Childbirth is one of the happiest moments in any woman’s life. Unfortunately, some patients may develop pelvic pain after delivery. In most cases this pain goes away within few weeks but in some it remains for much longer. There are multiple causes of pelvic pain after childbirth but most commonly it is of musculoskeletal origin. Some patients, especially after vaginal delivery, may develop spasm of pelvic floor muscles. This is more likely to happen in patients who had a big baby, had a procedure to help deliver the baby (vacuum or forceps) or had a big episiotomy or tear. In a small percentage of those patients, pain may be caused by nerve injury, specifically pudendal nerve or one of its branches. It is hard to initially distinguish between nerve and muscle injury because symptoms are similar, and diagnosis requires a physician who is familiar with pelvic floor disorders and nerve disorders to make that diagnosis.
Another type of pain which may occur after delivery is caused by pelvic varicosities which form during pregnancy. It is called pelvic congestion syndrome. It is characterized by heaviness sensation in the lower abdomen with prolonged sitting or standing with occasional sharp shooting pain. Many gynecologists do not recognize pelvic congestion as a condition which may lead to pelvic pain and that is why it is so important to see a provider who specializes in pelvic pain and can offer treatments for pelvic congestion.
If you or someone you know is experiencing pain after vaginal childbirth, please contact our office at 480-599-9682 or email [email protected] to learn more about available treatments.