numb for some time. Although this procedure is considered safe, sometimes it can affect the spinal cord and surrounding muscles, which can later cause back pain. Apart from this, increased weight during pregnancy and changes in body posture can also increase back pain.
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Expert Tips to Manage Pain After C-Section Delivery![2 - 2025-04-16T173019.658]( "tips to manage backpain after delivery")
Below are a few tips approved by the expert that can help the ladies in easing their pain.
1. Improve body posture
Dr Patil suggests keeping the back straight and taking support of pillows while lifting the child or breastfeeding. Bending to pick up the child puts pressure on the back muscles.
2. Do light exercises![3 (73)]( "back pain after delivery")
-1744805106259.jpg "back pain after delivery")
A few weeks after surgery, doing light stretching or yoga with the permission of the doctor can provide relief from back pain. Yoga Asanas like the ‘cat-cow’ pose and ‘bridge pose’ are especially beneficial.
3. Hot water compress
Applying a hot water bottle to the lower back improves blood circulation and relaxes the muscles. Which can provide relief from the problem of back pain.
4. Adopt the right method of rest
After C-section, the body needs adequate rest. But if you sleep in the wrong posture, then back pain can increase further. Doctors are of the opinion that sleeping on the side and keeping a pillow between the knees is better for the back. Sleeping straight on the back also supports the spine.
5. Take care of diet
A good diet is important not only for increasing milk but also for muscle recovery. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, curd, green vegetables and mild sunlight strengthen the bones of the back. Also, a protein-rich diet helps strengthen the muscles again.
If back pain persists even weeks after C-section, or if you feel numbness, tingling or weakness along with the pain, then you should immediately contact a doctor. This can be a sign of a nerve problem or infection, which should not be ignored.
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Conclusion
Back pain is common after C-section, but it can be reduced to a great extent with the right information and care. Every woman can get relief from this pain by following doctor's advice, proper rest, exercise and right diet. Listen to your body and seek medical advice if needed, so that both you and your baby can stay healthy.