Wedding Menses Management

Welcome to part two of the wedding series! In my last post, we discussed realistic tips for the wedding night. In this post, we’ll talk about what to do if menses occurs on the wedding day. Just a disclaimer before we start…please do not replace any of this as medical advice. This guide was created from my own nursing background & experiences, client experiences, and a little help from google.

PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS

There are many different medications available for dysmenorrhea pain management. Discuss with your provider to find what works best for you!

1. Most Popular Meds Used for Menstrual Cramps:

   1. Ibuprofen (Motrin): Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

   2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): analgesic

   3. Naproxen Sodium (Aleve): NSAID

   4. Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Pyrilamine Maleate (Midol): analgesic/diuretic/antihistamine

   5. Magnesium Glycinate: muscle relaxant, calming agent

NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS

2. Biofeedback:

   1. Deep breathing exercises – takes focus off pain (distraction), allows for muscle relaxation, and increases oxygenation to tissues

   2. Prayer – takes focus off pain (distraction) and allows for muscle relaxation

   3. Stretching, exercise, or guided relaxation - takes focus off pain (distraction), allows for muscle relaxation, and increases oxygenation to tissues 

   4. TENS unit – stimulation from TENS unit interrupts pain signals

   5. Heat – relaxes muscles and interferes with pain signals

3. Nutrition & Hydration:

   1. Eat a well-balanced diet rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, iron, calcium, zinc, essential fatty acids (in fish & flax oils). It is recommended to take a women’s multivitamin daily. Bonus points if you choose a prenatal vitamin!

   2. Stay hydrated! Try drinking 6-8 cups of water daily and include electrolytes, especially on hot days. Coconut water mixed with a pinch of sea salt and a splash of lime also works as a great electrolyte drink!

WEDDING DAY TIPS

4. EAT & HYDRATE!!!

We can experience more pain & cramping without adequate nutrition & hydration. Consider on-the-go/easy to eat nutrition like granola bars, sandwiches, pre-made smoothies/shakes. Try taking electrolytes and/or coconut water with you to sip on throughout the day. Nominate one of your bridesmaids to make sure you eat & drink! Stop drinking 60-90 minutes before walking down the aisle to avoid the need to use the bathroom during the ceremony.

5. Plan out times/places to use the bathroom. 

Distended bladders can cause more pain and cramping. Try to empty your bladder every 2-3 hours, or whenever you feel the urge to go. Good times and places to go: before & after hair/makeup, before & after walking down the aisle, before & after pictures, before dinner & before/during dancing at the reception.

6. Stay on top of pain meds/magnesium supplements. 

To prevent breakthrough pain, stay on a regular pain med/magnesium schedule (according to the directions on the container or per your provider’s instructions).

7. Utilize biofeedback when you can! 

Consider having some prayer time or doing a guided relaxation/stretching to start off the day calmly. Focus on deep breathing with intense cramps. Bring heat packs/TENS unit to use as needed. Rael Heating Patches are great – very discreet and easy to use on the go. They can be found in the women’s section at Target or on Amazon.

8. Have a wedding day period survival kit! 

Get yourself a cute bag and add supplies so you can focus on your special day knowing you’re prepared, even if your body isn’t at its best. Here are some things to include: Water bottle, electrolytes, drinkable nutrition (smoothies, shakes), easy (but healthy/anti-inflammatory) food/snacks, a copy of your itinerary & bathroom plan, copies of favorite prayers, heating pack/TENS unit, pain meds/magnesium supplements, extra pads/tampons, wipes/peri bottle, a change (or 2-3) of underwear (that WON’T show through your white dress!!!). Tell your bridesmaids so they can support you!

9. Wedding night tips:

Depending on how heavy your flow is and the amount of pain/cramps you’re experiencing, you may or may not want to have intercourse on the night of your wedding, and that’s okay! Not all couples consummate their marriage on their wedding night. Each person has a different comfortability level with sex while menstruating. Either way, make sure to communicate with your spouse so you’re on the same page and can make a decision to or not to engage in the marital act together based on your comfortability and desire to achieve or avoid a pregnancy. If you do decide to try, check out my previous post for wedding night tips! Emphasis on the towel usage while on your period (dark-colored towels preferred for less cleanup during this time ;) 

With these tips and tricks, you can let your period take a backseat to your wedding if menses does end up falling on your special day. Prepare what you can ahead of time so you can feel at peace when your big day arrives and enjoy the day to its fullest. May God bless you and your spouse richly in your marriage, and know that you are being lifted up in prayer!