Final answer:
Afterpains are moderate to severe cramp-like pains that occur after childbirth. They are caused by the uterus working harder to remain contracted and the increase of oxytocin released in response to infant suckling.
Step-by-step explanation:
Afterpains are moderate to severe cramp-like pains that occur after childbirth. They are caused by the uterus working harder to remain contracted and the increase of oxytocin released in response to infant suckling. Afterpains are more common in multiparas, which are women who have given birth to more than one child.