GIRLS: I've been told by a few people that people with severe menstrual cramps experience similar pain to labor pains. Do you think it's true?

Question

Basically, I have awful, awful cramps. I have learned to somewhat manage them. I mean... it still hurts like hell, but... well.. I don't have all the other things it usually does to me. Without any remedies this is how it is: I get chills and hot flashes, I pass out, I vomit often (sometimes 10+ times in a night), usually bedridden (can't walk). I've been rushed to the hospital for cramps several times. I've been to many doctors over my period cramps and basically I'm just a very unfortunate person who has terrible cramps. They're like this every single period. Like I said though, I have found remedies that at least take away all the other stuff (not the pain though).

My question is.. I've been told that my period cramps are possibly the same pain as a woman in labor goes through (by a doctor and by other people as well). Do you think that's possible? Also, someone said maybe childbirth would be easier for me if that's the case. What do you think?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

What you've been told is true and it's truly a blessing that it is. My problem is solely the chills, hot flashes and nausea sometimes so my heart really does go out to you. Though from observation, I have witnessed almost every month, my older sister go through all of the agony you go through and it is very horrible. I seriously wish I could help her. Likewise, my mom went through the same exact thing as you both all the way up until she had my sister, but YES she did say that going through labour felt exactly like the menstrual cramps in the past. She said that as unfortunate as her menstrual cycles were, they helped her cope with labour better. She was thinking"Oh it's the same pain I go through every month." That's not to say that labour was a piece of cake but she was already used to the awful feeling. In result, now she is much better and can actually go on with her day by taking the odd Tylenol/Advil or sometimes she doesn't need any pain killers. Mutually, many teachers I spoke with told me the same thing, that a child relieved their cramps and nausea too. Honestly, I pray the same outcome will happen for all the of the females who go through this like your self and my sister, but sweetheart please have faith as very hard as it is, because there is certainly hope for you in what those people told you.

Warmest wishes <3

MissBex95 · Accepted Answer

Yes it can be true. I remember when my older sister was going through labour she told me that the pain she was feeling was similar to cramps she's had and if anything her menstrual cramps were worse than labour pain!

safaa152007 · Accepted Answer

Your menstrual pain doesn't correlate to labor pain, some girls like yourself have sever dysmenorrhea (painful mentruation) and it can be managed by analgesic drugs, nevertheless labor pain is quite excruciating I bet you won't recognize or measure its intensity compared to other types of pain.

front2back · Accepted Answer

My mom said passing a kidney stone is worse than birth, which was worse than periods.  Apparently passing kidney stones must really suck.

Anonymous · Answer

Acutally, no. The exact opposite is going to happen. (That's at least what my doctor told me)

You experience pain every month because your body doesn't adapt its hormonal levels to it. Histamine makes us feel pain. The hormone that inhibits this is called Dao which has to rise when you histamine rises in order to break it down. So when you go on your period for you your histamine level rises... but Dao doesn't adapt. -> leads to pain a person can hardly handle.
When you get pregnant a lot of things happen to your body (I mean seriously, it basically stretches the belly to the 5x size if it.. that would normally hurt, wouldn't it?). What happens is that your body will adjust its Dao levels to the histamine levels which means this will probably be the only time in your life when you won't have any pain or cramps simply because your period will stay away for 9 months :)

I had the same problem. There is a "drug" you can take besides painkillers (although they have pretty hard stuff on the market). It's called DAOSIN and it is supposed to adjust you Dao level before you go on your period. Two doctors both told me it's a 50/50 chance if it works for you or it doesn't. I was lucky enough to be relieved from this. Might wanna give it a try :)

DiggerForTeal · Answer

Omg I have terrible cramps as well! I have to double my dosage of Midol just to be able to walk and move at all! But it still hurts like a bitch! I'm not sure if it's similar to labor I've never had a kid to know, but it probably builds up a good resistance to pain so labor isn't as bad. I heard chamomile tea works wonders for your period. I haven't tried it yet. I usually take a while bunch of meds and then lay in bed crying with a heating pad on my stomach and eventually I pass out. And omg I geg chills and hot flashes too! I feel like I'm going through menopause! I hate that I get such bad cramps especially because none of my friends even get cramps so when I start i usually have to cancel becasue I can't even get up. But they don't see it that way, they think I'm being a baby or just don't want to talk to them. It ticks me off because then along with the cramps I have to explain my pain a million times to them.

nurseanne · Answer

I had a friend who had similar severe cramps as you, first days totally incapacitate her and does not eat nor drink during first days, but then one day, those severe cramps. Have you tried exercising? It does not have to be when you have your mense. Usually, exercise lessens the pain, when you get it. And im not sure regarding your menstrusl cramps equals that of labor pains. I've cared for women with labor pains, and its dangerous :) its like if you made one wrong word or move and they will probably give you that look 'i will rip your hair out'. Hehe.

Nairamata · Answer

Well with both birth and your period the uterine walls and cervix are contracting. I imagine birth is going to be way worse.

And I know you didn't ask this, but to deal with the horrid cramps I would go on hormonal birth control pills. That's what I had to do because I have very similar symptoms as you. The vomiting and being unable to move and generally ruined for 5-7 days each month. Now I have a light, mild to no cramps period for 3-4 days every three months. If you haven't considered it, now may be the time.

snowangle · Answer

It's very possible! Menstrual cramps are caused by the uterus contracting slowly to help pass the blood. And as you know, labor pains are caused by uterine contractions. So, as severe as yours are, the pains are probably very similar. That sucks! I'm happy you can at least manage the other symptoms.

Teeny1 · Answer

Until you have a child (I have had two) there is absolutely no similarity to the level of pain of a bad period and having a baby. Remember not only is your uterus contracting during labor, you are also pushing out a 5-8lb baby! But you can get drugs for that. I personally didn't I went au natural and yes it was intense but worth it.

ladymcbeth · Answer

Never had a baby so don't know. I have had kidney stones and my Endometriosis was that bad as far as pain when I was 15 before I had surgery and they burned it off. I take herbs and mange my symptoms by diet so its never that bad anymore. Do you know what you have? Obviously something medical. If your doctors ate having a hard time, google your symptoms and you should have some answers along with some practical things to help.

Starsite · Answer

I think periods can be brutal, but I don't think the two can compare. It is similair in that your uterus is contracting to shed the lining. I don't think anyone can for sure tell you what childbirth will be like for you, but if you have horrendous periods you should be watchful of post baby blues. Talk to your doctor, he/she may have some ideas to help you. :)

ratherbebeaching · Answer

I speak from experience. When I was a teen and in my early twenties I had terrible cramping every period. Not nearly as bad as you, you poor thing. Sorry to hear what you go through. Labor is similar to your cramping yes. I do not know if I can agree that labor will be easier because of what you go through every month. I do have good news though. After I had my child my periods never hurt again. I think once the uterus goes through expansion and then contractions it is less reactive to menstruation. Hope when you finally get to have your precious baby it brings with it the gift of painless periods like mine did.

NitNoy3 · Answer

Your cramps sound worse than the labor pains that I had. I've had two children and the contractions weren't that bad, but I had an epidural before my water broke both times. I heard the contractions are more painful after your water breaks. My contractions just felt like how your stomach feels when you eat something bad. I thought I just had bad seafood the night before, so I waited 5 hours before going to the hospital to deliver my first born.

thenecessaryevil · Answer

Menstruation for some women can be so disabling, in the military we actually had a female who could not complete her train in because her period symptoms were so bad. They gave her an honorable discharge. Often these more severe symptoms have an underlying cause though, extreme cramping and pain is often due to endometriosis. There are plenty of commercials (ob regular US t. v.) that now discuss the pain and discomfort of it. Age and child bearing also Change it. It doesn't hurt to discuss the pain with your doctor.

SuperMommie13 · Answer

I don't know labor was pretty intense and I could not wait for that epidural. I don't get severe cramps during my period but I suppose they could be similar but not the same. Everyone experiences labor pains differently though. I had pain across my entire stomach and back while I was in labor, it was hard to breathe talk or move much.

mehwhocares · Answer

My mother will tell you that labour pains are on par with her menstral cramps. Not all cramps can be managed with drugs and sometimes cramps are more sever because of other issues such as fibroids or cysts. A good gyno can make a world of difference though, he was able to determine from my symptoms what was causing me the most pain and he was able to take it from a pain of 20/10 to an 8/10. I also find that a lot of stress is caused by dreading my period and having to make sure that I have fulfilled all my commitments that fall on the days of my period before hand. I wish you all the best and I hope that your pain management techniques are helping you- it can be a crappy situation.

VIsQveen · Answer

Periods are like free trials of childbirth. (Or that's at least how I think about it lol) These pains you're feeling will at least make you tolerable for early stages of childbirth. As in water breakage and early contractions. But I'm no professional.

I just base it off of what my mom tells me she works in the maternity ward at the hospital.

Yellowbone · Answer

I used to have excrutiatingly painful cramps. If I didn't have any pain medicine, I strongly believe I'd shoot myself in the head. Then I got put on birth control which helped out a lot.

I don't know if they feel as bad as childbirth but I wouldn't be surprised.

unicornsandglitter · Answer

I think whoever you are talking to is over exaggerating. I mean the muscles being used to get rid of the inner lining of the uterus are the same as what would be used with labor. However, labor pains are trying to shove a cantaloupe through a pea sized hole and using force to do so. I doubt they are comparable.

Anonymous · Answer

I went to the emergency room once because of mine ;/ and took pamprin, midol, those things bust the best has been the Aleve Gel tablets. As soon as I feel slightly odd down there or see blood of my cycle starting i take the recommended dose of 2 at first and take one 10-12 hrs later and then another in the next.

You can't exceed 4 in 24 hr period though!!!

Gel Aleves have worked the best by far for me and I was told I might have cramps simular to contractions as well by a GYNO, good luck!

523206720 · Answer

The pain might be akin to labour pains - located in the same area - feel the same type of sensations etc... but I doubt that it is just as painful as labour pains.

Anonymous · Answer

Did you check to see if you have a condition, like using an ultrasound, to see if the pain is caused by Endometriosis or cysts/pcos? If you do, then the pain might be even worse than childbirth... Otherwise, maybe you're really dehydrated and so your muscles are super tense, I LOVE this woman's massage video:

usernameismyusername · Answer

I too am experiencing severe menstrual cramps during my period. I also have been told that the pain is similar to labor pain when giving birth but my mom said giving birth is more painful then menstrual cramps.

Pfife_diggy · Answer

I have the same problem you do. I hate having to skip school because of it; once, I fell out of my chair during a Spanish class and woke up in the nurse's office! I don't know about the childbirth thing, but you're not alone with the cramp problem. I take lots of Advil.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't know if the severe cramps are equal to labor pain, but I also experience bad periods. I feel so much ache that I can hardly step down of my bed. I just feel like taking a knife and stabbing myself. I don't eat much because I feel like vomiting. Pain is so much that I feel nauseous. I generally sleep a lot so as to avoid the cramps.

crystalt70 · Answer

Nothing compares to labor pains. I have four kids. I also have severely painful periods and ovulation due to ovarian cysts and endometriosis. It's not every month, but when it hits, it is bad. It still doesn't compare to giving birth.

Brereyes · Answer

No period cramps aren't even close to going through labor and no it won't be easier for you if you experience severe cramps. My friends tell me it feel like your pelvis is breaking. Period cramps is blood flowing through your ovaries...

joeclem111 · Answer

No idea, I am just a guy but I love to do massage, I am told by many ladies that I have "magic fingers" strange they all pick the same words. Massages are free BUT there is always a cost somewhere but some bills are very easy to pay.

existing_not_living · Answer

Wow, you're is worse than mine and I have some pretty bad ones. It could be true. I doubt childbirth will be any easier though. I mean you still have to push a baby out of your vagina.

crazyincalifornia · Answer

Yeah I think it's true. Periods F me up a little mentally too. I get a little snippy, you know, intolerant.  That's really not me. I hate that time of month.

becca123 · Answer

It is in the same family, but only in the sense that a housecat is in the same family as a lion. The two can hardly be compared. The worst cramps have nothing on labor pains. Trust me on this one :)

jessicarenee32 · Answer

I had a child and I will tell you this the cramps you feel are the exact feeling going through labor the only reason why some people can't handle the pain or say it's worse is because the get quicker together and don't stop till you push the baby out.

Anonymous · Answer

Child birth is nothing like menstrustion cramps. Seriously see a doctor or take some ibuprofen. You should be old enough to know that you get a period once a month and you should be prepared for the week of your period

UnicornApocalypse · Answer

I don't know I guess it's possible. Also I don't have cramps well maybe occasionally but meh. I guess if all of this is true childbirth for me is going to S U C K! XD

Anonymous · Answer

I don't know I haven't had a baby but my period cramps are horrible my doctor prescribed me with 800mg of Ibuprofen just because my period lasts for two days but it's a lot... and I mean a lot of blood and pain I had to go on iron tablets :(

purplepandas90 · Answer

I've never had a baby, but I do know that some girls' periods hurt really bad. Some don't & some are horrible.

GingerBiscuits · Answer

Cramps any day over labour pain! But I've had 2 kidney infections and those are up there with child birth.

Layla-Marie · Answer

I have always suffered with the worst monthlies and trust me, menstrual cramps even at there worst are nothing like labour pains x

beautifulangel76 · Answer

I think they could be same when the woman is starting to go into labor but not when she is closer to having the baby.

misscocobutter · Answer

Yes similar to childbirth, I've had cramps so bad I passed out, they hurt like a mofo

Tori_love · Answer

Maybe you have endometriosis. Look it up and see a doctor

Anonymous · Answer

Yes it's the same type of pain just exaggerate it 10x at least that's what my mom says.  I've also heard that people with severe cramping during periods do have a easier time with birth

Anonymous · Answer

Just speaking from experience, iv dealt with both. Even the worst of the worst period cramps dosent compare to labor pains and accually giving birth.

MissEM89 · Answer

It's a simular type of pain, but labour is way worse!

Souma95 · Answer

I think it varies on the woman and in some severe cases can be quite similar.

Katy16 · Answer

I think it might be true, but I have no comparison or anything for it

nettaboo82812 · Answer

no their not the same at all i gave birth 6 months ago and i was in a terrible pain and it was nothing like cramps. i still remember the contractions and they are 10 times worse than cramps especially when they're close together.

MJas16 · Answer

Yeah that's exactly what I heard. It's the same area anyways.

jmmmfi · Answer

Had a chaCharlie horse in my foot last night, that was pretty bad. i

Anonymous · Answer

No connection here - reporting from real life, so don't pull the trigger on MH next time

lovemeloveme23 · Answer

Well child birth probably wouldn't feel that bad for you if your cramps are that bad. Thats awful, have you tried birth control? I've heard it helps cramps.

Anonymous · Answer

Nooooo!. Trust me labour pain is nothing like period cramps no matter how severe your cramp is

frenchvanillacream · Answer

No cramps and labor pains are entirely different no how much cramp that you get labor is more painful I have kids and extreme period cramps so I know

Anonymous · Answer

I think it is the same pain yes. Only when you are in labor, they are way stronger and more painful.

Anonymous · Answer

I highly doubt it. Period cramps really aren't that bad. Just suck it up.

been_waiting · Answer

Well both are uterine contractions so perhaps

Anonymous · Answer

I'm sure labor is more painful

GIRLS: I've been told by a few people that people with severe menstrual cramps experience similar pain to labor pains. Do you think it's true?

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GIRLS: I've been told by a few people that people with severe menstrual cramps experience similar pain to labor pains. Do you think it's true?

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