[Surfacing]

Not sure where to post this. I've been back to work FT since January but nurse dd2 when I get home from work all eve and overnight (cosleeping) on demand. I haven't had AF return... until now... I think...

For the past couple of months I have felt like my cycles are back but without menstruating. I feel the old hormonal dance like I used to (irritability when ovulating, twinge when ovulating, pimples.... and then just before my period I feel weak and dizzy and like sleeeeeeping).

Then this month I seem to have *some* blood over the past 2-3 days. But it's more like spotting. I'm confused. So is AF back or not? And why isn't it in full swing? Has anybody else had an experience like this?

FWIW I am using an IUD. I was thinking, "Dear Goddess, don't let this be implantation bleeding."

 

[pbjmama]

It sounds pretty normal to me. Fertility returns slowly when weaning happens slowly/naturally. So it sounds like your first AF is light, which is somewhat unusual but not unheard of especially with IUD, which can make menstruation lighter.

 

[Surfacing]

Thanks for your message. I was somewhat concerned because I had heard with an IUD your flow is supposed to be heavier than without.

 

[pbjmama]

Hm, I guess it probably depends somewhat on what kind of IUD you have but Mirena they say it can be reduced up to 90% or even stop periods all together.

 

[Surfacing]

I have a copper IUD.

 

[Macnamara]

My flow was heavier with the copper IUD (until I got pregnant with it in!).

 

[Surfacing]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macnamara My flow was heavier with the copper IUD (until I got pregnant with it in!).

Ummm yeah, this is what I heard to be typical. That's why I was wondering. {ack!}

If I *was* PG with #3 it would not be the end of the world.

: I would not be attending midwifery school though. Would have to do something else to scratch that itch. Dh would freak out though

: .

But he'd adjust.

So what signs did you have that you were PG?

 

[pbjmama]

I googled and you are right, one of the most common side effects is heavier periods. If you think you might be pregnant I would test asap.

 

[Macnamara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfacing Ummm yeah, this is what I heard to be typical. That's why I was wondering. {ack!} If I *was* PG with #3 it would not be the end of the world. : I would not be attending midwifery school though. Would have to do something else to scratch that itch. Dh would freak out though : . But he'd adjust. So what signs did you have that you were PG?

I kept track of my periods every month, and when I was 1 days longer than my longest cycle I tested. My boobs also hurt so much.

I would test just to make sure. If you are pg, you will probably want have it taken out as soon as possible.

 

[Surfacing]

Really? You can get it taken out while pregnant?

I heard that sometimes the IUD comes out after the baby is born.

 

[pbjmama]

Paragard IUD and Pregnancy

When a pregnancy happens with the ParaGard IUD in place, the long-term effects on the unborn child are not known. Under such conditions some birth defects have occurred. In the event of pregnancy, the ParaGard IUD should be removed. Removing the IUD may cause a miscarriage. However, successful removal in pregnancy decreases the likelihood of pregnancy complications. In some cases removal of the ParaGard IUD may be difficult and a surgical abortion may be necessary.

http://www.contracept.org/iud-paragard.php

 

[Macnamara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfacing Really? You can get it taken out while pregnant? I heard that sometimes the IUD comes out after the baby is born.

I had mine taken out when I was 5 weeks pregnant. The dr. said I could miscarry. I went back the next week and there was hearbeat.

 

[Surfacing]

I don't even know where I am in my cycle, or how long after implantation bleeding the HPT would show positive/negative. Hmmm. Got some reading to do. But it could just be spotting. ??? Thanks for your posts.

 

[Surfacing]

Looking at the calendar and talking to dh... this bleeding came about 5 or 6 days after we DTD. Hmmm. Could be it. Or not. Time will tell.