For many women, pregnancy and the postpartum period are filled with joy and anticipation. But for some, a hidden condition can turn those months into a painful and isolating experience. Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare disorder where bones become dangerously weak during or after pregnancy, leading to fractures and chronic pain.
My Story
I had what felt like an easy pregnancy. I worked right up until my due date and never even needed a sick day. My son was born in October, the delivery went smoothly, and life seemed perfect—until, within days, I developed searing hip pain. By two weeks postpartum, I was limping.
Physiotherapy eased that pain, but soon my back began to hurt. First my lower spine, then my mid-back. The pain moved week by week. Soon I was having violent spasms—so severe that simply lying down in bed set them off. Nights became torture: I would freeze in one position until morning, unable to move without triggering another spasm.
At first, my GP and physio thought it was weak muscles from pregnancy and constant baby-lifting. I was told to train harder, to push through, even that the pain might be in my head. An X-ray showed nothing. But I knew something was very wrong.
Eventually, the answer came: I had 12 spinal fractures from osteoporosis caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What is Pregnancy-Related Osteoporosis?
Normally, when a woman breastfeeds, calcium is drawn from her bones and teeth to provide for the baby. Most women recover this bone density over time. But in rare cases, the bone loss is rapid and severe, leading to spinal fractures.
Risk factors include:
- Being naturally thin or having low baseline bone density
- Low calcium or vitamin D intake
- Rapid, extended breastfeeding without supplementation
- Genetic predisposition
In my case, my pediatrician had advised me to cut out dairy when my baby was one month old due to colic. That meant my calcium intake dropped just when my bones needed it most. My spine became fragile, and even small movements—getting up from a chair or turning in bed—were enough to cause fractures.
Treatment and Recovery
The diagnosis was devastating, but at least it gave me a way forward. I had to stop breastfeeding immediately to halt further bone loss. My treatment plan now includes:
- High-dose calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium supplements
- Teriparatide, a daily self-injection I’ll take for two years, designed to accelerate bone healing and rebuild bone density
- Physiotherapy, which was essential in the early months when I could barely hold myself upright. Strengthening my core and back muscles gave me stability again. I remember having to cling to the sink just to brush my teeth.
I am doing better now. The spasms have stopped, and I can finally sleep through the night without fear. But daily life remains limited—I still struggle with bending, twisting, or standing for long stretches.
The Emotional Toll resulting from Pregnancy-Related Osteoporosis
The hardest part of this condition has not only been the physical pain, but the impact on motherhood.
I dreamed of attending mum-and-baby groups, library readings, and play dates. Instead, I’ve missed many of those milestones. I see other women carrying their toddlers—children twice the size of my son—and I wonder if I’ll ever be able to do the same. I worry about how not being held as much will affect him. And in my darkest moments, I’ve felt like a failure as a mother.
There are moments that haunt me: imagining my baby falling and hitting his head, crying for me, and knowing I can’t scoop him up. It has been a deeply emotional year for me and my husband. Thankfully, he works from home and has been my rock—feeding, lifting, and supporting us both.
What Women Need to Know
Pregnancy-related osteoporosis is rare, but it’s real. Too often, women’s postpartum pain is dismissed as “muscle weakness” or “new mum nerves.” My message to other mothers is simple:
Don’t doubt yourself. If you feel something is wrong, keep pushing for answers. You know your body best.
If you’re postpartum and suffering persistent or severe back pain, especially if it worsens at night or with small movements, ask for a bone density scan or MRI. X-rays often miss spinal fractures in the early stages.
Moving Forward
I’m still on my journey of recovery, but I share my story so that other women can recognise the signs earlier, advocate for themselves, and avoid months of unnecessary suffering. Pregnancy-related osteoporosis may be rare, but awareness can make the difference between years of pain and timely, life-changing treatment.
Wham would like to thank Justine Parascandalo for sharing her personal experience with us all.
Do you have an experience you’d like to share with us at Wham, either in your name or anonymously? Contact us! We’d love to hear from you!
