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Always. When I was young they were severe. Now they differ between mild and moderate depending on the month. I think birth control helped but even when I stopped it to get pregnant my cramps didn't go back to severe, thankfully.

Always some months they are moderate sometimes they are awful like last!

Always. They used to be severe but the last few years they are more manageable. I'd say moderate because advil+heating pad really helps.

Pre-babies, yes. Post, not really.

Yep. They're much worse post baby.

I did until I had my baby. I've had three periods since (at regular intervals even) with no cramping.

Yes - I had them terribly bad as a teen, then nothing, and now they are awful again PP. I've only had 2 PP periods so far though, so I'm hoping they chill out in the coming months.

Before LO I had them every month with my period

After having LO I got the Paragard and had cramps constantly, period or no period (but I bled almost constantly on Paragard)

Once I had the Paragard and went back on my trusty regular ole' pill, I almost never have cramps anymore. Peace out cramps! Don't miss you

Before baby, always. Not sure yet if that will change. They were much worse when I was younger, but have mellowed out over the years. They were also much more intense when I was on birth control pills, which was bizarre.

Always. As long as I stay on top of taking ibuprofen, they aren't too bad.

Absolutely horrible ones. But after having DS I don't really any more.

Labour was like cramps for me. I guess all those teenage years in agony prepared me, haha.

Mine were pretty severe (call in sick to work level) up until my first pregnancy. Even though I miscarried at 9.5 weeks (and the misoprostal sucked a LOT for me), it was apparently enough to sort of reset things, because I haven't had any since. I actually knew I was pregnant the last time because I was having mild cramps and I only get those in early pregnancy now.

I don't think they were that similar to contractions for me though. It was a totally different kind of pain for me.

I chose sometines, but i think rarely is more accurate. It's happened but only on rare occasions.

Yes. The first three days are painful. I guess they're moderate cramps...although they can be intense at times.

Yes, always. They were worse when I was a teenager-- they've made me vomit a few times. But they're not as severe now. Also, since I started using FAM, I know when my period is coming. I start taking Advil *before* my period even starts and the cramps are manageable once they do start. Usually by an hour or 2 in I can get through the rest of the day with just 1 more pain reliever dose. But, if I wait until the cramps start, it's too late. By the time the Advil kicks in I'm already in a lot of pain.

That's all with the exception of my first few after my son was born. Those were really awful and nothing helped. But once my body was back in the swing of things, the Advil *before* things start trick worked again.

Mine were always like universe-imploding painful. I consider the long break from menstruation to be one of the top benefits of breastfeeding, and pregnancy itself tbh.

When I was in high school I had to take medication the cramps were so bad. Post kids I don't get any cramps.

I get bad PMS, always have since puberty.

Moderate to severe cramps, heavy flow, tender breaststroke, headaches, bloating, backaches, fatigue, irritability.