Period Changes After Pregnancy

After my first pregnancy, I didn't have cramps anymore (Hooray!!). But after my third pregnancy my periods starting coming heavier. I also got off schedule for a while, then got back on track. My "baby" is now almost 3, and my period is still very heavy after the 2nd day, and lasts almost 7 days!! My OB says it's normal, so I don't worry about it.

Wow! I just had to respond. I have a 4month old, she was supposed to be a multiple but I miscarried the other early on in the pregnancy. My period this month was horribly heavy so I called my OB. He's sending me for an ultrasound. I'd suggest you do the same.

I have a 13yo and an almost 3yo and I suffered with heavy, painful periods after my 2nd child that lasted for an avg. of 10 days and I was getting it every 21 days instead of 28! The first two days were unbearable. I was not on any form of birth control since my husband had a vasectomy. I knew that my mom experienced similar issues that got worse as she aged and entered menopause so I went to my OB/GYN, which I suggest you do, and made sure first there were no causes for it as in my mother's case. I requested an internal and external ultrasound be done looking for cysts that could cause this type of bleeding.
I also wanted to know my options for changing this. Because I didn't need to be on the pill anymore and did not want more children, endometrial ablation was an option for me. This is an outpatient procedure, performed a couple of different ways, where the lining of the uterus is "removed" so that it will not build up, and thus, no more period! After researching, I chose the laser method which seems to have the least chance for ever having a period again (60% never do) and has the least painful recovery (just cramping the day of surgery). I had one period after it and then never again.
I think this is fairly common for periods to change after childbirth, but definitely not something we should have to suffer through. Go see your doctor and see what your options are. Good luck.

K.-

I posted pretty much the same question last month. I just got my period 3 months ago when my second son turned 8 months old. I think to can relate to how awful my period has been... too heavy to leave the house because within 45 minutes to 1 hour I leak as well as a week to 10 day long period. I went on the pill (the one you can take when you are breast feeding) and have seen no relief at all. People advice ran the gamet... (1) let your body have some time to adjust (2) call your doctor and see if taking higher doses of motrin/aspirin/advil will decrease intensity of flow (3) issue like fibroids, etc. can arise so definitely call your doctor and lastly women who have opted for partial hysterectomies. If I were you, I would at least call the doctor and see what they say. I've opted to give my body 1-2 more periods to see how it goes before I call back. I am discontinuing breast feeding this month, so I am expecting another hormonal change. We'll have to wait and see. Please know that this isn't as uncommon as you think. I wish you the best and feel horrible for you.

My first prego was twins and my periods where like that before i had them. After i had them it was a little better, but i also went onto birth control. They told me that the heavery my period was that i would run a high chance of having another set of twins if not more. Have u gone on to a birth control? I would say something to the obgyn and let them know that u have a concern. And u might have to fight for them to listen. Also look into ur family history for any women issues in ur family. Best of luck and twins are so much fun.

you are obviously not alone...i had my 5th child in september last year and ever since my periods have been extremely heavy. so much so, that i have to wear double protection and sometimes cannot leave the house the first 2-3 days. i tried the pill but i ended up getting my period 4 times in 2 pill cycles! ugh! i just decided to stay off BC and just let it go. i hope things get better for you, but just know that i feel your pain =)

K.,
I just sent a post last week regarding this subject. Make an appt with your OB/GYN. I have been suffering with very heavy periods since my son was born last Feb. (18 months now) We tried medications, the depo shot and nothing worked. Next week I am going in for an Endometrial Ablation, where they remove the lining of the uterus and you either have no period or have a very light one once a month. This option is after trying everything else and you can not have any more children with this procedure. So, I would check with your OB/Gyn. Maybe for you going on a form of birth control will help. I had a tubal and still tried birth control to regulate the periods and it did not help but for some it does.
Good luck and know you are not alone!
Christina

Hi K., I feel for you. That happened to me too. But I had 3 c-sections along the way. I think it's normal, but you should mention it to your ob/gyn just to be on the safe side. Just wait til you don't have to worry about it again! What heaven, but it is a trade off, hot flashes are hell in the middle of the night! LOL Good luck and best wishes!

My periods have not been the same since the brith of my youngest, who is now 9, however they have gotten a little better. At first the were really heavy for 12+ days and my hormones were completely out of whack. I went to my OB/GYN and he told me it was normal. At least I am back to 4-5 days now, but the first couple of days are still heavier than they used to be and the cramps are as bad as the ones I had when I was nursing. Just one of the joys of motherhood I guess!

Mine became so bad that my gyn did pelvic laparoscopy for me. He thought i may have endometriosis or adheshions. It turns out i am just blessed now with some not nice periods...lucky me!! It seemed to get worse after each pregnancy :-(

I had my first child almost a year ago. Since having him, my periods have lasted much longer and are much heavier. The first day is really light, then the next two are horrible. They've lasted on average, about 7-10 days. It feels like a life time! To ease your mind, I would suggest calling your OB office and talking to the nurse. They may or may not want to see you. At least that would ease your mind.

I am having awful periods now too. After my second child I had my tubes tied and I had a c-section. My periods used to be nothing but very heavy and painful now.

Hi K.,

I had my daughter in April 2007 and my period changed drastically after she was born. It still hasn't gone back to normal, so maybe this is normal for me now. When my son was born 4 years ago this didn't happen. I am not sure if it is normal for periods to get much worse, but you are not alone. I haven't gone to the ob/gyn because after a few days it isn't so bad. My mother-in-law tells me that it's normal. I guess I am taking her word for it now. Good luck and hopefully it will at least get a little better soon. But, if not it would just be one more thing in your life that changes after you have a baby!

Unfortunately pregnancy changes your whole body and not always for the best. I had that problem for a little while after having my son but I did go back to normal. I got my tubes tied and now have the worst periods I ever thought possible. So my advice to you is to see your doctor. There may be a type of birth control available to help ease your periods and possible thin out the blood to avoid the clots. My advice to everybody if you aren't sure ask your doctor. Good luck.

mine was like this for awhile but finally went back to somewhat of a normal period. I still get HUGE clots every now and again but not as bad as it was.

I had the same issues after my first daughter to the point that i was bleeding thru a tampon and a pad at the same time. After a 6+ months of that, I saw my doctor (a different one than who delivered my daughter because they said my body was just different now and sent me home) and he decided to do a D&C or a complete clean out of all the lining and found out that i still had Placenta in there from the birth (because i had a C-section) I am not saying that is what is wrong with you but it never hurts to checked out... i ended up with Endometriosis and lots of painful surgeries and i would hate to see anyone go thru that !!

My twins will be two in September, and I feel like my period will never be the same. Now while that might be dramatic, its very diffent. My period last so much longer, and stays heavy for many days. I havent had craps in about 8 years and now like clock work bloating, crapping come first followed by the week long heavy period. I have been told that it can take 2 years for your body to recooperate from the lose of vitamins and your hormones become balanced. I am counting down the days hopeful. But, seriously it cant hurt to go see you ob/gyn, and he might be able to discuss birth control methods that can help regulate your menstrual cycle. Good Luck!

i HAVE 7 YEAR OLD TWINS, WHICH ARE MY ONLY CHILDREN. SORRY TO BE THE BURDEN OF BAD NEWS, BUT MY PERIOD IS STILL EXTREMELY HEAVY. I ALWAYS HAD EXTREMELY LIGHT PERIODS AND AFTER THE TWINS I BLEED THROUGH EXTRA SUPERS IN 30 MINS SOMETIMES FOR THE FIRST THREE DAYS, AND MY PERIOD IS A FULL 7 DAYS NOW ALSO.

Hi K.,

I also have a 3 year old daughter and 1 year old twins. My periods are so bad after my twins pregnancy. They are also heavy the first few days and I also get a lot of clots. I thought it was because I had my tubes tied during my c-section. Not sure if you did too... I talked to my doctor about it and he said it is normal and that your body needs to get back to normal. Well it has been 15 months since they were born and I am still waiting for it to return to normal!!:) Just wanted to let you know that I am experiencing the same as you!! Good luck!

R.