Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Premenstrual cramps

6 January, 2006
Question:

Yesterday, before shkia I felt some pain in my belly (which usually indicates to me that my period is coming) but I could only check myself when it was already dark and my period had actually come. Which day should I consider the first day of my period?


Answer:

Based on the information you provide, the day you discovered you had your period (i.e. the halachic day that commenced with shekiah – sunset) counts as the first day for the purposes of the five-day minimum and for calculating onot perishah. 

This cramp could make a difference in the calculation of the five-day minimum if it were a veset haguf.  That would be the case if the cramp only comes in conjunction with menstruation, if menstruation follows within a time period shorter than that between the onset of this cramping and shekiah, and if you therefore abstain from the onset of such cramping. 

If you have further questions or details to share, please write back.

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