What is a common treatment for afterpains that can occur after childbirth?

Mild analgesics like acetaminophen are commonly used to relieve afterpains, which are uterine contractions experienced by many women following childbirth. Afterpains can be particularly pronounced in women who have had multiple pregnancies because the uterus has to contract more vigorously to return to its pre-pregnancy size. Analgesics like acetaminophen help manage the discomfort associated with these contractions without the sedative effects that stronger medications might cause, making them a safe and effective option for postpartum pain relief.

Other treatments mentioned, such as antibiotics, are not appropriate for afterpains unless there is a specific infection that needs to be treated. Physical therapy is also not a standard treatment for afterpains, as they are generally managed through over-the-counter pain relief. Warm compresses can provide comfort but are not as widely recommended or effective for pain management compared to analgesics. Thus, the use of mild analgesics aligns directly with the focus on symptom relief and comfort in the postpartum period.