Assessment of factors affecting afterpain in multiparous women delivered in Mashhad 17-Shahrivar Hospital, Mashhad, Iran

Background and aim: Afterpain is a common phenomenon after vaginal delivery. Any factor that causes a delay in the process of uterus sub involution and consequently returning its size to pre-pregnancy status could affect the severity of afterpain. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to afterpain in multiparous women delivered in 17-Shahrivar Hospital, Mashhad, Iran.  Methods: In this descriptive study 210 multiparous women during 2-4 hours after uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal delivery with moderate or severe afterpain were conveniently selected and included in the study. Afterpain was measured each hour during the first 12 hours of postpartum period using Visual Analogue Scale (0-100 mm). The duration of lactation and ambulation, the need for any medication to relieve afterpain and also vital signs were recorded during this period. Data were analyzed with SPSS Version 14, using t Student and correlation test. Results: The mean score of afterpain severity was 55.1±16.7. There was a positive correlation between the number of pregnancies and the duration of breastfeeding with mean score of afterpain. Also the length of ambulation decreased the afterpain intensity. However, the intensity of afterpain had no significant relationship with stimulation with oxytocin in labor, prescription of methyl ergonowin and also oxytocin after delivery. Conclusion: Considering that longer duration of breast feeding and ambulation in early postpartum period could decrease afterpain, it is suggested to encourage postpartum mothers to begin breast feeding and ambulation as soon as possible after birth.