is it normal to still have post partum cramping?

hello!!

i had my daughter a week ago today and am still experiencing severe uterine cramping.  she was my third pregnancy, but i was wondering if this was normal?!?  how long do these cramps usually last?!?  it's hard to run a household with 2 little ones running around and a newborn.  thanks for your advice/help!!

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Congratulations!  I don't envy you just starting over, but I'll bet she's worth it!
The "after cramps" tend to get worse with each pregnancy.  In fact, many of my patients find that they are almost worse than the labor pains.  If you were my patient, I would probably order an ultrasound to double check to be sure there is no retained tissue.  If the ultrasound looked good, I would prescribe something like Anaprox DS for you to help alleviate the pain.  If you are breastfeeding, you have probably noticed that the pains are worse when she nurses.  That is normal.  Unless you have an infection or retained placenta, the cramps should begin to subside fairly soon!  You might want to call your doctor and see whether he/she thinks an ultrasound would be worthwhile, and whether he/she would prescribe you something for the cramping!
Good luck!
Dr B