A.T. asks from Oakland, CA on October 05, 2009
Cramping for a Week
Hi Mamas,
I had a baby a little under a year ago am still breastfeeding. I am slowly weaning her. I no longer pump at work, I just feed her in the morning and at night. Because of this, and also because I have the IUD, Mirena, I haven't had a period since she was born.
Last Tuesday I started having cramping. Not horrible, but dull and annoying. I also feel bloated and my back hurts...you know the typical premenstral feeling. The problem is I've felt like this for 6 days and have not started my period.
I'm just wondering have any of you experienced this? Should I be concerned that something is wrong with my IUD? Is it just possibly my hormones shifting from slowing down on the breastfeeding?
I'm kind of exhausted from being uncomfortable. I'm having trouble sleeping and don't really want to take anything since I am still breastfeeding.
1 mom found this helpful
So What Happened?™
Thanks Ladies! I called my OB/GYN and he said that the first period (with no Mirena) after having a baby is usually pretty heavy with a lot of bleeding and more severe cramping, also longer. He said that since the Mirena prevents the lining of the uterus but does not affect the ovaries I'm still going to return to a normal cycle now that I'm almost done breastfeeding, but I won't bleed (or very little bleeding). He said to call him if it continues for another week but to expect cramping and premenstrual symptoms every month but not as severe as this first one.
More Answers
R.F. answers from San Francisco on October 06, 2009
I am in the same boat! My daughter will turn one next month and I still haven't had a period; I do have the Mirena as well. Periodically, I have a a string of days filled with cramping and joint pain, much like a period, but then it goes away. It does seem to be related to hormone changes as my daughter shifts her nursing pattern/amounts.
HTH
R.W. answers from Sacramento on October 06, 2009
Hi, I've had the same IUD twice and the second time around was before I stopped breastfeading my daughter. As soon as I was back to work and slowed down the breastfeading I starting the cramping. It was almost like every month I would have period symptoms but no period or just some spotting. It went away for after about 6 months. If your strings are there it should be no problem. I know it's super annoying, but after that it is the best birth control ever. My daughters 3 & half and I rarely have any pms or period symptoms. Hope my info helps!!
P.W. answers from San Francisco on October 06, 2009
You need to go to the doctor.
J.M. answers from San Francisco on October 06, 2009
Seems pretty normal! My girlfriend and I both have the same symptoms...in fact I've been cramping now for about 4 days and I had my last period about a month ago. Yesterday I had a bit more discharge that was a tinge darker so i know it would ordinarily be the TIME OF MONTH. :) No worries...its much better than the actual period itself right? Call your OB if you are worried but I think it's just fine.
M.F. answers from Salinas on October 06, 2009
I have a mirena iud also and have a baby a little under a year too. I have not changed my nursin pattern purposefully but with more food and stuff my daughter eats more infrequently and I have been noticing the exact same thing. I've had it before briefly but not prolonged! Now I am curious since you have the same issue. No answer here just empathy and the hope that if here's more than one that there is nothing wrong. If you do ask your doctor I'd be curious.
Email
facebook
twitter
StumbleUpon
digg it
kirtsy
Technorati
reddit
del.icio.us
blinklist
simpy
