Periods after c-section

[raevans]

Hi,

I had an emergency c-section in June and I am currently on my 3rd period since giving birth. My first period after my c-section lasted about 10 days and caused next to no pain. However, my second and this current period have been extremely heavy (lots of clots) and the pain unbearable. I would say the pain is on par to contractions when I was in labour, however unlike contractions there is no let up with the pain. This pain is relentless. I have been taking paracetamol/ibuprofen, trying a hot water bottle and baths to try and help, with very little give in the pain.

I was wondering if anyone else was similar after a c-section? I would really appreciate if anyone had any similar experiences or advice as I’m not sure I’m going to be able to cope if this is how my periods are going to be for the foreseeable!

Thankyou 😌

I would see your Gp. That doesn’t sound like something you should need to deal with. I’ve had two sections. First time I got my
Period about 16 months later, it was fine. Second time about 2 years later and again normal. Infact my periods are less painful than pre kids .
I’d want to get checked that you don’t have anything from the birth left.

Not after a c section but I was like his after my second vaginal birth. In essence my understanding is each pregnancy changes your "plumbing." I've been on the mini pill ever since but definitely get it checked in case it is surgery related.

My first period after my emcs was something like 16 days long but not more painful than usual.

I also caught covid about that time which affected my first few periods (I've had covid a few times and I'm always affected that way).

My first period was 14 months pp or so which I've come to realise is later than average even when bf. It might have been later still if I hadn't caught covid I reckon.

The pain sounds concerning though, op, were they painful pre-pregnancy?

However, my second and this current period have been extremely heavy (lots of clots) and the pain unbearable.

Another thought sorry - is there a chance you briefly got pregnant...? Sorry not a nice thought.

Thank you for your response! I’ll definitely get it checked out!

For maybe the first year or so after I had my c section, my periods were ridiculously heavy, but more along the lines of having to change tampon / pad much more quickly than I used to, and having spoken to others, that’s a common thing.

But clots and pain does sound unusual. Not necessarily worrying, but unusual. Definitely worth speaking to your doctor just to make sure it’s normal for you.

@Mummy08m thanks for your response! Pre-pregnancy I’d definitely have pretty painful cramps at times but no where near as bad as they have been post c-section.

I’ll be honest and say the thought had crossed my mind. Although protection has been used everytime, I know there is still a very small chance of pregnancy.

Thankfully this period is coming to an end now and the cramps have gone but I’ll definitely go speak to my GP. Thanks again ☺️

Good point about covid.

14 months is quite Normal/average if bf :) this page has a nice chart

https://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/fertility/#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20uncommon%20for,months%20before%20their%20period%20returns.