PREGNANCY PERKS

THIS week: Pregnancy can ease post-baby period pain

PERIOD pain occurs when the wall of the womb tightens to help shed the lining of blood.

However, if you have bad pains before pregnancy, they can ease for good afterwards. One theory is that since the pregnancy stretches the uterus it is easier for blood to flow out, says Richard Sheridan, a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital and Spire Bushey Hospital.

‘In women who have not had a child, the neck of the uterus is often small so the uterus may contract more to force blood out of a narrow opening.

‘In childbirth, the cervix has often been stretched to 10cm. It never returns to its very tight state, so blood flows out more easily, causing less cramping.’