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It’s normal to have some period-like bleeding
- In the first few days after birth, it’s normal to have some period-like bleeding. This happens as your uterus contracts back to the size it was before pregnancy.
www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/periods-after-pregnancy
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May 27, 2024 · Wondering "what's up with my first period after pregnancy?" Learn what's normal when it comes to postpartum periods and how breastfeeding affects fertility.
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- Typically Much Later
- Overview
- When will my period return?
- Why don’t breastfeeding women get their periods as quickly?
- Will my period affect my breast milk?
- What about birth control?
- How might my period be different postpartum?
- What causes mildly painful postpartum periods?
- What should I expect from my first period postpartum?
- What postpartum symptoms should I watch out for?
- The takeaway
From glowing skin to a newfound appreciation for your body, there are many things to love about pregnancy. Another is that you’ll have at least nine months of freedom from your period. But after you deliver, you’re probably curious what will happen with your menstrual cycle.
When your period returns often depends on whether or not you breastfeed. And just like your life after baby, you might find your periods after
Your period will typically return about six to eight weeks after you give birth, if you aren’t
If you do breastfeed, the timing for a period to return can vary. Those who practice exclusive breastfeeding might not have a period the entire time they breastfeed. “Exclusive breastfeeding” means that your baby is receiving only your breast milk. But for others, it might return after a couple of months, whether they’re breastfeeding or not.
If your period does return quickly after giving birth and you had a
, your doctor might recommend that you avoid using tampons during your first menstruation post-baby.
Typically, women who are breastfeeding don’t get their periods as quickly because of the body’s hormones.
, the hormone needed to produce breast milk, can suppress reproductive hormones. As a result, you don’t
When your period does return, you may notice some changes in your milk supply or your baby’s reaction to breast milk. The hormonal changes that cause your body to have your period may also influence your breast milk.
For instance, you might notice a decrease in your milk supply or a change in how often your baby wants to nurse. The hormone changes might also affect your breast milk’s composition and how it tastes to your baby. These changes are usually very minor, however, and shouldn’t affect your ability to breastfeed your baby.
Some use breastfeeding as a natural birth control method. According to the
Association of Reproductive Health Professionals
, fewer than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant annually if they’re engaging in exclusive breastfeeding. Even though breastfeeding reduces your fertility, it’s not an absolute guarantee you won’t get pregnant again.
The key here is exclusive breastfeeding. Other than breast milk, no fluids or solids are given to the baby with exclusive breastfeeding. Even water. Supplements or vitamins don’t interfere and can be given to the baby. Breastfeeding that doesn’t fit this description might not protect against another pregnancy.
When you do start your period again, chances are the first period after delivery won’t be like your periods before you got pregnant. Your body is once again adjusting to menstruation. You may experience some of the following
cramping that might be stronger or lighter than usual
flow that seems to stop and start
The first period after your pregnancy may be heavier than you’re used to. It might also be accompanied by more intense cramping, due to an increased amount of
that needs to be shed. As you continue your cycle, these changes will likely decrease. In rare cases, complications such as
can cause heavy bleeding after pregnancy. Adenomyosis is a thickening of the uterine wall.
Mildly painful postpartum periods can be caused by a combination of several factors. They include:
increased intensity of uterine cramping
Whether you delivered your baby vaginally or by
, you can expect some
after giving birth. Your body continues to shed the blood and tissue that lined your uterus while you were pregnant.
In the first few weeks, blood might be heavier and appear in clots. As the weeks go by, this blood gives way to vaginal discharge known as lochia. Lochia is bodily fluid that can appear clear to creamy white to red in color.
This discharge can continue for about six weeks, which is about the time your period may return if you aren’t breastfeeding. If your discharge had the appearance of lochia, stopped for some time, and then you experienced a return of bleeding, this is likely your period. If you aren’t sure if the bleeding you’re experiencing is pregnancy-related or your period, there are a few ways to tell:
Lochia isn’t usually bright red in color beyond the first week postpartum. It’s usually lighter and can be watery or white in appearance. Bright red bleeding that occurs six or more weeks after delivery is more likely to be your period.
It’s important that you call a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
soaking through more than one pad every hour
bleeding that’s accompanied by sudden and severe
bleeding continuously for more than seven days
that are bigger than a softball
Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms or anything else that concerns you related to your period. Some of these symptoms may indicate an infection.
A return to your menstrual cycle is just one of the parts of recovery and returning to your prepregnancy body. In some, menstruation may be delayed due to the hormone increases associated with breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding as a form of contraception isn’t foolproof. Having a backup method, such as oral contraception or a condom, can help provide further protection. You can find a great selection of condoms
Is it normal to have irregular periods after giving birth? There are no guarantees when it comes to your period after pregnancy. You could start having periods like clockwork — two to seven days of bleeding every 28 days, on average.
Jul 20, 2020 · Your first postpartum period may happen as soon as a month and a half after birth, depending on if you're breastfeeding. “Lactational amenorrhea, which is the absence of the...
- Mara Santilli
- marasantilli@hearst.com
Sep 17, 2024 · However, you might be surprised to hear that you can get pregnant as early as 3 weeks after giving birth, despite exclusive breastfeeding or if your periods have restarted. Yes, 3 weeks! And remember you ovulate 2 weeks before you have a period so you can even get pregnant without having a period 4.
Apr 19, 2023 · Your first period after pregnancy is also called a postpartum period. When it occurs depends on whether or not you breastfeed. Your menstrual cycle may be different after you have your baby.
May 23, 2019 · “Most women will resume normal periods after having a baby,” Dr. Young says. If your period is “normal,” it occurs every 21 to 35 days. Bleeding lasts from two to seven days, she says.
