Cramping and achy and dark brown blood before period

[ImbarbaraB]

My periods can be painful but only for a day or two and the blood usually comes on strong and is bright red and never lasts longer than 5 days despite being quite heavy at times

This past cycle I have been having pelvic aches and mild cramping on and off for a week before I am due and I have now had brown spotting followed by dark brown bleeding before my period starts

I went to bed last night with strong period cramps and I assumed I’d wake up to my period in full swing but it’s not, just more brown on and off

Can this be normal or something to get looked at? What could it mean?

(I gave birth 12 months ago, have had about 7 regularish periods since, still breastfeeding but not much now baby is a year and I have had the copper coil fitted bow for 10.5 months)

I had this last month for no reason, not pregnant because haven't had sex! I too kept thinking I'd come on overnight, but just had more brown. I have no idea what caused it, but just wanted to tell you you're not alone (and my period eventually turned up properly 6 days late, which is incredibly unusual for me!)