Why Period Pain And Discomfort Should Not Always Be Labelled As Normal

Highlights

Dysmenorrhea or cramps are one of the most common side effects of menstruation.

If cramps affect one’s ability to do everyday activities, seeking medical advice as soon as possible is advisable.

Normalisation of pain during periods can lead to people going undiagnosed from conditions such as endometriosis.

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The experience of having periods differs from menstruator to menstruator. For many, the menstrual cycle typically starts between the ages of 11 and 14, with the average cycle being around 28 to 34 days. It can be light and painless for some while heavy and painful for others, but what might be completely normal for one might just be a cause of concern for the other. While some side effects during one’s period are considered usual, it is important to remember that one shouldn’t accept all pain during their menstrual cycle as normal and acceptable.

Dysmenorrhea or cramps are one of the most common side effects of menstruation. Cramps during periods are caused by an excess of a hormone-like compound called prostaglandins, which is released from the endometrium (uterine lining) as it prepares to be shed. It helps the uterus contract and relax so that the uterine lining can break down and flow out of one’s body. If the uterus contracts strongly, blood flow is reduced, and the supply of oxygen to the uterus muscle tissue decreases, causing one to have painful cramps. If a typical painkiller isn’t enough to ease the pain of your cramps, and if your cramps affect your ability to do everyday activities, it is best to seek out medical advice as soon as possible.

While many experience pain, normalisation of this pain during periods can lead to people going undiagnosed from conditions such as endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where the womb’s inner lining develops outside the uterus. According to the Endometriosis Society of India, about 25 million Indian women suffer from endometriosis.

The Endometriosis Society of India states that endometriosis can cause heavy or scanty menstrual flow spotting before the periods and painful sex. Irregular bowel habits such as diarrhoea or constipation can also occur, and a person may also be subjected to pain during passing stool or urine. According to the Endometriosis Society of India, childlessness is associated with endometriosis in about 20- 40 percent of the cases. Endometriosis can be diagnosed by MRI, ultrasound, and transvaginal scans and treated medically or surgically.

It’s high time we start talking about periods and period pain more openly. This #MenstrualHygieneDay, #Infano along with #TheLogicalIndian, is addressing nuanced conversations on period centering on the well being of the menstruators as they power through every day.

The information provided in the article, while collated with utmost care and caution, does not amount to any medical diagnosis. The Logical Indian and Infano team urge people to reach out to their medical practitioner in case of any query that they may have.

Highlights

While lactation consultants are not always necessary, they are very helpful when there are difficulties or complex problems while breastfeeding an infant that isn’t resolving on their own.

Also nowadays lactation courses and classes are offered pre-natal so most mothers are already aware of breastfeeding advantages, latching positions, breast milk advantages, myths, etc.

Here are a few lactation consultants who should be following if you are on your way to motherhood or just seeking more knowledge on the subject.

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Lactation Consultants can be a blessing for mothers to be and new moms who are entering the journey of parenthood. While lactation consultants are not always necessary, they are very helpful when there are difficulties or complex problems while breastfeeding an infant that isn’t resolving on their own. That is when lactation consultants can offer professional help. Also, breastfeeding advice is not one-size-fits-all. Every situation between a mother and baby is unique and different. Also nowadays lactation courses and classes are offered as pregnancy tips for first-time moms, so most mothers are already aware of breastfeeding advantages, latching positions, breast milk advantages, myths, etc.

While social media is home to many practitioners who share their knowledge on breastfeeding and lactation through their content and videos, here are a few lactation consultants who should be following if you are on your way to motherhood seeking pregnancy tips for first-time moms, or just seeking more knowledge on the subject.

Arushi Agrawal

Instagram @lactationconsultant_arushi

Arushi is a certified lactation consultant from Jaipur and is a part of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. She offers online and offline consultation.

arushi agrawal offers Pregnancy Tips For First-Time Moms

Neha Dwivedi

Instagram @nehadw

Dr. Neha is a Childbirth Educator and IYCF specialist. She is also the COO Akkarbakkar HQ and has Co-authored the book Vijyant at Kargil Penguin India

neha dwivedi offers Pregnancy Tips For First-Time Moms

Swati Jagdish

Instagram @mayas_amma

Quite popular on social media, Swati is a psychologist specializing in sex education and parenting along with lactation counseling through her online and offline workshops and sessions.

mayas amma offers Pregnancy Tips For First-Time Moms

Anupama Kumar Vijayanand

Instagram @anupama.vriksham

Anupama’s award-winning, Vriksham Pregnancy Care Education “Social Enterprise” offers online classes & offline classes (Tiruppur, Coimbatore), for fellow women on pre-pregnancy, prenatal, early-pregnancy, pregnancy, child-birth, infant-care and breastfeeding.

Anupama vriksham offers Pregnancy Tips For First-Time Moms

Prutha Pai Panandiker

Instagram @lactation_milky_way

A certified lactation professional from Goa, Prutha provides support to breastfeeding mothers all across India, helping them with complete knowledge on breastfeeding and everything that encompasses motherhood.

prutha pai offers Pregnancy Tips For First-Time Moms

Archana Shroff – CLP

Instagram @lactationwitharchana

A certified lactation professional, Archana offers breastfeeding pumping support along with lactation counselling and prenatal & postpartum nutrition through online and offline sessions.