How to accelerate uterine contractions after childbirth: exercises, oxytocin injections

Contraction of the uterus after childbirth is often the cause of pain in the lower abdomen or discomfort for a long time after the birth of the child. But this is not always a normal phenomenon and it is important when to see a doctor, what are the normal terms of uterine involution and possible treatment options for the pathology.

Peculiarities of uterine contraction after childbirth

A woman's body goes through many physical changes after childbirth as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Every woman goes through a wonderful process of becoming a mother throughout pregnancy and childbirth, and after that, it takes about 2 months for the body to recover from childbirth. One of the most noticeable and significant changes is the return of the uterus to normal, called uterine involution.

The time it takes for the uterus to contract after childbirth varies depending on how the birth process went and whether there were any traumatic factors. Uterine contraction after the first birth is faster and more effective. This is due to the fact that primiparous women have a higher tone of the uterine muscle, which means that the uterus can contract and remain contracted, rather than relax and contract intermittently. Uterine contraction after repeated and third births can take longer, since with each pregnancy the tone of the uterus and its ability to continue contracting normally decreases.

In general, the process of complete involution of the uterus takes about two months. The uterus contracts most actively in the first week after birth, and then returns to its previous size. After pregnancy, the uterus (not including the baby, placenta, fluids, etc.) weighs about 1000 g. Six weeks after birth, the uterus reaches a weight of 50-100 g.

Within a few minutes of the birth of the baby, the uterus contracts, its crossed fibers tightening in the same way as during labor. These contractions also help separate the placenta from the uterine wall. After the placenta separates, uterine contractions close the open blood vessels to which the placenta was attached. This compression of the vessels by contraction of the myometrium (“physiological ligature”) leads to hemostasis. This helps to avoid bleeding and other complications in the early postpartum period.

Immediately after birth, the uterus contracts so that its fundus is level with the navel. After this, most of the reduction in size and weight occurs in the first two weeks, during which time the uterus shrinks and is located entirely in the pelvic area. Over the next few weeks, the uterus slowly returns to its pre-pregnancy size, although the overall size of the uterus remains larger than before. A woman can often feel these contractions of the uterus as cramping and pain in the lower abdomen. Painful contractions of the uterus after birth may be most intense in the first three days, after which the nagging pain should subside.

The endometrium also quickly recovers after childbirth and placental abruption, so that by the seventh day all layers of the endometrium are already present. By the 16th day, the endometrium is restored throughout the uterus, with the exception of the placental area. The area of the endometrium where the placenta was attached undergoes a number of changes in the postpartum period. The size of the placental layer is reduced by half, and changes in the placental layer lead to the release of lochia. Therefore, the symptoms of uterine contraction after childbirth, in addition to spasmodic pain, are also discharge from the genitals, which are called lochia.

Immediately after delivery, the uterus will discharge large amounts of red blood during the contraction stage. After this, the amount of vaginal discharge will rapidly decrease. The discharge during contraction of the uterus after delivery has several stages and different characteristics. There are 3 normal stages of lochia. The duration of each stage is not as important as the fact that the amount of lochia should become less and less and the color should change from red to white. Red or bloody lochia will be discharged for three to four days, and will gradually change to a brownish-red, more watery color. The amount of discharge will continue to decrease over several weeks, eventually becoming serous (lochia alba). The length of time that discharge will be present after delivery varies, although it is approximately 5 weeks.

The cervix also begins to return quickly to its previous state, but never returns to the state it was in before birth. By the end of the first week, the external os closes so that 1 centimeter remains.

The vagina also regresses, but it does not completely return to its previous size. The reduction of increased vascularization and edema occurs after 3 weeks. During this time, the vaginal epithelium goes through a stage of atrophy. The vaginal epithelium is completely restored after 6-10 weeks.

During the birth process, the perineum has been stretched and traumatized. Most of the muscle tone is restored by the sixth week, with great improvement over the next few months. The muscle tone may return to normal, depending on the degree of damage to the muscle, nerve, and connective tissue. But all of these changes can also contribute to poor uterine contraction after birth. In this case, there is still prolonged bleeding and slow involution of the uterus, when by the end of the second week after birth the uterus is still palpable above the pubis.

The return of normal ovarian function varies greatly and is strongly influenced by breastfeeding of the infant. Women who breastfeed their infant have a longer period of amenorrhea and anovulation.

Rapid contraction of the uterus after childbirth occurs in primiparous women, when by the end of the first week the uterus is in the pelvic cavity. After four to five weeks, the uterus returns to its previous form, which is considered a rapid recovery after childbirth.

The consequences of poor uterine contraction after childbirth can be very serious - because insufficient vascular compression can cause postpartum hemorrhage. If the uterus has not contracted enough, hypotension can develop, which leads to significant bleeding. If the uterus has not contracted at all for some reason, bleeding after placenta separation continues and this can lead to death, since it is very difficult to stop such bleeding. Complications can occur in the early postpartum period and late. Often, improper hygiene in the postpartum period can lead to infection of the postpartum surface of the myometrium, since it is very sensitive to all bacteria. This threatens the development of postpartum septic conditions.

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Treatment uterine contractions after childbirth

Since the long process of uterine involution leads to severe pain syndrome, many women wonder how to speed up uterine contractions after childbirth? First of all, you need to tell the doctor about all the symptoms so that he can carefully examine the uterus and exclude all dangerous postpartum complications. If there are no contraindications, then you can use different methods for better uterine contraction.

How to relieve pain during uterine contractions after childbirth? If there are severe painful sensations that cannot be tolerated, then you need to take only those painkillers that will not harm the child if the mother is breastfeeding. For this purpose, you can use paracetamol or ibuprofen. These are the drugs that are allowed in pediatric practice, so they can be used by a nursing mother.

All methods of reducing the uterus after childbirth can be divided into physical and medicinal. Physical methods can be very effective, not only for reducing the uterus, but also for strengthening all the muscles of the pelvic floor. For this purpose, a set of exercises is used that can be performed at home.

Exercises to reduce the uterus after childbirth are performed only if the woman has no contraindications. Here are some of them:

1. Bent-knee exercises help the uterus return to an upright position. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet resting on your heels on the floor. Raise one knee and press it to your stomach, holding it with both hands. Maintain this position for 15-20 seconds and then release. Repeat this process with the other leg. Alternate between left and right legs two to four times each.
2. Pelvic contraction and relaxation

This exercise strengthens the muscles along the pelvic floor. This causes the uterus to move into a vertical position. To do this exercise, lie down on the floor and extend your arms to the side. Take a deep breath and lift your buttocks off the floor a few inches. Hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat this process five times to increase the strength of your pelvic muscles.

1. Incline crunches

This exercise strengthens the oblique abdominal muscles and causes the uterine muscles to contract under the action of intra-abdominal pressure. It also works well for strengthening the pelvic muscles, which is important for the correction of the ligamentous apparatus. Lie down on the floor with your hands behind your head. Keep your knees bent and your heels on the floor. Raise your left knee, while lifting your head with your hands. Rotate your body as you lift it so that your right elbow touches your left knee. Repeat this exercise on the other side so that your left elbow matches your right knee. Do at least 10 of these crunches for best results.

Postpartum gymnastics to reduce the uterus can be limited to simple torso bends to the side, a windmill, and a few squats. Over time, the number of exercises is gradually increased if there is no reaction from the uterus and abdomen.

Massage to reduce the uterus after childbirth helps to change the position of the uterus and improve blood circulation, and can even help to return the uterus to its shape after childbirth and increase fertility. A woman can perform such a massage herself. To do this, you need to gently massage the area between the navel and the pubic bone.

Before you begin the massage, choose a comfortable place to lie down (such as a bed or yoga mat). If possible, choose a quiet room with very few distractions. Lie completely on your back.

Press and move your hand over your belly. Keep your hand palm down to press on your belly, starting just below your belly button. As you press, move your hand in a gentle circular motion. Then press lightly on your belly just above your pubic bone, and pull up gently, as if you were moving your uterus upward. Repeat this movement 15 times. The first time, the massage should last about 5 minutes, then if there is no pain, you can increase the duration of the massage.

To make sure you are doing uterine massage properly, ask your obstetrician, nurse, or midwife to demonstrate before you try it yourself. If you are concerned that the massage is not working or that something may be wrong, contact your doctor immediately. A woman can also make an appointment for abdominal massage, which includes uterine massage as part of her treatment.

Medicines for uterine contraction after childbirth can be used in the delivery room in the form of injections, or used later in tablet form. For this, so-called uterotonics are used - medicines that stimulate contraction of the muscle fibers of the myometrium. These include oxytocin, prostaglandins, ergometrine preparations.

Oxytocin after delivery for uterine contraction is used in all women for active management of the third stage of labor. Oxytocin promotes rhythmic contractions of the uterus, can stimulate its active contraction, and has vasopressor and antidiuretic effects. It can be used to control postpartum hemorrhage or hemorrhage. At birth, very small amounts of oxytocin cause strong uterine contractions. Oxytocin, in therapeutic doses, induces contractions in the fundus and body of the uterus only without affecting the lower segment. The drug compresses the myoepithelia of the milk alveoli and facilitates breastfeeding with milk. It is administered intravenously on glucose, the total dose should not exceed 5 units for induction of labor for medical reasons (hypotonic inertia of the uterus). Oxytocin can cause anaphylactic reactions, but they are rare, and large doses can cause amniotic fluid embolism. It should not usually be combined with a prostaglandin to stimulate uterine contraction. Oxytocin is contraindicated in conditions where there is a uterine scar from major uterine surgery.

Prostaglandin F2-alpha promotes contraction of the myometrium, which causes hemostasis at the placentation site, which reduces postpartum bleeding and spasmodic pain that occurs during uterine contractions.

Ergometrine and methylergometrine cause rhythmic contractions of the uterus, but with high doses they become more or less continuous. They have little effect on other smooth muscles. Ergometrine and methylergometrine in a dose of 500 (oral) or 250 (intramuscular) micrograms make it possible to force the uterus to contract and thus prevent bleeding after childbirth.

Common side effects of ergometrine include gastrointestinal disturbances, chest pain, vasoconstriction, and transient hypertension.

Ergometrine is contraindicated in severe cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary, hepatic and renal dysfunction, sepsis and eclampsia.

No-shpa for uterine contraction after childbirth is used only as a painkiller. Since uterine contraction is accompanied by spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen, which is sometimes difficult to tolerate, you can use these injections to contract the uterus after childbirth and reduce pain.

Traditional methods of treatment

Folk remedies for reducing the uterus after childbirth are used very widely. In addition to medications, you can try several tips that will help relieve the pain and intensity of postpartum cramps.

1. Deep breathing: Practice deep breathing techniques and meditation as they can help in contracting the uterus and relieve you from postpartum cramps.
2. Sleeping face down: You can try lying face down with a pillow under your stomach. This will help you get rid of the pain.
3. Hot water treatment is the best way to reduce lower abdominal cramping as it relaxes the contracted uterus and improves blood circulation, thereby reducing pain in the lower abdomen and uterus.
4. Herbs for uterine contraction after childbirth can be used as a tea, which tones the muscles and relieves sharp spasms. Nettle for uterine contraction after childbirth helps not only in contracting the uterus, but also reduces bloody discharge after childbirth. To do this, you need to steam stinging nettle and take half a cup three times a day.
5. Water pepper for uterine contraction after childbirth also prevents the development of uterine bleeding. To prepare the infusion, take two bags of water pepper grass and steam them in a liter of water. Take a tablespoon every three hours, then only three times a day.
6. A tincture for reducing the uterus after childbirth is used with white rice. To do this, you need to cook rice in unsalted water and drink the infused water from this decoction twice a day. This water soothes the stomach area, improves digestion and prevents constipation.
7. Tea for reducing the uterus after childbirth can be made from individual herbs or combined, making sure that the baby does not have allergies.

Ginger is an anti-inflammatory and also a great astringent and antiseptic that prevents pain and cramps after birth, relieving abdominal and hip pain. Make ginger tea by adding some grated ginger to a cup of boiling water. You can also add ten parsley leaves and boil them for some time. Add honey to taste and drink this tea twice a day.

1. Fennel seeds also have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help relieve post-pregnancy pain. Prepare fennel by adding two tablespoons of fennel seeds to two cups of water. Boil for ten minutes, cool, and add honey. Drink the tea twice a day.
2. Most postpartum problems are related to a weakened immune system. You should take more vitamin C, which is found in lemon or Indian gooseberry.

Boil one cup of water, let it cool, and then add lemon juice squeezed from two lemons. Drink it twice a day to boost your immune system and also helps in relieving cramping pains during active uterine contractions.

1. Mint has soothing properties that help relieve abdominal pain and headaches after childbirth. Add mint leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it simmer for about ten minutes. Strain, cool the tea and add lemon juice before drinking. Drink twice a day, which reduces abdominal pain and cramps.
2. Chamomile helps relieve pain due to uterine involution. It is considered safe for the baby if the mother is breastfeeding. Add dried chamomile flowers to a cup of boiling water. Let the tea steep for ten minutes. You can add honey and lemon for extra flavor. You can drink it up to five times a day.
3. You can ask your partner to gently massage your belly with an oil mixture. To make an oil mixture, take five drops of lavender oil, ten drops of cypress, 15 drops of peppermint oil, and one drop of jojoba oil. To massage, place your hands on your belly button and move in a circular motion over the entire surface several times.

Homeopathy for uterine contraction after childbirth is also widely used. The choice of medicine is based on the theory of individualization and similarity of symptoms using a holistic approach. This is the only way to restore the state of complete health by removing all the signs and symptoms that a woman faces after childbirth. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat pain and uterine contraction but also to eliminate the underlying causes and individual susceptibility. As for therapeutic treatment, there are several remedies for treatment. For individual selection of medicines and treatment, the patient should personally consult a qualified physician. The following remedies are available:

1. Caulophyllum - the drug is used for strong and early contractions of the uterus, which are accompanied by spasmodic and severe pain. After the pain, there may be a feeling as if a needle is inside.
2. Cimicifuga - used to treat women with high sensitivity and intolerance to pain. Particularly effective for pain in the pelvic area from the hip joint to the thigh, chest pain with predominant localization on the left side.
3. Agaricus mousse - this remedy covers the spectrum of most complaints after childbirth.
4. Arnica Montana - soothes the muscles of the vagina and uterus, gives an excellent feeling of relief and comfort after childbirth. Will absorb excessive bloody discharge, and cause maximum restoration of damaged nerve tissue.
5. Staphysagria is an excellent drug for restoring the uterus and its contractile functions when a child is born after a cesarean section.
6. Helba after childbirth for uterine contraction is considered a very good remedy, which also stimulates lactation. This remedy is a plant that is grown mainly in Eastern countries. But its seeds are available for sale. To reduce the uterus, it is enough to take three seeds of this plant every day. It does not cause side effects and can be taken by almost all women.

Postpartum physiotherapy for uterine contraction can be used in the form of hydrotherapy and reflexology. Hydrotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular method of relieving pain and stimulating uterine contraction. For a therapeutic effect, it may be sufficient to use a warm shower with a stream of warm water directed at the abdomen and pelvic area, followed by a massage of this area.

Reflexology is the process of applying pressure to specific areas of the legs to relieve pain or problems elsewhere in the body. The theory is that the legs are a map of the body. Stimulating the nerve endings sends messages to the affected areas and releases endorphins and monoamines that control pain. It is good for cramping pain during uterine contractions in the first three days after birth.

Electrophoresis with calcium after childbirth to reduce the uterus allows calcium ions to enter the muscle fibers and stimulate contraction, maintaining it for a long time. This is necessary so that after contraction the uterus does not begin to relax again. Can be used in the late postpartum period.

The contraction of the uterus after childbirth takes from three days, when the uterus contracts most intensively, to two months, when maximum restoration of both size and function occurs. During this time, a woman may feel a nagging pain, which is considered normal at this time. There are many ways to return a woman to the state she had before childbirth - from gymnastics to folk remedies, and all this can be used in the absence of contraindications.

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