Recurrent period-like cramps 6m PP but no period and EBF

[ralphsdiary]

Hello

Have posted this in General Health but thought I'd try here too.

Had DD six months ago (had an epi and a ventouse delivery after a hellish labour). Since then I've been EBF, and we started on solids a few weeks ago. I haven't had a period since giving birth and no real signs of any developing (no discharge/bloating etc). My mum EBF me and my three sisters and didn't get a period until about 9m PP so I'm not really expecting anything for another few months.

Today though I've developed pains which I've had twice previously (after 3 weeks ago and then about 3/4 weeks before that). It's over my right hip: an internal pain just like a period cramp (but it doesn't spread too far - doesn't move beyond the middle of my back and doesn't come around the front). Paracetamol sort of helps (as does a hot water bottle) but it makes me feel really sick/nauseous - it's horrible. Normally lasts a day or two.

I'm thinking it's my body trying to ovulate but it's the same side of my body each time, and it's clearly not succeeding since I haven't had a period.

Any ideas? Should I be concerned?

Thanks

Hi Ralphsdiary

This IS a condition which fits your description of cyclical pain with no periods, but I am afraid it will scare the life out of you if I tell you. Please bear in mind that it is entirely possible that you DONT have this condition, but I will tell you about it so that you can keep an eye on things.

I have Ashermans Syndrome, which is scar tissue on the uterus or cervix caused by traumatic birth/infection/operations on the uterus. If you have AS, either you dont bleed because the scar tissue on the uterus prevents the lining from building up or it does build up, you feel period pains, but the blood cannot escape during your period because scar tissue blocks or narrows the cervix. Some people with AS have very light periods and some have none at all. You could try charting (see www.fertilityfriend.com) where you take your temperature every morning (hard to do with a little one though!) and this shows you if you are having a normal hormonal cycle - temps rise after ovulation and then fall again on your period. I realised by charting that when my temps fell I had period pains but didnt bleed. There is a lot more info about Ashermans on www.ashermans.org

I would like to say agian, it is entirely possible that you DONT have AS and breastfeeding is simply suppressing your periods, but if you stop breastfeeding at some point and STILL dont get your period, then I would consider AS a possible explanation. If you think the pains might be related to ovulation you could try monitoring your cervical fluid and cervical position too, both change at the time of ovulation. You can read more about this on the link above or get a copy of Toni Weschler's book - Taking Charge of Your Fertility which explains these things in great detail.

I hope I havent freaked you out, AS is very rare and little talked about (most doctors dont even know about it) For now, I would just note down on a calendar the days you feel this pain and do a little bit more investigating if it looks like cyclical (monthly) pain or if you stop breastfeeding and dont get a bleed.

best wishes

Hey

Thanks - you haven't freaked me out too much - really good to be informed. I've made a doctor's app for next week so will mention it.

Many thanks

Ralphsdiary - I had this following my third pregnancy, it is quite normal, your body is getting ready for ovulation, but not quite yet with the breastfeeding. I spend a few months being convinced I must be pregnant again. Finally my periods did return before getting pregnant again. I did not give up breastfeeding for another few months after af appeared.

I did not get it with my second pregnancy as my af came back at 5 weeks post-partum despite EBF!!!!

So I hope this reassures you that all is ok.

Thanks galwaygirl - that is really reassuring. Pregnancy's unlikely unless it's an immaculate conception (poor DH... ;) )but just knowing I'm not alone is great. Thanks.