These annoyances are due to the contractions of the uterus which is reduced, in its process of involution, passing from about a kilogram in half a hecto. But why do they happen? What is their function?
The period of post partumor the two hours that follow the expulsion of the placenta after the birth of the child, represents the beginning of the puerperium. It is a delicate and intense phase for mom and newborn, characterized by the first physical adaptations to the new condition. Among the phenomena that affect the woman, the so -called “can occur for about a week”uterine bites“. How do they manifest themselves and why do they appear? Let’s start by saying that the uterine bites after childbirth perform an hemostatic task, that is protect against the risk of bleeding. But let’s go in order.
What are uterine bites?
What are uterine bites? The phenomena that concern the return of the organs and women’s apparatus to the pre-gravidal condition begin immediately after childbirth and last for every week of the puerperium.
In this period general phenomena that affect the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal system, and local phenomena, which instead affect the genital apparatus, occur. Among the latter there is the contracture of the uteruswhich takes place to reduce blood loss in the post-partum (it is defined as “formation of the security globe” precisely to describe the form that the uterus in contraction assumes and for the benefits that derive from it in terms of safety). This important contraction of the uterus can cause visceral pains, or cramps similar to those of menstruationcalled uterine bites.
But exactly, When do the uterine bites take place? They can already start in the first two hours of the post-partum and continue in the first week of the puerperium, and, as we will see in the next paragraph, they are strongly influenced by the oxytocin hormone.
Causes and symptoms of uterine bites
Why do uterine bites occur? The expulsion of the placenta in the post-partum (secondform) gives rise to a loss of physiological blood. In order for this loss to arrest quickly, hemostatic mechanisms are needed that act on the contraction of the musculature of the uterus. In this task, as mentioned, oxytocin plays a fundamental role. This hormone reaches the maximum peak in the first 15-60 minutes after childbirthas a result of the sensations that the woman feels following the encounter with the child and the expulsion of the placenta.
The high levels of oxytocin, which during the seconds have favored the detachment of the placenta and the formation of the safety globe, in the post-partum are necessary to maintain themechanical hemostasisreduce blood losses and strengthen the mother-child bond. The secretion of oxytocin is stimulated by Mother’s sucking and from Leather skin contact mother-neoned, especially if this happens in a quiet environment without interference. Ossocin acts simultaneously on the uterus by determining the contraction of the uterine musculature and on the muscle cells surrounding the breast alveoli, promoting the colostrum escape (the first milk).
The mechanical hemostasis (or formation of the safety globe) is felt by the woman as a cramp on the lower abdomen, one of the Characteristics of uterine bites. Among others symptoms of uterine bites There is the pain localized a Lombo-sacral levelwhich sometimes also radiates to the root of the thighs. The strength of these contractions varies very much from women to women, and is typical in multiple women, that is, that they are at least at the second birth, while It is rare that women are interested in the first birth; After two or three experiences of childbirth, in fact, the uterus must work more to return to its shape and its pre-gravidal dimension.
Sometimes, intense uterine bites can be caused by the presence of clots that the uterus tries to spontaneously expel by increasing its contraction. In this sense, among the Signs to pay attention to There is the presence of clots in the absorbent or blood loss (locchions) which increase with the passing of the days.
Remedies and treatment for uterine bites
“When you breastfeed intense cramps to the abdomen … Are there any remedies for uterine bites?». As we have seen, these annoyances are due to the contractions of the uterus which is reduced, in its trial of involution, passing from about a kilogram in half a hecto, and which makes its normal return to the pelvis after the birth of the child. For Etense uterine bites in post-parto It is possible to use ibuprofen or paracetamol, however always after medical consultation.
The Treatment of uterine bites It can also be of a non -pharmacological type: a hot water bag on the belly or lumbar level can in fact reduce symptoms. The pains will however disappear spontaneously by 4-7 days from childbirth.
When to worry about uterine bites? If they persist for more than 7-10 days or if the pharmacological treatment does not reduce pain, it is necessary to contact the midwife or the reference gynecologist. In some cases, as mentioned, persistent uterine bites could be caused by the presence of clots that the uterus tries to eliminate by continuing to contract intensely.
