Pain After Childbirth

Welcome to Moms in Motion PT’s Resource on Pain after Childbirth

There are many things that can cause pain after childbirth. No matter what your birth experience was like, there were major changes to your system - internal organs shifted, your uterus stretched out, your center of balance changed. Now you are likely caring for an infant, which can also take a toll on your body.

Neck and Upper Back Pain

Holding, carrying, picking up, rocking, and feeding your baby can all cause your shoulders and neck to come forward, causing pain and tension in the upper back.

Perineal Pain

If you had a vaginal birth, you may have undergone perineal tearing. This can cause discomfort when sitting and moving. The stitches can be uncomfortable, but this pain should go away as your body starts to heal.

Painful Scars

If you had a cesarean birth, you had trauma to the abdomen, and a scar. This can cause tightness and pain in the area of the scar and can even affect the functioning inside your abdomen, such as your digestive system. Touching your scar and moving it around is very important for proper healing and to minimize pain.

Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti, or abdominal separation, can cause back pain if it does not heal/close.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction, usually presenting in the form of urinary incontinence, or leaking, can cause issues in your core and even cause pain. Please see our reference on the pelvic floor for more information.