Muscle Pain

Muscle Pain After Childbirth: Recovery After a Marathon

Childbirth is, without exaggeration, a marathon distance for your body. Muscles you may never have even imagined were working at the limits of their capacity. Therefore, the feeling of "stiffness" and general muscle soreness in the first days after the baby is born is completely normal and expected. It is evidence of the huge work you have done.

Which muscles hurt the most?

• Abdominal muscles. Throughout labor the abdominal muscles contracted intensely. After delivery, especially after a cesarean section, they will be very sore.
• Back and leg muscles. They supported you during delivery and also endured significant load.
• Pelvic floor muscles. These muscles were stretched the most, so discomfort in this area is inevitable.
• Arm, shoulder and neck muscles. Pain in these muscle groups usually appears a bit later and is related to caring for the baby — holding the infant and feeding in an awkward position ("nursing mother's neck").

How to help the body recover?

The best medicine is time and rest. A warm bath (after a doctor's approval), gentle massage and plenty of fluids will help the muscles recover. Do not rush back to intensive workouts. Start with light activity, such as walking, and gradually increase the load.

It is very important to listen to your body. If the pain is very strong, does not subside, or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor. For more details on physical recovery read our guide.