Anyone else with painful AF after having kids?

I had two kids in the span of 18 months and I noticed that my AFs are getting more and more painful with each time.  I had DS 7 months ago and had 3 AFs already and man is it painful!  I don't recall having such terrible cramps/bloating/cravings and the whole nine yards before having my kids.  All I'd get is some bloating and that was it.  What the heck happened?  Why am I in so much pain now??  Anyone else going through this?

[alikat1205]

yes.  did you have c/s?  my dr. thought it was adenomyosis caused by c/s, but after more investigation, it was my thyroid.  it was only a bit over 3, but apparently that was enough for me, since i started taking thyroid replacement, pain is gone.  adenomyosis causes this problem as well, and i hope that you don't have that.

[pertykitty]

after 2 c sections i am ready to have my uterus ripped out. sometimes id like to do it myself the pain is so bad.  thyroid huh?  i need to check that out.  

[kellym]

I didn't notice after dd and haven't gotten AF yet after DS..I wonder what the difference is. I have heard this from my friends though. You didn't have a section did you? I don't think it matters either way, it just gets worse. I feel like mine will be here any day :) Blake will be 5 months tomorrow..... How is IIan doing? Blake is about 16lbs now. I split up his 4 month shots and go to get the rest tomorrow. Did Ariella have a good Birthday???

[Flikwerks]

After I had my DD last year (almost to the day) I got my period back after 4 months while still breastfeeding. I had the WORST most painful periods. They did subside after a while. I had a C-section as well.

[AndiJ78]

I have not had a c/s, but I have been pregnant 8 times with 3 term deliveries. I have awful cycles now. I was spoiled from about age 17 until just a few months ago. Between depo (didn't have a period for 3.5 years) and all my pregnancies and nursing, I have had less than 2 dozen periods in 13 years. But HOLY COW now that I have af back, it is awful.

I am actually considering getting Mirena put back in to lighten them up a bit and take away the cramping.

I will say, I just bought Midol for the first time and am in love with it ;-)

[abbysmommy4]

I think it's a combination of having kids and getting older.  I am on my 5th pg and I noticed that when I was about 27 or so my periods got really bad.  The cramps, fatigue, bloating and irritable.  I then had my 4th almost 3 years ago and since her my periods make me crazy, between cramps and heavy flow, then i am way b i t c h y.  I found diet modification and good whole food Vitamins helped.  I hope it's not worse after this baby.  My family may kick me out.............lol

[Mommynurse151]

I havent really...the only change i noticed was my periods got shorter and had clots. Other than that the PMS has been the same.