No pain when lying on the back after vaginal delivery, but abdominal pain occurs when lying on the side.
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
After a vaginal delivery, not experiencing pain when lying on the back but having abdominal pain when lying on the side may be a normal physiological phenomenon postpartum. It could also be caused by medical conditions such as gastroenteritis or appendicitis. Excessive strain on the abdominal muscles during childbirth may lead to abdominal muscle spasms. After delivery, due to reduced immunity and lowered resistance, the body may become susceptible to bacterial infections, potentially leading to appendicitis, which can also cause abdominal pain when lying on the side but not when lying flat.
After a vaginal delivery, lying flat may not cause pain, but abdominal pain may occur when lying on one's side. This could be a normal physiological phenomenon following childbirth, or it might be caused by medical conditions such as gastroenteritis or appendicitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and receive treatment—such as medications or surgery—as directed by a physician.
1. Normal physiological phenomenon: After vaginal delivery, excessive strain on the abdominal muscles may lead to muscle spasms, which can cause pain when lying on one's side. Under medical guidance, applying heat packs or massage to the affected area may help relieve discomfort.
2. Gastroenteritis: Abdominal pain when lying on one's side despite no pain when lying flat may not be directly related to childbirth. It could result from consuming spoiled or contaminated food, leading to gastroenteritis. Under a doctor’s supervision, medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules or norfloxacin tablets may be prescribed. Note that breastfeeding should be discontinued during medication use.
3. Appendicitis: After childbirth, women often have weakened immunity and lower resistance, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections that may lead to appendicitis. If appendicitis develops, a typical symptom is absence of pain when lying flat but pain in the lower right abdomen when lying on one's side. Under medical guidance, antibiotics such as injectable sodium penicillin or metronidazole tablets may be used for treatment. In severe cases, surgical interventions such as open appendectomy or laparoscopic appendectomy may be required under a physician's care. Breastfeeding must be suspended during treatment.
