Which demographic is more likely to experience afterbirth pains?

Multiparous women, or those who have given birth more than once, are more likely to experience afterbirth pains, also known as uterine contractions after delivery. This physiological phenomenon occurs as the uterus continues to contract to return to its pre-pregnancy size and helps with the expulsion of the placenta and any remaining tissue.

The intensity of these afterbirth pains tends to increase with each subsequent pregnancy because of the increased muscle tone and experience of the uterine tissue. In multiparous women, the uterus has previously undergone the process of distension and contraction, leading to stronger or more noticeable contractions during the postpartum period. These contractions can be more pronounced, especially during breastfeeding, as the hormone oxytocin is released to promote uterine contractions and milk let-down.

In contrast, first-time mothers may experience milder afterbirth pains since their uterus has not yet contracted following previous births, and women with twin births or older mothers might have their pain experiences influenced by additional factors, such as overall health, cervical changes, or additional postpartum care protocols. However, research indicates that multiparity is the strongest predictor of more significant afterbirth pain.