C.H. asks from Salt Lake City, UT on October 07, 2008
Help I Don't Know What Is Going on with My Body!
Please any and all help and or advise! I have lately been feeling weird. My lower back aches and I feel nauseous throughout the day (not everyday but most days). I get cramping in my legs (which is where I have cramps when I have my period) and I also am feeling very fatigued. This has been going on for a couple of weeks now. I am still nursing my 13 month old who will not give it up... and have not had a period since I before I got pregnant with him. I called my OB and had a blood and urine test for pregnancy and bladder infection but both were negative. Has anyone else experience anything like this???
Featured Answers
J.K. answers from Denver on October 08, 2008
I had/have the same symptoms and I'm a new mom of a 4 month old. I had severe anemia while I was pregnant with him and still do. I think the symptoms may have something to do with that, at least it is/was for me.
J.
More Answers
T.S. answers from Fort Collins on October 08, 2008
I had similiar problems while I was pregnant and while nursing. My midwife and ND both told me to take calcium and b12 vitamins. They worked like a charm and fixed all of those problems. Good Luck.
S.K. answers from Denver on October 07, 2008
Are you eating well? Had your thyroid checked? Cramps can come from dehydration and also Ive heard a lack of potassium can cause cramps. The nausea and back aches can also come frome dehydration. I am sure that you are still loving the nursing bond but maybe after 13 months of nursing your body is telling you that it wants itself back. Thyroid can also throw off your periods. I would start to wean him maybe just do one special nurse session at night or something and start replenishing your body. I nursed for 14 months with my first and I started to feel like a nursing dog looks. Increase your water intake right away, eliminate caffeine and if that doesn't help I would have your dr run a few tests, thyroid, hormones something along those lines. you dont possibly have an IUD do you?
H.W. answers from Denver on October 07, 2008
Call your family doctor. You need to make sure that you are taking extra good care of yourself, since we tend to forget taking care of our bodies in favor of taking care of others after we have kids.
My lower back has been a problem for the past few months - I find that I need to make sure I pick up my son by squatting, as he's bigger now, and I got into the habit when he was smaller of bending at the waist. Maybe see a chiropractor, as the cramping could also be a pinched nerve.
You could also have started ovulating without actually having a period yet, so if these are "normal" period symptoms for you, it may be that you're ovulating and you just don't know it yet. Ovulation before having a period is how many women end up pregnant with number two when they haven't had a period yet.
Now that you are probably concerned with breastfeeding causing this, find a local La Leche League leader and get the facts on nursing beyond a year. There really are still benefits, including immunological, caloric, fat, and protein needs for toddlers. Immune fighting properties of milk actually increase after one year which is amazing. Mothering.com also has good forums on nursing beyond a year. There are also benefits to your health that correspond to the amount of time you nurse, including decreased risk of certain types of cancer.
K.J. answers from Salt Lake City on October 08, 2008
i would see your doctor if you're worried about it. it sounds like symptoms of menstruating; but it's best to be safe.
B.M. answers from Pocatello on October 09, 2008
How is your THYROID levels? This could be part of your problem. I had the same problems when my Thyroid went haywire. Every one of your probles!
M.S. answers from Denver on October 07, 2008
go see your doctor! there are many reasons you could be having those symptoms... could be as simple as a viatmin deficiency (or iron?). i assume you are still taking pre-natals? try to get some extra rest and take care of yourself.. walking may help boost your energy and ease sore muscles. just take it easy and slow.. but see your doc first!
and while i'm not a total nut about beastfeeding, i do think that how long/often you choose to do it is up to you and your baby... rarely is breastfeeding detrimental to anyone's health.
i hope you are feeling well and healthy soon.
J.K. answers from Denver on October 08, 2008
I had/have the same symptoms and I'm a new mom of a 4 month old. I had severe anemia while I was pregnant with him and still do. I think the symptoms may have something to do with that, at least it is/was for me.
J.
A.H. answers from Salt Lake City on October 08, 2008
Have your thyroid checked. It's very common to to develop a thyroid disorder after having a baby. It makes sense for the cramping and the fatigue (not sure about the nausea part, but I've heard some say they get dizzy, and I often get head rushes).
I agree that you should just schedule a dr appt and have all the usual round of blood tests done - just make sure to ask if they have your thyroid on the list, which any good dr should.
Email