What are trenches?

Trenches refer to the uterine contractions that occur after ldelivery, and the pain that often accompanies them.

These uterine contractions generally occur a few hours to a few days, or even a few weeks, after delivery, whether by vaginal delivery or Caesarean section.

What are they due to?

Although they can be unpleasant, trenches play an essential role in the post-partum period.

Indeed, with pregnancythe uterus, which measures 5 to 10 cm on average, takes up much more space in the pregnant woman's body after 9 months.

After childbirth, the uterus must gradually return to its original shape. To do this, it contracts, or "trenches", which can cause pain. This is known as "involution" of the uterus.

Trenches also help to reduce the risk of bleeding, as they close the blood vessels that used to irrigate the placenta. They also "clean" the luterus, facilitating the lelimination of clots and small residues in the form of bleeding, which lis called lochia.

Trenches usually appear within a day of lgiving birth, and can last for several weeks.

What's more, mothers who breastfeed their babies often feel more pain. This is because suckling causes the mother to secrete oxytocin. Oxytocin is the very hormone that promotes the milk productionIt also accelerates uterine contractions, and is the hormone of childbirth and attachment.

What's more, a woman who has had several pregnancies (a multiparous woman) will often experience more painful trenches than a woman for whom this is the first pregnancy (a primiparous woman). This s'can be explained by the fact that muscle fibers find it harder to retract, as they have already been used several times before. Even so, some women never feel any pain at all.

How to relieve pain?

If you experience severe pain, we advise you to consult your doctor, who may prescribe antispasmodics or painkillers.

It's also advisable to urinate often to prevent the bladder from exerting additional pressure on the uterus. In addition, you can try placing a hot water bottle on your lower abdomen, or lying on your stomach with a pillow over the same part of your body. You can also try the breathing exercises taught during childbirth preparation sessions, or consume linden sapwood in tea or ampoule form, as this plant is made up of active ingredients, some of which are antispasmodic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Some midwives also prescribe homeopathy. In alternative medicine, acupuncture may also be considered.

Finally, if you experience other discomforts such as heavy bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge or fever, we advise you to consult a doctor as soon as possible. If this isn't the case, don't worry, trenches are completely normal, and we hope to be able to support you as best we can in a beautiful, healthy and happy future. period pants !