One of the most asked questions of mums is this: “I just gave birth. When will my period come back after birth?” Learn more about your first period after giving birth and issues that you may experience in this period (no pun intended) of your life.
Given the change we experienced in our bodies when we became pregnant, it is also exciting to know when our bodies will be “normal” again. But it’s not that simple. It takes enough time for our body to recover from childbirth and for our hormones to return to normal.
Postpartum Menstruation vs Postpartum Bleeding
After giving birth, mums may experience bleeding for a week or two that can be mistaken for menstruation.
This is called lochia, your body’s way of removing other blood and tissue in your uterus that helps your baby grow.
But how do you tell the difference between postpartum bleeding and menstruation?
According to Dr Maureen Laranang, an OB-Gynecologist from the Philippines, postpartum bleeding is also referred to as physiologic vaginal bleeding or discharge after childbirth. It lasts up to 2 weeks. Compared to menstruation, it has a much slower flow. The lochia rubra usually comes during the first 3 days and is bright red.
She added that the bleeding decreases on the 4th to 10th day and the colour turns pink. After 10 days, a white discharge will be noticed. This is normal for women who give birth.
When Can I Expect My Period to Return After Pregnancy
After giving birth and spending the first couple of weeks caring for their newborn, most mums want to find out when their bodies will return to normal. And one of the first questions they ask is, "When will my period come back?"
New mums are eager to know when their first period after giving birth will arrive and what to expect when it finally does.
According to Dr Laranang, the question of when menstruation will return after giving birth depends on whether the mother is breastfeeding.
If the new mum is not breastfeeding and is just bottle-feeding or sometimes a combination of both, menstruation will usually be back after the 8th week.
What is the first period after pregnancy like?
The first period after pregnancy, also known as postpartum bleeding or lochia, can vary from woman to woman. In the first few days to weeks after giving birth, you'll experience heavy bleeding that's bright red and may contain blood clots.
Over time, this bleeding will gradually decrease in volume and turn lighter in colour, eventually resembling a typical menstrual flow. It's essential to note that the duration and intensity of postpartum bleeding can differ based on factors like the type of delivery (vaginal or cesarean), individual differences, and whether you're breastfeeding.
Will my period change after pregnancy?
Yes, it's quite common for your menstrual cycle to undergo changes after pregnancy. Some women may notice differences in the length of their menstrual cycle, the duration of their periods, or the intensity of menstrual symptoms like cramps and PMS. These changes can be attributed to the fluctuation of hormones that occurs during pregnancy and childbirth.
Is it normal to get your period while breastfeeding?
Yes, it is entirely normal to experience menstruation while breastfeeding. However, the timing of your first postpartum period can vary significantly. Some women may not have a period for several months or longer if they are exclusively breastfeeding on demand, as breastfeeding can suppress ovulation.
According to Dr Laranang, your period will not return immediately when you breastfeed exclusively for six months, due to the so-called lactation amenorrhea. Exclusively breastfeeding women take longer to ovulate. The mechanism works by suppressing the hormone released for ovulation. It is also a form of natural contraception, but has 3 conditions:
- the mum did not have her first postpartum period yet
- she is exclusively breastfeeding her child regularly
- her baby is below 6 months old
It's important to note that even if you haven't had your period, you can still become pregnant during this time.
Keep in mind that every woman's experience is unique, and these changes can vary widely from person to person.
When Do You Get Your Period After Giving Birth While Breastfeeding?
If you are exclusively breastfeeding, your first period may not come back for several months, or up to two years if you continue to nurse. Your periods may return as soon as 3 weeks after your kid is born if you bottle-feed or partially breastfeed your infant.
Your periods may become irregular once they return, mainly if you are still producing milk (lactating). The length of your menstruation may also vary. It's not uncommon to miss a period or wait a few months for your next one.
When you reduce breastfeeding time, your periods should begin to return to normal. At first, you may notice some spotting (light bleeding).
Irregular Periods During Breastfeeding
Irregular periods during breastfeeding are common and normal. Your body has a lot on its plate when you're breastfeeding, so it's not surprising that your menstrual cycle might be affected.
You may notice that your period is lighter than usual, or that it comes later than expected. It can also be harder to predict the timing of your period when breastfeeding, especially if it was irregular before you became pregnant.
It's important to keep track of your period so you know when to expect it—and when not to! If you have sex during your period and don't use protection, there's a chance you could get pregnant again.
Suppose you have irregular periods while nursing, such as continuous spotting, heavier-than-normal bleeding, or extended cycles. In that case, you should consult your doctor because there could be other factors at play. Your doctor will need a thorough checkup and may request tests to rule out other possibilities.
Will my period affect the milk I produce?
You may notice changes in your milk production or your baby's responsiveness to breast milk once your period returns. The hormonal changes that induce your period may also impact your breast milk.
You might notice a drop in your milk production or a change in how frequently your baby wants to nurse, for example. The content of your breast milk and how it tastes to your infant may also be affected by hormonal fluctuations. However, these changes are usually mild and should not interfere with your child's breastfeeding ability.
Period After C-Section While Breastfeeding
For every new mother, some challenges come with breastfeeding. One of the most common challenges is figuring out how to manage your period after a C-section.
It's normal for women who have had a C-section to experience blood loss during their first few days of recovery. This can cause some discomfort for breastfeeding mothers, who are already dealing with soreness from the surgery and extra pressure from the baby's mouth on their nipples.
It's important to keep hydrated and take care of yourself during this time; however, it's also important not to let yourself get too tired or stressed while you're healing so that you don't compromise your milk supply or put yourself at risk for infections such as mastitis (an infection in the breast).
How to Get Your Period Back While Breastfeeding
After your baby is born, you may have to wait a while before you get your period back. That's because breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and makes it difficult for your body to produce the hormones needed to trigger your period.
But there are several things you can do to encourage this process:
- Make sure you're getting enough calories from food or supplements; if you're underweight, your body won't produce enough estrogen and progesterone—the hormones that stimulate menstruation.
- Talk with a doctor about taking birth control pills or other medications that can help bring on your period more quickly. This could include the Pill, an intrauterine device (IUD), or even an oral contraceptive containing estrogen and progesterone.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day—this helps flush out toxins from your body and increase blood flow through your pelvic region, which can also help trigger a period.
How Long Can You Go Without a Period While Breastfeeding
Generally, it's not uncommon for women to experience changes in their menstrual cycles when breastfeeding. About half of women who breastfeed report that their periods stop completely during the first six months of breastfeeding.
This isn't necessarily something to be concerned about: your body might need some time to adjust after giving birth.
And even if your period does return after this initial six-month period (or after a shorter or longer time), it may not be exactly like it was before you started breastfeeding—which is normal!
You might notice changes in the amount or length of your cycle and how much bleeding there is during each period.
No Period After Giving Birth - Can I Get Pregnant?
As long as you already had your first postpartum period, it would be best if you assumed that you are already ovulating and can get pregnant. So if you do not want to get pregnant yet, talk to your OB-gynaecologist about birth control options that are suitable for you, especially if you are breastfeeding.
According to one study, a woman usually ovulates 45 to 94 days after giving birth. Most also start ovulating again in the 6th week, but some even earlier.
Therefore, a woman can ovulate even if her menstruation has not returned after giving birth. This means that a woman can become pregnant even if she has no menstruation yet after giving birth.
Birth Control After Giving Birth
Once the woman's body has recovered, her wound has healed, and she is ready, she can have sex again. But if you do not want to follow the baby immediately, it is better to use contraceptives during sex. According to Dr Laranang, contraceptives also depend on the type used.
Ask your OB-gynecologist what contraceptive method you should try and when you can start it. He or she can recommend the best contraceptive method for your situation. Read this to know more about birth control options for the breastfeeding mum.
Dr. Laranang notes that on the 6th week of giving birth, parents must come back to discuss the family planning method they need.
No Period After Pregnancy - When to Worry
After pregnancy, many women experience changes in their menstrual cycles, and some may not have a period for a while, especially if they're breastfeeding. While this is often normal, it's essential to be aware of when to raise concerns about the absence of a period.
If you haven't had your period for an extended period after pregnancy, there's typically no need to worry right away. It's common for breastfeeding mothers to experience amenorrhea. However, if you're not breastfeeding or have stopped breastfeeding, and your period remains absent for several months, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.
Prolonged amenorrhea could be due to various factors, including hormonal imbalances or underlying health issues that require evaluation and management.
Monthly Period After Pregnancy - When to Seek Medical Help
While some irregularities in your menstrual cycle are typical after pregnancy, there are instances where you should seek medical attention. If you experience any of the following, it's advisable to contact your healthcare provider:
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Heavy Bleeding: If you have excessive or prolonged bleeding during your postpartum period, it could indicate an issue like an infection or retained placental tissue.
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Severe Pain: Intense or debilitating pelvic pain, especially when accompanied by fever or unusual discharge, should be addressed promptly.
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Irregular or Unusual Symptoms: Any irregularities that concern you, such as extremely heavy periods, persistent spotting, or abnormal changes in your menstrual cycle, should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
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Sudden Changes: If you've been exclusively breastfeeding but suddenly experience a period, it's essential to talk to your healthcare provider about contraceptive options to prevent unintended pregnancies.
Remember that your body goes through significant changes during and after pregnancy, and while many things are entirely normal, it's always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider if you have any doubts or concerns.
Dr. Maureen Laranang of Makati Medical Center, Whattoexpect, Healthline, WebMd, Health Direct
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