Introduction
Periods, or menstruation, is a common bodily function that women of reproductive age go through.
But when it comes to the first postpartum period, there are a lot of questions and doubts that new mothers have about the time of the period, the duration, the flow, and whatnot.
While some women have heavy period after birth, others might have lighter and less painful periods.
In this article, let’s discuss everything in detail about the first period after pregnancy.
When Will You Get Your First Period After Pregnancy?
Although the exact time of first period after pregnancy varies from person to person, on average it takes 4 to 12 weeks.
But for mothers who exclusively breastfeed their baby, the periods will most likely be delayed till they introduce solid food to the baby.
Menstrual Cycle Changes: Physical and Emotional
Every pregnant woman goes through a lot of challenges, both physically and mentally.
While labor in itself takes a toll on both physical and mental well-being, the first period after pregnancy also doesn’t stay the same.
With child birth, breastfeeding and postpartum depression, the menstrual cycle doesn’t stay the same as it used to be before pregnancy.
With weight gain, hormonal changes, and changes in the sleep pattern, the body goes through a lot physically, which in turn affects the menstrual cycle and alters it.
C-Section Vs. Normal Delivery
Although the factors influencing the first periods after delivery are almost the same for mothers with both C-section and vaginal delivery, there may be a slight difference in the return of the first period after delivery.
Women with C-sections might get their periods a little later than those with normal delivery, as the body takes more time to heal after a C-section, which is around 6 to 8 weeks after delivery.
However, according to a recent survey, it is said that most women after delivery can expect their first period after pregnancy to be around 45 to 94 days. Be it normal, vaginal delivery, or C-section.
Postpartum Bleeding vs. Menstruation
Postpartum bleeding and menstruation are two different things. Every woman gets postpartum bleeding as soon as they deliver the baby, be it through vaginal delivery or a C-section.
Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, is the discharge of blood, mucus, and tissues from the endometrium. Lochia might be heavier in the initial days after delivery and must subside a few days after delivery.
Lochia looks and smells a lot like period blood but has bigger blood clots, almost the size of a golf ball, which is pretty normal.
Menstruation, on the other hand, returns only after a few weeks after delivery, which is around 4 to 8 weeks.
Menstruation after delivery might have blood clots, but the size of the blood clots would not be the same as lochia (around the size of a golf ball). If your menstrual blood has bigger clots, make sure to consult with an OBGYN.
How does Your Period Change After Pregnancy?
With physical and emotional changes, the period after delivery changes quite a lot. The period after delivery can be:
- Irregular
- Heavy
- Very little cramps than before or heavier cramps than usual.
It will take a few months after delivery for the menstrual cycle to become normal.
First Period After Pregnancy: Factors Influencing the Timing
There are several factors that affect the timing of the first period after pregnancy, such as:
- Exclusive breastfeeding
- Hormonal changes
- Usage of contraceptives
- Postpartum depression and stress
Breastfeeding and Menstrual Cycle
Breastfeeding is one of the most common factors that impacts the menstrual cycle.
It is proven that women who breastfeed the baby exclusively can expect a delay in their periods, and the period cycle is said to be irregular even after the first period after birth.
Hormonal Changes
During the breastfeeding journey, the level of prolactin (the hormone that stimulates breast milk) is at higher levels, which stops or postpones the menstrual cycle.
Q1. Does Your Period Affect Your Milk Supply?
Many women experience a small drop in the milk supply after menstruation, which eventually returns to normal.
But if your period has stopped or significantly lowered your milk supply, it is important to consult with your OBGYN.
Q2. Will a Period Affect the Taste of My Breast Milk?
It is said that the sodium and chloride levels in the blood go up while the sweet taste in the breast milk slightly goes down.
Most babies continue to breastfeed even during this time, as it does not affect the taste significantly.
Preventing Postpartum Pregnancy: Contraception Considerations
Although the period cycle may be irregular after delivery, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one cannot get pregnant during this period.
Even with irregular periods, you can still ovulate. Hence, it is important to take contraceptives of some kind to prevent pregnancy (if you aren’t planning for one).
One can opt for contraceptives such as:
- Contraceptive pills
- Condoms
- Diaphragms
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Permanent sterilization (tubal ligation).
Self Care Tips for Postpartum
It is important to take care of oneself, especially after delivery.
- Sleeping and resting well
- Having a balanced diet with proper vitamins and minerals
- Drinking plenty of water and fluids for hydration
- Engaging in some kind of exercise (if the OBGYN permits)
- Accepting and loving the body.
It is important to give the body some time to heal from childbirth. Ensure to practice these self-care tips for a speedy recovery.
Seeking Medical Advice
Consult with an OBGYN if:
- The menstrual cycle is so heavy that you drench more than one pad in an hour
- The blood clots are bigger than the size of a golf ball
- The menstrual cycle does not return even after a year of delivery
- Extreme cramps during menstruation
Apart from these things, it is crucial to consult with a gynecologist or OBGYN if you have any more doubts or questions.
Conclusion
Although menstruation is a common phenomenon, it becomes a lot different after delivery.
It takes some time for the body to adapt to the changes and for the menstrual cycle to go back to how it used to be before.
Visit Jammi Scans and book your appointments with Dr. Deepthi Jammi, the best gynecologist in Chennai. Contact Jammi Scans at 73387 71733.
Chennai women’s clinic is now Jammi Scans
FAQ
1. What is your first period like after having a baby?
The first period after delivery varies. It can be:
- Heavier than usual
- More blood clots than usual
- Less or more painful than usual
2. How painful is the first period after birth?
The level of pain during your first period after pregnancy can differ for each woman.
It can range from being similar to pre-pregnancy periods to more intense, depending on every individual.
3. Is the first period after breastfeeding heavy?
The first bleeding after delivery happens immediately after delivery, which is also called lochia. It can be extremely heavy than usual.
But the proper first periods after delivery which occurs typically after a few weeks of delivery and the pain while breastfeeding can vary.
While some women experience a lighter period and some have heavier periods.
4. Is it normal to get your periods while breastfeeding?
Yes. It is normal to get your period while breastfeeding. The menstrual cycle returns a few weeks after delivery (around 4 to 8 weeks), and it is normal.
5. When do periods start after a C-section?
The timing of your first period after delivery, especially a C-section, can vary. For some women, the period may return a little later, which is around 8 weeks after delivery.
6. Can I use tampons after giving birth?
Healthcare experts suggest waiting at least 6 weeks after delivery to start using tampons or any other menstrual product that needs to be inserted into the vagina.
