Period FAQs

how long after birth period

by Prof. Miracle Rolfson Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.Oct 12, 2021

Full Answer

When do you get your first period after birth?

Getting your period after birth depends greatly on whether you are breastfeeding or not. Most women who choose not to breastfeed often start their first period within the first ten weeks. However, hormone levels will normalize after childbirth and different women normalize at different rates.

Is it normal to have a heavy period after pregnancy?

You can expect to have a heavy period after pregnancy right after you give birth. Actually this isn’t a normal period because it is made of blood and vaginal discharge and it is known as lochia. Some of the women say that lochia is so heavy that it seems to gush from time to time.

When can I start working out after birth?

Once you feel ready, you can work up to more low-impact exercises like swimming, biking, and lifting weights. For higher-impact exercise such as running, experts recommend waiting at least 12 weeks after birth.

Do you stop growing a year after your period?

Girls stop growing taller and reach their final adult height just two to two-and-half years after that first menstrual cycle. While there's no precise way to accurately determine how tall people will be once they start growing, there are two common methods pediatricians use to predict adult height for girls.

How soon after giving birth can you get your period back?

When do you start menstruating after giving birth?

When should you expect your first period after giving birth?

Is it normal to have irregular periods after giving birth?

How long does it take for a woman to have a postpartum period?

How long after giving birth can you take estrogen?

How many months of no period during pregnancy?

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When will my periods start again after pregnancy? - NHS

It's hard to be exact about when your periods will start again, as everyone is different. If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth.

Postpartum period: three distinct but continuous phases - PMC

Postpartum period is distinct in three phases. The third phase is the delayed postpartum period, which can last up to 6 months. Some changes to the genitourinary system are much longer in resolving, and some may never fully revert to the prepregnant state.

What The First Period After Pregnancy Is Like - Women's Health

In terms of regularity, you’ll most likely experience regular periods after birth, Dr. Phillips says, with a cycle of about 21 to 35 days in length (or whatever "regular" means for you).

Postpartum Period: When Will Your Period Return After Birth?

As the perks of pregnancy go, the biggest one is undoubtedly getting to go home with a new baby. But as a side benefit, it can also be really nice to skip having your period until after that baby ...

How long do you have to be pregnant to have a period?

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.

How long does a woman's period last?

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.

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.

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.

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:

What causes mildly painful postpartum periods?

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

What postpartum symptoms should I watch out for?

It’s important that you call a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

How long does a period last after birth?

But you'd actually be wrong about that. That bleeding comes from the healing of the open wound that was caused when the placenta detached from you after giving birth. It can last between two to six weeks, but again: it's not to be confused with your period.

What happens after you give birth?

After you give birth, it takes a lot of time for your body to get back to some sense of normalcy. That includes your breasts, your stomach, and even your reproductive system. Sometimes, it may feel like your body isn't even your own to begin with!

Why do babies need to be breastfeeding?

That's because when a baby is nursing, it stimulates your brain to release a hormone known as prolactin. This, in turn, stimulates your breast tissue you produce more breast milk for your baby.

What is the normal amniotic fluid level during pregnancy?

Normal amniotic fluid levels in the later pregnancy stages are between 5 and 25 centimeters; if it's more, it's known as polyhydramnios.

Can you get your period back after breastfeeding?

Aside from breastfeeding, your genetics will also play a role in the matter. Stopping breastfeeding in favour of formula and/or real food is seen as the surefire way to get your period back.

Can you ovulate if you don't get your period?

RELATED: PERIOD PAIN CAN HURT AS MUCH AS HAVING A HEART ATTACK. If you're trying to conceive while breastfeeding, you'll most likely not be ovulating. If you're not getting your period, then you're not going to be ovulating at all. That can be an issue if you're currently trying to get pregnant.

Do you want your period to come back?

While you may not really want your period to come back, it's important to have it return on a regular basis. It means that your reproductive system is relatively healthy. So enjoy not having your period while you're able to, and brace yourself when it returns. That's all you can really do.

How long does it take for a woman to get her period back after she has her baby?

Women who don't breastfeed typically find that their period returns four to eight weeks after childbirth, explains Amina White, M.D., clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Why does my period change?

White says. It's also possible to have increased or decreased cramping. This is because your uterus grows during pregnancy; then it shrinks after delivery (although it may remain slightly larger). The endometrial lining—what is shed during a period—has to remodel itself as it goes through these changes, says Dr. White. This process occurs with each pregnancy, so you may notice changes in your period after each baby.

Will My First Periods After Birth Be Irregular?

One menstrual cycle might be 24 days, the next one might be 28 days, and then another one could be 35 days. Your cycle should stabilize within a few months or after you've stopped breastfeeding.

Is Something Wrong With My Postpartum Period?

You can expect some heavier bleeding and increased cramping with your initial postpartum period. But if you need to change your tampon or pad every hour or more frequently, alert your doctor, says Dr. Jones. It could signal an infection, fibroids, or polyps.

What are the rewards of pregnancy?

Of course, the biggest reward of pregnancy will be your adorable new baby. But if you're like many expectant moms, another huge perk is having your period go on an extended vacation. When do you get your period after birth, and how will it be different? We asked experts to answer some pressing questions about your postpartum period.

Can a tampon be used during postpartum?

Your postpartum period may also be heavier if you'd been on hormonal birth control before pregnancy—such as the pill or some IUDs—since hormonal contraceptives thin the endometrial lining. " If you have a vaginal delivery, a tampon might sit differently or feel different," adds Siobhan Dolan, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Montefiore Medical Center, in the Bronx, New York. Generally, most women don't need to go up a size in tampons. With time, using a tampon should feel as normal as it did before.

Can you notice a change in your period after each baby?

This process occurs with each pregnancy, so you may notice changes in your period after each baby. RELATED: How Your Period Affects Your Chances of Getting Pregnant. Your postpartum period may also be heavier if you'd been on hormonal birth control before pregnancy—such as the pill or some IUDs—since hormonal contraceptives thin ...

When do you start your period again?

If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth.

Why does breast milk stop your period?

This is because the hormone that causes your body to make breast milk can stop your body making the hormones that control your periods.

What to do if you have a blood clot during your period?

If you have blood clots in your period, or have much heavier blood loss than you have had before, you should speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.

How long does it take to get your period after giving birth?

7 or 8 months, or even longer, after you give birth if you're breastfeeding exclusively – some women don't start having periods again until they stop nursing. The main factors that affect how soon you'll start getting periods again after giving birth are whether you're breastfeeding and, if so, how much.

When will I get my period after my baby is born?

As a general guideline, you can expect your first period after pregnancy:

How does breastfeeding influence when I'll get my first period after pregnancy?

The less often your baby nurses, the sooner your period will likely come back. If your baby sleeps through the night from an early age, or if you're supplementing with formula , it's likely your period will return sooner than it would if you were exclusively and frequently breastfeeding.

Can I get pregnant after giving birth if I'm haven't got my period yet?

Yes. While it would be unusual, you can get pregnant in as little as three weeks after giving birth, even if your periods haven't started. (However, most doctors recommend that you wait at least four weeks before you have sex after giving birth to give your body time to heal.)

Will getting my period affect my breast milk?

You may not notice much difference, but a few days before and during your period, hormone changes can cause:

How long after giving birth can you use a tampon?

Don't use tampons for at least six weeks after you give birth and you've had your first postpartum checkup. That's because your body will be discharging lochia and shedding your uterine lining, and it's best not to hinder that flow. This normal bleeding after giving birth is usually complete by around six weeks, and it's safe to use tampons for your period after that.

How long does it take for a woman to get her period after breastfeeding?

However, breastfeeding's effects on menstrual cycles vary widely. Some women who breastfeed exclusively around the clock may start menstruating a month after giving birth, while others who supplement with formula may not get their period for several months.

How long does it take to get your period after birth?

Some women get their period as little as eight weeks after birth, others may not get their period for a year or longer—that’s a pretty big range! Our bodies are all different and countless factors can influence when you get your period after pregnancy, but the biggest one is whether you’re breastfeeding or not.

When does a baby's period come and go?

To confuse matters even more: A breastfeeding mama’s period may come and go. If your baby starts sleeping through the night at three months, mom may get her period back.

How does solid food affect periods?

2. Introducing solids. Introducing solid food can also affect periods if baby eats a lot of solid food and nurses less. When baby eats more and nurses less, this signals mama’s body to produce less milk, and that little shift can be enough to trigger menstruation. Many babies start solid foodsaround six months.

Why does my baby have a period at night?

The more baby wakes up at night to eat, the more milk mama continues to produce , and that milk-producing hormone , prolactin, works to suppress menstruation . When baby starts to sleep through the night, mama’s body slowly produce s less prolactin and milk, which in turn can trigger mama’s period to return. 2.

When do you get your period while breastfeeding?

Both researchand anecdotal evidence show that most breastfeeding moms do not get their periods until at least 3-6 monthsafter birth. Why?

When do you get your period?

If you are formula feedingor supplementing, you’re more likely to get your first period sooner—sometimes as early as 8 weeks after birth. If you are exclusively breastfeeding, nursing through the night, and not supplementing with any formula, you might not see your first period until baby’s first birthday.

Is it normal to have irregularities with birth control?

Although irregularities are normal, you may want to get yourself back into balance. This will help you with natural birth controlor with trying for another baby.

What is lochia?

Lochia is another word for postpartum bleeding. It differs in appearance from menstrual blood and is typically a dark red color. This blood flow is usually quite heavy and is a result of the placenta coming away from the walls of your womb.

How long do you bleed after giving birth?

This heavy postpartum bleed can last up to ten days after you give birth. You might experience some light bleeding (or spotting) up to six weeks following birth. Of course, this is a wide time gap and varies from person to person.

How long do you bleed after a C-section?

As with vaginal birth, some bleeding after a cesarean or C-section is to be expected. You will likely experience some vaginal bleeding for two to six weeks after giving birth. This is completely normal and is no cause for panic.

My postpartum bleeding stopped and started again - why?

It’s important to remember that it is normal for lochia to stop and start. This can be caused by a change in hormones or activity, and is very common. As the body’s hormones fluctuate and adjust to no longer having a baby inside, this bleeding may subside and return.

How long does bleeding last after birth if breastfeeding?

Invest in a few pairs of period underwear. This will remove the worry of having to change maternity pads every couple of hours and allow you to focus on taking care of yourself and your baby. These period panties should feel supportive and comfortable and provide you with a little extra reassurance during a time when you’re prone to leaking.

What is the first six weeks after birth?

The first six weeks after giving birth are known as the postpartum period. This period is an intense time that requires all sorts of care for you and your baby.

How long do you stay in the hospital after a vaginal delivery?

Physical status, post-vaginal delivery. If you had a hospital delivery, you’ll most likely stay there for at least part of this week after a vaginal delivery. Depending on whether or not you tore (and how much ), your vagina may hurt quite a lot. Perineal soreness is normal, as is bleeding.

How far apart should you be after a C section?

If you want another baby soon, most doctors will recommend (or insist on) a C-section if the babies are 18 months or less apart. This is due to the risk of uterine rupture during labor and vaginal delivery.

How long after a C section is a woman more tired?

Physical status, after C-section. found that women who had C-sections were more tired after six months. This, of course, depends on how well your baby is sleeping. Just as with post-vaginal delivery, your milk may be drying up depending on your work schedule and your period may come back anytime.

How long does it take to get a mental checkup?

Mental health status. If you have any lingering worries about your emotional or mental health, bring them up with your doctor at your six-week checkup. It’s normal to feel exhausted and overwhelmed, but deeper feelings of depression, hopelessness, or anxiety can be treated.

How long does it take to recover from a 3rd child?

That said, the recovery period can vary wildly. If you’re on your third kid and pushed for 20 minutes, your recovery will look different than if you labored for 40 hours, pushed for 3, and had an emergency C-section.

Can you move after a C section?

A lot of women have trouble getting in and out of bed — but it’s important to move around, at least a little bit, to avoid blood clots. If you had a bladder catheter put in, it will be removed.

How soon can you get pregnant after delivering a baby?

You can get pregnant surprisingly quickly after delivering a baby. One study found the first ovulation for women who weren’t breastfeeding is around six weeks. Some women ovulated even earlier.

How long does it take for birth control to work after delivery?

If you’re breastfeeding, the hormonal benefits of nursing can act as a “natural” form of birth control for the first four to six months after delivery. Breastfeeding may be 98 percent. Trusted Source. effective as a form of birth control in women who: are less than six months postpartum.

Why does it take so long for libido to return after breastfeeding?

That’s because breastfeeding keeps estrogen levels low.

What happens during the recovery period?

During your recovery period, the uterus will shrink, hormones will return to pre-pregnancy levels, and muscles will regain strength and stability.

What are the most common issues with sex after delivery?

However, that number continues to fall as the post-pregnancy months increase. The most common issues with sex after delivery include: vaginal dryness. thin vaginal tissue.

When you stop breastfeeding, does your libido return?

As your body adjusts to its new normal or once you stop breastfeeding, the hormones will begin working again, and your libido should return.

What to do if you have sex after pregnancy?

If you’re going to have sex after pregnancy but don’t want to risk another baby so soon, plan to use a reliable method of birth control. A barrier method, such as a condom, may be good to use at first. An implant or IUD can also be used.

How soon after giving birth can you get your period back?

If you’re not breastfeeding, your period could return as soon as four weeks after giving birth, although that’s not typical. Six to 12 weeks is about average. Most new moms are back on track by week 24 postpartum.

When do you start menstruating after giving birth?

If you're not breastfeeding, you may begin menstruating between three and 10 weeks after giving birth; if you are breastfeeding, you might enjoy more menses-free months — especially if you're nursing exclusively. Still, your period will return eventually — and it could make its appearance in the first few months even if you are breastfeeding.

When should you expect your first period after giving birth?

While it’s impossible to pin down the timing with any certainty, your first postpartum period may hinge on your breastfeeding regimen. The reason? It’s a hormonal thing.

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.

How long does it take for a woman to have a postpartum period?

That said, there’s a lot of variability. It’s completely normal for women who breastfeed exclusively to have their first postpartum period six weeks after delivery or a year or more later — even 18 months after giving birth.

How long after giving birth can you take estrogen?

Because estrogen can reduce a woman’s milk supply, birth control methods containing the hormone aren’t recommended until breastfeeding is well-established, around six weeks after giving birth. Instead, your practitioner may prescribe what's known as the "mini pill," which is considered safe during breastfeeding.

How many months of no period during pregnancy?

Here's what you need to know. One of the peculiar perks of pregnancy is nine-plus months of no period.

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