After a vaginal delivery, lying flat is not painful, but lying on the side causes abdominal pain.
Sep 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
In general, after a normal delivery, if lying flat does not cause pain but abdominal pain occurs when lying on the side, it may be related to abdominal muscle spasms, uterine contractions, gastroenteritis, appendicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, such pain could also be associated with surgical incision pain or postoperative complications. If patients experience any discomfort, they should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
The term "stomach" usually refers to the abdomen. In general, after a vaginal delivery, if there is no pain when lying flat but abdominal pain occurs when lying on one's side, it may be related to factors such as abdominal muscle spasms, uterine contractions, gastroenteritis, appendicitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. It is recommended that patients receive symptomatic treatment under medical guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Abdominal Muscle Spasms
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 a doctor’s guidance, applying heat packs or massage to the affected area may help relieve discomfort.
2. Uterine Contractions
Pain experienced when lying on one's side despite no pain when lying flat after childbirth may result from uterine contractions, which typically last about a week. Poor uterine contraction may delay recovery. Postpartum women may apply warm compresses with a heated towel to the abdomen or gently massage the painful area for relief.
3. 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 medical supervision, medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules or norfloxacin tablets may be used for treatment.
4. Appendicitis
After delivery, women often have reduced immunity and lower resistance, making them susceptible to bacterial infections such as appendicitis. If appendicitis develops, symptoms may include no pain when lying flat but pain in the lower right abdomen when lying on one's side. Under a doctor’s direction, treatments may include medications such as sodium penicillin for injection or metronidazole tablets.
5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Lower abdominal pain following vaginal delivery, accompanied by chills, high fever, bloating, tenderness, and rebound tenderness, along with persistently elevated white blood cell count and significantly increased neutrophils in blood tests, may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease. Patients may take medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules or cefuroxime axetil tablets under medical supervision.
In addition, such pain may also be related to surgical incision pain or postoperative complications. If a patient experiences any discomfort, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
