How long should your period last after giving birth

First Period After Pregnancy: What to Expect

Overview

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 pregnancy are somewhat different.

When will my period return?

Your period will typically return about six to eight weeks after you give birth, if you aren’t breastfeeding. 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 vaginal delivery, your doctor might recommend that you avoid using tampons during your first menstruation post-baby.

This is because your body is still healing, and tampons could potentially cause trauma. Ask your doctor if you can return to using tampons at your six-week postpartum checkup.

Why don’t breastfeeding women get their periods as quickly?

Typically, women who are breastfeeding don’t get their periods as quickly because of the body’s hormones. Prolactin, the hormone needed to produce breast milk, can suppress reproductive hormones. As a result, you don’t ovulate or release an egg for fertilization. Without this process, you most likely won’t menstruate.

Will my period affect my breast milk?

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.

What about birth control?

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.

If you’re breastfeeding and your period does return, you’re no longer protected against getting pregnant. It’s also important to note that it can be difficult to predict the return of fertility. You will ovulate before your period starts, so it’s entirely possible to get pregnant again before your period returns.

Safe and effective birth control methods are available for those who are breastfeeding. Nonhormonal options such as the copper intrauterine device (IUD), condoms, and diaphragms are always safe for breastfeeding.

There are also some hormonal birth control options that are considered safe during breastfeeding. Your doctor can provide the latest updates on specific types of birth control. In general, low-dose combination pills that contain estrogen and progestin are considered safe after you’ve healed from birth. Progestin-only pills are also safe to use while breastfeeding.

How might my period be different postpartum?

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 differences:

cramping that might be stronger or lighter than usual
small blood clots
heavier flow
flow that seems to stop and start
increased pain
irregular cycle lengths

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 uterine lining that needs to be shed. As you continue your cycle, these changes will likely decrease. In rare cases, complications such as thyroid problems or adenomyosis can cause heavy bleeding after pregnancy. Adenomyosis is a thickening of the uterine wall.

Women who had endometriosis before pregnancy might actually have lighter periods after giving birth. Light periods can also be caused by two rare conditions, Asherman syndrome and Sheehan syndrome. Asherman syndrome leads to scar tissue in the uterus. Sheehan syndrome is caused by damage to your pituitary gland, which may be the result of severe blood loss.

What causes mildly painful postpartum periods?

Mildly painful postpartum periods can be caused by a combination of several factors. They include:

increased intensity of uterine cramping
the hormones of breastfeeding
the uterine cavity becoming larger after pregnancy, which means there’s more uterine lining to be shed during menstruation

What should I expect from my first period postpartum?

Whether you delivered your baby vaginally or by cesarean delivery, you can expect some bleeding and vaginal discharge 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.
Pregnancy-related bleeding can increase with increased exertion or activity. If your discharge increases with exertion and decreases when you rest, it’s more likely to be lochia.
Lochia also tends to have a distinct odor. Lochia may have a “sweet” smell to it, since it’s mixed with leftover tissue from the pregnancy. Report any foul order to your doctor.

It can also take some time for your cycle to regulate after birth. You might find that you have your first period, skip a cycle, and then have another period that comes sooner than expected.

During your first postpartum year, it can be normal for your periods to fluctuate in length, time between cycles, and intensity of bleeding. This is especially true if you’re breastfeeding.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most postpartum women will have a “normal” menstrual cycle of 21 to 35 days with bleeding that lasts 2 to 7 days. Period cycles can change from what you experienced before pregnancy.

What postpartum symptoms should I watch out for?

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 pain
a sudden fever
bleeding continuously for more than seven days
blood clots that are bigger than a softball
foul-smelling discharge
severe headache
trouble breathing
pain while urinating

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.

The takeaway

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 here.

If anything seems out of the ordinary about your first period after pregnancy, contact your doctor. Excess bleeding or indications of infection are especially concerning for a new parent. Listen to your body and play it safe.

Parenthood How-To: DIY Padsicle

What to Expect For Your First Period After Pregnancy

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

What to Expect With Your Period After Pregnancy

When will you get your period after pregnancy? Parents who breastfeed all the time usually don't get their period again until they stop nursing. They may also get their periods if they stop nursing partially, especially at night. Parents who bottle-feed, or do a combination of breastfeeding and bottle feeding, may get their periods as soon as five weeks after giving birth.

When you breastfeed full-time, your body produces more prolactin — the hormone that helps you produce milk for your baby. That hormone also stops your period from coming.

According to one study, over two-thirds of parents who don't breastfeed get their first period after pregnancy within 12 weeks of giving birth. Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. If you are a breastfeeding parent, your menstrual cycle will return within one to two months after you stop nursing your child or start significantly reducing the amount you nurse.

Post-birth bleeding. Whether you had a C-section or delivered vaginally, you will have bleeding for six to eight weeks after giving birth. However, this is not considered menstruation. It is called lochia.

In the beginning, your lochia will be deep red, and you may pass a few blood clots. These clots may be as large as a plum. As the days pass, the discharge will become more watery and fade to pinkish or brownish. After a few weeks, the lochia is usually whitish or yellowish and may not be present every single day.

Parents experiencing lochia after giving birth should only use menstrual pads or maternity pads, not tampons. Nothing should enter the vagina within six weeks of giving birth.

You can still get pregnant. Even if you don't get your period after giving birth because you're breastfeeding, there's a small chance you can get pregnant because you might still ovulate during this time. The risk is between one and five percent. Consider which birth control methods you will use to manage this risk.

How your period changes after pregnancy. Once your period returns, it may be different than it was before. It may be heavier. You may have more or less cramping than you had before. Your periods may be irregular, especially if you are still breastfeeding sometimes. At first, you may have some more clotting in your periods than before. Experts recommend seeking medical advice if you have blood clots in your period for at least a week.

Some people find their periods get easier after pregnancy. This may be because the uterus has stretched out and relaxed. Others find they are more difficult, which may be due to the larger, stretched out uterus having more tissue to shed each cycle.

People with endometriosis often experience easier periods after pregnancy. However, this change is usually only temporary, and more painful periods come back after a few months.

Irregular periods. Just having one menstrual cycle after pregnancy does not mean your periods have returned. You may or may not have ovulated. You are more likely to ovulate if you have started to wean your child.

Does Your Period Affect Your Milk Supply?

Your menstrual cycle may affect your milk supply if you get your period. In the time between ovulation and when you get your period, your milk supply may be lower. Experts recommend adding calcium and magnesium to your diet to maintain a steady supply of breast milk throughout your whole cycle.

Having your period can also affect how your breast milk tastes. Your baby may be fussier during feedings while you're menstruating due to a change in taste.

Causes of heavy periods after childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth are a period of significant changes in a woman's life. These periods cause a real hormonal storm in the body, and often lead to changes in familiar areas such as the menstrual cycle.

Please remember that the body after childbirth requires special attention. Take care of yourself and in case of any doubt, consult a doctor.

First of all, let's talk about the difference between postpartum hemorrhage (lochia) and menstruation.

What are lochia?

Lochia should be distinguished from heavy first menstruation after childbirth. Lochia is profuse bleeding from the vagina that begins immediately after childbirth. During them, the vagina gets rid of the thick layer of endometrium formed during pregnancy. They are usually dark red in color and abound in blood clots. Lochia is NOT menstruation, they should be considered as a sign of recovery of the body after childbirth. Usually they last 24-36 days, ie. 3-5 weeks. Over time, they become less abundant and change color: they become pink or transparent. Despite the similarity with menstruation, they should be distinguished. During lochia, there are also cramps, as well as during menstruation, because the uterus contracts, returning to its normal size and getting rid of excess endometrium. Lochia differs from menstruation in that it becomes lighter over time, while menstrual blood tends to darken towards the end of the cycle.

What to do when lochia comes?

Bleeding is usually very heavy at first, and in the hospital you will most likely need special gynecological pads or panties for adults. As soon as the bleeding subsides, you can start using the usual sanitary pads.

The body is weakened at this time, so it is especially important to monitor hygiene and change pads in time so as not to infect.

Do not use tampons unless your doctor tells you to. When the lochia is completely weakened and brightened, you can switch to daily pads and wait for the first menstruation after childbirth.

What to expect from menstruation after childbirth?

If you are not breastfeeding, your period is likely to start 1-3 months after giving birth, but if you are breastfeeding only, your period may not return for the entire period of breastfeeding. However, for many breastfeeding women, menstruation also returns after a couple of months. This is due to the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the production of breast milk. It can suppress other sex hormones, thereby preventing ovulation and thus menstruation. But most often in women who are breastfeeding, the menstrual cycle is restored 6 months after childbirth.

If menstruation returned quickly, and the birth was vaginal (not caesarean section), then you should not use tampons for the first time, because the body is still recovering, and give preference to gaskets.

Often after childbirth, the very nature of menstruation changes: in some women it becomes more abundant, and in others it is easier. Often, the cycle is unstable for some time, but eventually returns to normal. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict what changes await a woman after childbirth in this regard.

Childbirth is a huge burden for the body, and it will take some time to recover. There is no gold standard for the postpartum recovery period; it is individual for each woman. If you are in any doubt, it is always best to consult a doctor.

Why do periods change after childbirth?

Uterus should return to normal size
Breastfeeding affects the cycle and hormones
Hormonal imbalance

How can menstruation change after childbirth?

Pain in the lower abdomen may become worse or vice versa less
Blood clots may appear
Unstable menstrual cycle
Abrupt onset and end of bleeding
More profuse periods

Why are the first periods after childbirth heavy and what is heavy menstruation?

Very often the very first menstruation after pregnancy and childbirth is more abundant than usual. Heavy periods - such periods when a woman has to use one pad or tampon per hour for several hours in a row (more than 80 ml of fluid per cycle) and / or which last more than 7 days, they are also called "menorrhagia". On the other hand, bleeding in women is different, and what is normal and normal for one is unusual and strange for another, so you should focus on what kind of menstruation is typical for you.

Often, the first menstruation is characterized by increased soreness, because the mucous membrane of the uterus, even after childbirth, is still thicker than its usual state before menstruation.

Most likely, over time, everything will return to normal, but some discomfort is possible in the first months due to the amount of discharge. To avoid trouble with leakage during heavy periods with clots, you can use night panty liners Kotex Ultra Night. They quickly absorb even the heaviest of secretions thanks to their unique 3D center, while special elastic grooves along the pad give it flexibility and provide additional protection against back leaks. Adjustable inner layer adapts perfectly to body shape and posture. Suitable for this occasion Kotex Natural Night: They have the same benefits as Kotex Ultra Night, and are ideal for women with sensitive skin. You can buy these pads in stores and pharmacies, as well as order on the Internet.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Although many cycle changes after childbirth are normal, some symptoms still require medical attention:

Unexpected heat and high temperature
Very heavy periods (you have to change pads with maximum absorption more than once an hour, such intense bleeding lasts longer than 2 hours)
Menstruation lasts longer than 7 days
Difficulties with breathing
Severe headaches
Very large blood clots (larger than a ping pong ball)
Sharp, sharp pain at the onset of bleeding

Please remember that excessive bleeding can lead to anemia and weakness, women with heavy periods need to monitor the level of iron and ferritin in the blood.

What methods of correction of heavy periods can doctors suggest?

Unfortunately, sometimes heavy periods after childbirth do not return to normal and begin to interfere with normal life. In such cases, doctors can help you choose the right method for correcting this condition, depending on your state of health, the cause that causes them and personal preferences.

Here are some of them:

An intrauterine device is a small device containing the hormone progesterone that a doctor places inside the uterus.
Non-hormonal drugs - a doctor may suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs based on tranexamic acid
Hormonal preparations such as combined oral contraceptives or progesterone tablets
Surgical operations correcting the cause of abnormal heavy periods (curettage of the uterine cavity, removal of fibrosis, etc. )

How can you help yourself at home if you have heavy periods?

Yes, there is little pleasure in heavy menstruation, especially if they are painful, but this does not mean that it is impossible to help yourself during this period.

Try using a heating pad. Heat can relieve acute cramps in the lower abdomen and reduce pain. This method works because the heat helps relax the muscles that cause uterine contractions. If you don't have a heating pad, you can pour warm water into an empty plastic bottle. Try not to pour too hot water or wrap a heating pad in a towel so as not to burn yourself.
At night you can use special Kotex night panties. Sleeping in them is much more comfortable than with a pad, they fit perfectly to the body in any position and protect against leaks from all sides. After all, after giving birth, most women have more important things to do than spend time worrying about stains on their underwear.
Get plenty of rest. After losing a significant amount of blood, the body is weakened and needs extra time to recover.
Try to lead an active lifestyle. It is not necessary to sign up for a gym right away, just move more, for example, walk regularly or play with your dog.
Women with heavy periods lose a lot of blood, which can lead to iron deficiency in the body. The body uses iron molecules to make new blood cells every time you have your period, so it's important to make sure your iron levels are adequate if you're having heavy periods. You can take iron in the form of tablets and capsules, or try to eat more foods rich in this element: meat, legumes and greens.
If you are deficient in iron, you need to take additional vitamin C. Food supplements with iron are rather poorly absorbed by the body, and vitamin C facilitates this process.
Drink enough water. During menstruation, the body loses not only blood and iron, but also water. Water is the best drink during menstruation. Try to drink it a little more during menstruation.

About menstruation after giving birth | Clinic.kg

Menstruation after childbirth

June 30, 2019

A healthy pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby is a reason for a woman to be proud of herself and her health. An important topic that worries many women after childbirth is menstruation: when to expect it, why the cycle is irregular, is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding, and much more. We will analyze the main issues in our article.

Postpartum discharge

Postpartum profuse discharge in a woman has nothing to do with menstruation - these are lochia, which from bloody become sanious, and then transparent, completely disappearing. After about two months, the uterus and ovaries return to their physiological state and size, which means that the onset of menstrual cycles with the maturation of eggs and menstruation is quite possible. Thus, a woman can expect her first menstruation from the 2-3rd month after childbirth.

When should my period start after childbirth?

This period depends on the type of feeding of the child: natural or artificial. Breast milk is produced under the influence of the pituitary hormone prolactin. The level of estrogen does not increase, therefore, when breastfeeding, menstruation begins, on average, 2 months after childbirth, more often when feeding “by the hour”. But there are times when some nursing women do not have periods for a year, and for some, they can recover in a month and a half after childbirth. On average, the onset of menstruation with breastfeeding varies from 3 months to six months.

How long do periods last after childbirth?

Often the first menstruation is quite heavy. There may be strong discharge, menstruation with blood clots. If you have to change the pad every hour, you should seek help from a doctor: this may be a symptom of bleeding that has begun. Subsequent periods usually become normal. In other cases, in the first months, women have irregular spotting. This is typical for breastfeeding, when prolactin synthesis gradually decreases.

Reasons for the slow recovery of the regular cycle

Each woman has her own individual period for the restoration of the menstrual cycle. This is determined by the activity of the production of hormones of the sex glands, the pituitary gland, the state of the immune and reproductive systems as a whole. There are a number of reasons for this that affect the body in the postpartum period:

features of the individual hormonal background;
hereditary factors;
the nature of the birth process;
features of the restoration of the uterus.

What to do if the menstrual cycle has become irregular:

In the first months of the postpartum recovery period, do not panic. In most cases, this is the norm. For each woman, the normalization of the cycle occurs individually, usually during the first months of the resumption of menstrual bleeding. Irregularity is more common in nursing mothers.

It takes about 2 months to restore the normal function of all organs and systems. Balance in the endocrine system comes later, especially if breastfeeding is used. Therefore, a woman can feel completely healthy, but she will not have a period.

Notice the irregular cycle only after 3 cycles. This may be due to an inflammatory process, endometriosis or a tumor of the genital organs. A delay in the second period is not dangerous, unless it is associated with a second pregnancy.

Menstruation after caesarean section

Menstruation after caesarean section is restored in the same way as after normal delivery. During lactation, periods do not come for six months. Against the background of artificial feeding from the maternity hospital due to the lack of nipple stimulation (which activates the synthesis of oxytocin, which contracts the uterus), recovery may be somewhat slower, plus there is still a scar on the uterus. Therefore, the restoration of menstrual function may occur a little later, for several weeks.

Cycle after a pathological course of pregnancy or childbirth

After termination of a miscarriage or abortion, the first menstruation occurs within 45 days. If this does not happen, the woman should seek help from a gynecologist. To exclude such causes of amenorrhea as the remaining part of the fetal egg in the uterus or inflammation, 10 days after the termination of a frozen or normal pregnancy, an ultrasound scan is necessary.

Pathologies of menstruation, what to pay attention to and immediately contact a specialist:

Sudden cessation of postpartum discharge is a sign of a bending of the uterus or endometritis, accumulation of lochia in the uterine cavity - lochiometers.
Scanty periods for 3 or more cycles. Perhaps they are a symptom of hormonal disorders, Sheehan's syndrome or endometritis.
Irregularity of menstruation six months after its restoration, interval between spotting for more than 3 months. Most often associated with ovarian pathology.
Excessive bleeding for 2 or more cycles, especially after a surgical delivery or abortion. They are often caused by the tissues of the membranes remaining on the walls of the uterus.
The duration of menstruation is more than a week, which is accompanied by weakness, dizziness.
Abdominal pain, fever, foul smell, discoloration of vaginal discharge - a sign of a tumor or infection.
Spotting before and after menstruation is a likely symptom of endometriosis or an inflammatory disease.
Itching in the vagina, an admixture of curdled discharge is a sign of thrush.
Bleeding twice a month for more than 3 cycles.