Long, Painful Periods

This happened to me after all three pregnancies. My periods were very regular and lasted about 3-4 days. After babies, they were heavier, more cramps and lasted about 6- 7 days. I tend to gradually get back to normal. My youngest is almost 4 years old and I am completely back to normal (and have been for quite some time).

I wouldn't think so I would check with you doctor I know your periods can change but the painful part worries me good luck

Did you get your tubes tied? This is a common problem with women who got their tubes tied.

This sounds exactly like me! I have always been extremely regular, 5 days, light bleeding, no cramping, and then I started my period back after my son. My first period lasted 6 weeks, I cramped every single day, and I was extremely heavy. I regulated out a little bit, but last May had another 6 week period, very heavy, and lots of cramping. My doctor gave me a prescription for progesterone for a few days to flush out my system. After that, I was supposed to go on the pill for three months to see if I regulated out. After the progesterone, I could tell an immediate change, I stopped bleeding and stopped cramping. I took the pill for a month, and haven't taken it since and my cycle is back to normal. Sometimes your cycle is going to change after a baby, but I would still go to your doctor to have it checked out, just to see if there is something going on. Good luck!

Did you gain a lot of weight? Things that make your period unbearable are : being overweight, eating a lot of dairy, not drinking enough water, not getting proper nutrition, not enough exercise, etc.

The same exact thing happened to me. I had normal, short periods and had been on the same pill for years. I had a baby and nursed him for 14 months. Once my period came back (after I stopped nursing) it was terrible. Very heavy, horrible pain, and large clots. I would even have cysts rupture, which is very painful. My OB/GYN did laparoscopy and DNC thinking that I might have endomitriosis (Which has all of the symptoms you are describing) but I didn't. I still don't have an answer to the problem, but I have changed my pill to Yasmine, which has brought some relief. Also, if you're on a pill never ever miss a dose! This can bring on the painful cysts.

This too happened to me after baby #2. It did take about a year for my periods to get back to pretty much normal (still heavier than I remember though). However, a girlfriend of mine had to have a medical procedure done as an outpatient to relieve this condition with was becoming chronic and unhealthy. Talk to your OB/GYN if the problems exist for a prolonged time.

Did you happen to have either a cesarean or your tubes tied? I experienced the same issues after my 2nd child was born and was told that the heavy, painful periods and cramps were due to that -- a side effect that is apparently common. Unfortunately, I did not find that out until after the fact!
Good luck
M.

Yes I have had the same experience. I am a mother of 3 kiddos. I use to have medium cycles but now that I have had children they are significantly heavier with more cramps, and back pain. My OBGYN said that this is normal after the expanding of the uterus with pregnancy. My cycle with each pregnancy has come back sooner too - yuck.

It sounds like your hormones are just trying to get back to normal. I had just the opposite with my son. After nursing for 8 months mine came back less painful and fewer days (from 7 to 3). This second time around with my daughter I bled almost everyday after I gave birth. This time it was because of nursing that my body did not empty my uterus like it should have and when she was 5 months I had to have a D&C. More than likely though it is hormones. If it becomes real bothersome or seems to be getting worse I would definitely check with your OBGYN. You don't want it to be something more serious. Good luck and I hope everything gets better for you!!

Mine have gotten worse after each child. They haven't increased in length, but the are heavier and I have very painful cramping and lots of back pain. My doctor said this was normal and most moms I talk to have had the same experience. Sorry that wasn't much help, but at least it's normal!

Same thing happened to me when I finished nursing all of my kids. If I'm remembering right...it took about 4-6 months to really go back to normal. Its just your body cleaning itself out after so long of irregularity. Just keep in mind all that your body has gone through between pregnancy & nursing. Now its just trying to catch back up. If it doesn't get better in a couple more months, then maybe you should call your Dr. But you're probably just fine for now. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
A.