Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in your body. After childbirth, these changes will be reversed. For example, your uterus will shrink to come back to its normal size. The problem is that the journey would not be easy. You probably heard that it can cause discomfort. Naturally, you'd want to prepare yourself. To do that, you need to research. How long for the uterus to shrink after birth? What can you do to ease the pain? Continue reading to find answers.
What Is Uterine Involution?
Uterine involution is the process in which your uterus shrinks down to its normal size after delivering the baby and the placenta. This process lasts a few weeks and can cause pain and discomfort. A uterine involution in progress plus taking care of your newborn is a recipe for tough times. But with proper knowledge and some support tools, you can get through it.
What Is the Normal Size of the Uterus after Delivery?
According to a study, the normal size of the uterus after delivery is 6–8 cm in length, 3–5 cm in width, and 2–4 cm in thickness. However, it does not immediately shrink to that size. It is a gradual process. Also, breastfeeding and C-section can affect it, which can make your uterus different in size.
Here are the changes that would happen:
At 1 month after childbirth:
|
Vaginal delivery: |
Around 7.64 (length) |
|
Cesarean section: |
Around 7.93 (length) |
At 3 months after childbirth:
|
Length |
Width |
|
|
Vaginal delivery |
Around 6.65 cm |
Around 3.57 cm |
|
Cesarean section |
Around 7.03 cm |
Around 3.83 cm |
At 3 months after childbirth (breastfeeding moms):
|
Breastfeeding Rates |
Length |
Width |
|
≤80% per day |
Around 6.35 cm |
Around 3.32 cm |
|
≤20% per day |
Around 7.03 cm |
Around 3.87 cm |
How To Check If the Uterus Is Contracted After Birth?
Repeated measurement or estimation of the size of your uterus will help you know if your uterus has contracted. This can be done through transrectal ultrasonography or transrectal palpation. If you have just given birth, medical providers can check if your uterus is contracting through palpation. They will place their hand on your abdomen to check if it is firm.
You can also check it yourself. After giving birth, you should experience something similar to menstrual cramps, which become stronger when you are breastfeeding your baby.
Does It Hurt When My Womb Shrinks to its Regular Size?
Yes, it can cause pain. Uterine involution typically causes a feeling similar to having menstrual cramps. Unfortunately, breastfeeding your baby intensifies this pain.
The good news is that after-birth pains usually last only for 2 - 3 days after childbirth. Here's another piece of information that new moms would be happy to hear. It is more common to feel after-birth pains if this is not the first time you have given birth.
How To Relieve the Pain Caused by Uterine Involution?
Here are a number of things you can do to ease the pain caused by uterine involution.
Empty Your Bladder
You should empty your bladder often and prevent it from becoming full. Otherwise, it could affect the rate of uterine involution. Also, it can intensify pain and discomfort. On the other hand, according to a study, emptying your bladder can significantly reduce the pain.
Practice Breathing Techniques
Deep breathing is always an excellent way to relax. You can do it anywhere! It will help release stress hormones and calm your mind. This will make the process easier for your body.
Use Heated Pads
The muscles in your uterus are causing the cramps. Applying a heated pad on your abdomen can help relax these muscles. Furthermore, it can improve blood circulation, which can reduce pain.
Use the Momcozy Ergowrap Postpartum Belly Wrap
Using a belly wrap is a good alternative to using a heated pad. If this is your chosen route, you should check Momcozy's new Ergowrap Postpartum Belly Wrap. Its structure gently elevates and pulls in your postpartum belly and provides targeted compression, to aid in diastasis recti recovery at the same time.
The best thing is that it is also made with soft, skin-friendly fabric. Thus, you can wear it against the skin without causing irritation.
Take Medication
Pain relievers can help you ease the pain from uterine involution. Take what your doctor has recommended. If it does not help you find relief, consult your doctor before switching to another pain reliever. They will recommend an alternative that is also safe for you.
How Long Does It Take for the Womb to Shrink After Birth?
It takes the uterus six to eight weeks to shrink to its original size. Luckily, you do not have to endure cramps for that long. Afterpain should last only for two to three days.
However, you should still keep stress and pain management in mind even when you're no longer feeling childbirth afterpains. Deep breathing exercises can help you calm down when the tasks related to taking care of your newborn overwhelm you. Belly wraps can help you maintain a good posture, ease lower back pain, and help facilitate breastfeeding. These can still make your maternal journey easier.
Other Tips to Help the Uterus Shrink Faster
You can help the uterus shrink faster through exercise and oxytocin massage. Exercise will encourage your uterus to contract, which will accelerate the uterine involution. Yoga exercises, in particular, will tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. They will also stimulate the contractions in the uterus.
While exercise can help, a study pointed out that oxytocin massages are more effective. The oxytocin, also called the happy hormone, affects the contractions. However, you need somebody else to get an oxytocin massage. Do not worry. Breastfeeding also helps in the production of oxytocin, and you don't need other people to do it.
Does the Uterus Continue Shrinking Years after Birth?
No, it does not continue shrinking years after birth. Uterine involution stops when your uterus is back to its pre-pregnancy size. In fact, it may even be a little bigger as you grow older due to conditions such as fibroids and adenomyosis. A uterus that continues to shrink even after 12 weeks is not normal.
What If Your Uterus Doesn’t Shrink Back After Birth?
If your uterus doesn't shrink after childbirth, you need medical help. This is called uterine atony, which means your uterus is soft. The problem is that it can lead to excessive blood loss that can put your life in danger. Your medical provider will assess your fundus after birth to ensure that it is contracting. If they find it soft, they will need to perform a fundal massage to encourage contractions. Please note that while receiving a fundal massage is not a pleasant experience, it is better than losing too much blood.
Conclusion
How long does it take for the uterus to shrink after birth? It would take 6 - 8 and sometimes 12 weeks. During the first few days of uterine involution, you will feel something similar to menstrual cramps. That said, we recommend preparing in advance. For example, you should buy a belly wrap since it will help ease the pain. On top of that, learn breathing exercises and prepare for frequent toilet visits because you need to prevent your bladder from becoming full.
