C-section Gas Pain

Written By Lesley Samulak

Did you feel gas pain after your c-section? I did! I had significant referred gas pain in my left shoulder. Even with simethicone, stool softener, hot water, and walking around my hospital room, I could not relieve the pain.

Why am I telling you about my gas pain?

This is one of those things that people do not talk about experiencing after a c-section, and my goal is to be as candid as possible about my cesarean deliveries. The point is not to invoke fear or share my sob story for attention but to let others know the good, the bad, and the ugly of c-section recovery. Knowledge is like armor. It is powerful, and the more we know, the better we are suited for the experiences of life.

What to do about the pain?

So, what have I learned about remedying the gas pain after three c-sections? If other methods of gas relief do not work, ask the nurse for a suppository. Within 30 minutes, I went to bathroom because I thought that I needed to poop, but I ended up relieving gas for about five full minutes. It felt amazing.

In case you are wondering, here are some gas relief suggestions:

  • Simethicone

  • Hot, clear liquids

  • Heating pad

  • Walking

  • ILU (I Luv U) self-massage over the lower abdominal area

    • Remember this one because the self-massage technique is great for constipation

Want to learn more? Here is a link to an article about gas pain written by a board-certified anesthesiologist:

Gas Pain After Surgery: Why It Happens and How to Relieve It – HealthProAdvice

If you have any more strategies for gas pain, please drop a comment below. I would love to hear about more ideas.

Are you interested in reading more about my c-section recovery and returning to exercise?

Lesley Samulak
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