Abstract
Chronic pain (CP) conditions after childbirth include persistent pain after
caesarean section (CPCS), perineal pain after instrumental vaginal delivery, lower back
pain and pelvic girdle pain. Any type of CP before or during pregnancy increases the
risk of CP after delivery. Scar pain is the most recognized etiology for CPCS with a
neuropathic component, although it is less frequent than in other surgeries. Reported
CPCS incidence ranges from 1 to 23%. Pain intensity is moderate and decreases with
time in all studies. The severity and duration of peripartum pain are the main risk
factors for CP and its control is the most recommended strategy for reducing risk. Fear
of fetal and neonatal adverse events means that CP is often undertreated, but after
delivery, pharmacological restrictions disappear and many pain drugs are compatible
with breastfeeding. Education of obstetric teams about early detection and referral to
specialized consultation of women with CP is the key. In this chapter, available
information in the recent literature, mainly during the last years, is presented. This
chapter focuses on CP conditions after childbirth, as analgesia for labor and childbirth
and immediate pain after CS and vaginal delivery are covered in other chapters of this
book.
Keywords: Chronic pain, Obstetric patient, Incidence, Postpartum, Risk Factors, Treatment.