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Your Pregnancy Matters

October 12, 2021

Your Pregnancy Matters

Shivani Patel, M. D. Obstetrics and Gynecology

Childbirth changes most new moms’ menstrual cycles – but it varies for everyone.

Many new moms are surprised by how much they bleed after having a baby. For two to three weeks after a vaginal or cesarean section (C-section) delivery, they experience what looks like a heavy period. This is called lochia, a mix of blood and uterine tissue the body doesn’t need after pregnancy.

Like a period, it typically starts heavy and becomes lighter over time, eventually ending with some spotting. The color will transition from dark red to brownish-pink to off-white. However, you are not ovulating regularly yet – releasing eggs from your ovaries – so lochia isn’t a true menstrual period.

Cramping further blurs the line between lochia and menstrual bleeding. Your uterus expands several times its size to keep up with the growth of your baby; after birth, it shrinks back down. The muscle contractions from this process feel similar to period cramps.

Caring for a newborn will consume most of your attention, but be sure to monitor the amount of blood you’re losing during the first few weeks after delivery. Up to 5% of patients experience uncontrolled bleeding, or postpartum hemorrhage, a condition accompanied by symptoms such as low blood pressure, pale skin, and nausea.

If your blood loss seems excessive, see your provider right away. After lochia ends, the timing, flow, and duration of every woman’s period varies, but enough similarities exist to answer common questions about postpartum menstruation.

When should I expect my first period after pregnancy?

Your first period can come anytime between two and 12 weeks after delivery. For most women, it happens between six and 12 weeks.

If you exclusively breastfeed, your period will likely be delayed until you give your baby solid food and other forms of milk. As your levels of prolactin – the hormone that helps your body produce milk – increase, your levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease. These hormones help regulate your period; lower levels reduce the likelihood of ovulation and menstruation.

While you are experiencing lochia, your flow will act like a typical period: starting heavier, then gradually getting lighter. However, if the amount of blood increases after a few lighter days, consider slowing down your activity level for a few days so your body can rest and heal from childbirth.

Related reading: The ‘fourth trimester’: Why women need health care after delivery

Will my period look or feel different?

Most women can expect their first couple of periods after giving birth to be heavier than those they experienced before pregnancy. Menstrual blood should look like you expect: a bright red that fades into a darker, brownish red. You may see small clots the first time but should not see large clots (the size of a plum or golf ball). If you do, alert your provider.

Some research has shown that C-section scarring can increase period pain as well as flow. In general, postpartum period symptoms will be similar to pre-pregnancy symptoms, so if you used to have cramps, they likely will resume. However, some patients say their period pain improves after pregnancy.

Related reading: What’s going on with my uterus? 3 conditions related to pelvic pain and bleeding

How regular will my menstrual cycle be?

Your period can take up to a year to become regular, no matter how consistent it was before pregnancy. To develop, grow, and deliver a baby, your body experiences several hormonal changes, and it needs time to return to normal.

Breastfeeding moms are even more likely to have an irregular menstrual cycle. When you breastfeed, you have lower levels of estrogen in your body – a hormone that fluctuates with your period. Without normal estrogen fluctuation, you won’t have normal periods.

Whether or not you breastfeed, don’t be alarmed if your second period is late – unless you’ve recently had unprotected sex.

You may associate post-traumatic stress disorder with survivors of assault, war, or natural disasters. But as maternal-fetal specialist Dr. Shivani Patel will tell you, symptoms of PTSD can weigh heavy on moms who had complex pregnancies. She knows from personal experience.

Learn more

Preventing postpartum pregnancy

If you have sex without a reliable form of birth control, you can get pregnant – even in the first few weeks after giving birth. The majority of pregnancies that occur less than a year after a previous birth are unplanned.

You will start ovulating between delivery and your first period – up to six weeks after birth, which is typically the same amount of time we recommend you wait to have sex.

Related reading: Birth control after childbirth: Long-term options for new moms

Research-based recommendations suggest spacing pregnancies by at least 12 to 18 months. Postpartum pregnancy can prevent your body from fully healing from childbirth and put your baby at risk of premature birth and infant mortality. A CDC study also found that a shorter time period between births is linked to autism spectrum disorder.

Risks vary based on your age. So, if you want to get pregnant again soon after giving birth, work with your doctor to develop a safe plan that is specific to your situation.

Postpartum bleeding can be confusing. We’re here to provide clarity. To visit with an Ob/Gyn, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.

First Period After Pregnancy: What to Expect

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Chaunie Brusie on February 28, 2018

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

When menstruation starts after childbirth: how long after the birth of the child will menstruation

When does menstruation begin after childbirth

In women who do not breastfeed, the first menstruation occurs 7-8 weeks after childbirth. In the vast majority of nursing mothers, the menstrual cycle is restored later ³ . If the child is transferred to artificial feeding, ovulation can be observed as early as 27 days after the last breastfeeding ³ .

Let's see why this happens and what changes are observed in the uterus and ovaries during this period.

Menstruation after childbirth

The uterus, the weight of which during pregnancy, excluding the fetus, increased to a kilogram, and the length - up to 39 cm, begins to decrease ² . Its muscle fibers contract and undergo physiological decay and rebirth ² . By the end of the postpartum period, it becomes the same as before conception - weighing about 50 g and a length of 8-9see ¹ .

The inner surface of the uterus, to which the placenta was attached, gradually heals.

Discharge (lochia) first becomes brown, then yellowish white.

Approximately from the 10th day there are light discharges without admixture of blood.

By the 5-6th week of the postpartum period, the discharge completely stops ^1.2 .

It is believed that the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) is completely restored by 6-8 weeks and “freezes” in anticipation of the first menstrual cycle after childbirth ^1.2 .

Active changes are also taking place in the ovaries. The follicles begin to mature in them. The accompanying hormonal changes lead to the resumption of menstruation ³ .

What determines the onset of menstruation after childbirth

The process of restoring the menstrual cycle is primarily affected by lactation - the formation of milk in the mammary glands ³ . The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for this process, inhibits the onset of cyclic processes in the ovaries ^3.4 .

Breastfeeding an infant supports lactation and prolactin release. Therefore, if a mother breastfeeds her baby exclusively and at least 6-10 times a day (with an interval of 4 hours during the day and 6 at night), postpartum lactational amenorrhea is usually observed, that is, the absence of menstruation ^{3. 4} .

According to some reports, in lactating women, the first menstruation is observed on average 4.5 months after childbirth. Some do not have them until the end of lactation ³ .

How long after childbirth does menstruation begin if the woman had a caesarean section?

If milk is scarce and the woman is not breastfeeding, the first menstruation may start as early as 4 weeks after the caesarean section ³ . This is 2-4 weeks earlier than after natural childbirth ³ . Preservation and enhancement of lactation postpones the start of the cycle indefinitely ³ .

How can the cycle and nature of menstruation change after childbirth

The body needs time to return all organs and functions to the state it was before pregnancy. Therefore, the restoration of the ovaries may be delayed ⁴ .

In 40% of women, a new egg matures already in the first menstrual cycle after the birth of a child ⁴ . However, more often at the beginning of the postpartum period, ovulation - the release of a mature egg from the follicle - does not occur. Such cycles are called anovulatory. Their typical manifestation is irregular periods ⁴ . The duration of anovulatory cycles can be from 1.5 to 6 months ⁵ .

How long do periods last after childbirth if there is no ovulation?

Periods that occur during anovulatory cycles are called dysfunctional uterine bleeding. They are abundant and sometimes last more than 10 days ⁵ . As soon as ovulation is restored, the cycle becomes what it was before the conception of the child ³ .

When to see a doctor

In the postpartum period, a woman should be especially attentive to her health. The slightest disturbances in well-being and the appearance of suspicious symptoms are a reason for contacting an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Below we will explain in which cases a doctor's consultation is urgently needed.

Postpartum hemorrhage

In the first months after childbirth, attention should be paid to the amount of discharge. Abundant discharge of blood or its impurities in the lochia - signs of postpartum hemorrhage ² .

Bleeding in the late postpartum period, that is, after 24 hours and within 6 weeks after delivery ⁶ , occurs much less frequently than on the first day after the birth of a child - in 0.2-3% of cases ⁷ .

They may be caused by ⁶ :

pieces of placenta in the uterus;
too slow recovery of the size of the uterus;
penetration into the uterine cavity of pathogens causing inflammation;
bleeding disorder ⁶ .

Postpartum endometritis

According to statistics, postpartum endometritis is diagnosed in 4-5% of women who gave birth spontaneously, and after cesarean section, endometritis is detected in 10-15% ⁹ .

After the birth of a child, the inner surface of the uterus resembles an open wound, so pathogens from the vagina, penetrating into the uterine cavity, can easily cause inflammation ⁸ .

Signs of postpartum endometritis or inflammation of the lining of the uterus include:

purulent lochia;
fever;
lower abdominal pain ¹ .

What is important to know?

Not only the inner surface of the uterus, but also cracks, abrasions on the surface of the soft tissues of the cervix, vagina and perineum can become entry gates for infection to enter the body ² . Therefore, in the postpartum period, it is extremely important to observe special rules of intimate hygiene.

During the first 8 weeks it is better to use special postpartum sanitary napkins. When menstruation returns after childbirth, you can replace the pads with tampons, for example, o.b.® ExtraDefence ¹⁰ . With soft, bi-directional SilkTouch® wings, these tampons adapt to your body shape and provide reliable protection during your period, day and night ¹⁰ .

The processes of restoring the reproductive system after childbirth can proceed in different ways. They are influenced by the individual characteristics of the body, the course of pregnancy and childbirth, the nature of lactation and feeding the baby ^2.3 . For example, after a caesarean section, recovery is 3 times slower than after a natural birth ³ . If the mother is breastfeeding, the uterus returns to normal faster ¹ . Proper postpartum hygiene is an important part of caring for the female body.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

Literature

Zanko S. N., Radetskaya L. E., Zhukova N. P. Obstetrics / Vitebsk. - 2017. - 383 p. / ISBN 978-985-466-891-8
Tayupova I. M., Sakhautdinova I. V., Kuleshova T. P. Physiology and pathology of the postpartum period // Ufa: BashNIPIneft. - 2014. - 59 p.
Khaskhanova L. Kh., Musaeva Ya. V. Physiological and pathological postpartum period // Grozny: Chechen State University Publishing House, 2016. – 96 p.
Nazarova NM, Prilepskaya VN, Nekrasova ME Postpartum contraception: efficiency and safety // Gynecology. – 2018. - 20(2). - P. 5-8.
DOI: 10.26442/2079-5696_2018.2.5-8
Zaidieva Ya. Z. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding in the age aspect // Medical Council / №3. - 2012. - S. 78-83. Belousova A. A., Aryutin D. G., Toktar L. R. Late postpartum hemorrhage // Obstetrics and gynecology: opinion news, training. 2019. V. 7, No. 3. S. 64-69. doi: 10.24411/2303-9698-2019-13009.
Adamyan L. V, Kan N. E, Lomova N. A Postpartum endometritis // Clinical recommendations / 2016.
Shulzhenko E.V., Zaritskaya E.N., Mirlas E.M., Borzunov M.N. -100.
O.B.® EXTRA DEFENCE Tampons / https://www. obtampons.ru/produkty/ob-extradefence.

The first menstruation after childbirth - cycle recovery periods

Urgently to the room: she's back!

So... A lot of time has passed. After a short break (while the uterus was a little busy carrying a person), menstruation is finally back! But when exactly after childbirth does the cycle return to normal and what will it look like? Below we cover everything you need to know about your first period after pregnancy.

When does the first menstruation start after childbirth?

Waiting for your period after pregnancy can be like waiting to reunite with an old friend… or meeting an annoying acquaintance you never missed! No matter how you feel about it, your period will return in due time, and there is no reliable way to predict exactly when.

If you are bottle feeding or combining formula and breastfeeding, your period may start as early as 5-6 weeks after delivery, but exclusive breastfeeding may delay its return [1]. If you are breastfeeding, the hormones responsible for milk production keep progesterone and estrogen, the hormones that cause ovulation and menstruation, low.

When your period returns, it may take some time to regulate your cycle, or even longer if you are breastfeeding. Let's talk about what the first period after childbirth can look like, so you know what to expect.

What does the first menstruation look like after childbirth?

While your body in general and your V-zone in particular are getting back in shape, your menstrual cycle after giving birth may be different from what you were used to before pregnancy. At first, periods may be irregular or more abundant, and small clots may be released. Any symptoms of PMS, such as menstrual cramps, may also feel different from what you're used to. Try not to pay attention to any changes: this is how your body enters a new natural rhythm.

Attention: do not confuse the first menstruation after pregnancy with lochia - discharge that occurs immediately after childbirth, often quite abundant, especially in the first days of the postpartum period. While this discharge may seem intimidating, remember that this is how your body naturally regenerates after childbirth and is usually nothing to worry about. To learn more, you can read our postpartum discharge article.

Can tampons be used after childbirth?

When your menstrual cycle stabilizes, you can go back to using tampons if that's what you're used to. It is important to wait at least six weeks before using a tampon or menstrual cup, otherwise there is a risk of infection [2]. During your postpartum check-up, about six weeks after giving birth, check with your doctor if you can use your usual remedies again after your period returns.

If you had a vaginal birth, you may find that you now need a larger tampon. This is due to the fact that the vagina has become looser, at least for the next few months, and it is now difficult for you to keep the tampon inside. It may seem strange that your body is not the way you remember it. Such changes are very common, and all because your body has done a great job, carrying and giving birth to a new little man. So try using tampons one size larger. Keep looking for the right tampon size and absorbency for you. Remember: Ideally, you should change your tampon about every four hours.

If you normally use the largest sized tampons and find that they don't stay in, you may need to wait until your pelvic floor is strong enough to allow you to use your usual hygiene product again. Ask your doctor about pelvic floor exercises to tighten your vaginal muscles. It only takes a few minutes to train your pelvic floor muscles, and you can do it while standing in line at the supermarket or watching your favorite TV show. You can change things for the better very quickly!

When you start using tampons after giving birth, you may find that you need extra protection at some point. Thick or thin pads can come to the rescue, which will protect clothes from any surprises. Yes, surprises can still arise while you are choosing products with the right absorbency for your cycle, but all this is part of the joys and sorrows of life with menstruation.

How soon after giving birth can you get pregnant again?

You can get pregnant as early as 3 weeks after giving birth, even if you haven't started your period yet! If you don't want to, it's important to use contraceptives when you finally get back to a regular sex life after giving birth (which will happen in due time - just talk to your partner when you feel ready). You can discuss with a specialist which contraceptives are best for you.

If you have become pregnant with IVF or have been told that you may need fertility treatment in the future, but would like to try another child, you can see a fertility doctor soon after giving birth.

If you want to know more about what can happen after childbirth, check out our articles on postpartum discharge and how the vagina changes after pregnancy.