HOW SOON TO EXPECT THE FIRST PERIOD AFTER PREGNANCY?
Breastfeeding the baby is the biggest factor which affects your periods. This is because, the prolactin suppresses the process of ovulation. Prolactin is responsible for breast milk production in women. Women who do not breastfeed their little ones usually expect the return in the period within 1-2 months post childbirth. Women who breastfeed and formula feed their little one can expect their first periods after few months for delivery. But, women who exclusively breastfed their babies usually get more time off from aunt flow. It is usually 6 months or more time. In fact, any moms does not get their first periods until they stop breastfeeding.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET PREGNANT BEFORE THE RETURN OF PERIODS?
Some women feel that they won’t get pregnant because they are exclusively breastfeeding and don’t ovulate. But, there are some cases where women can get pregnant as early as 1.5 months after childbirth. This is because ovulation occurs before menstruation. You are usually fertile after ovulation and there are high chances of getting pregnant even if you have not have post-delivery period.
This is applicable for breastfeeding mommies too. Due to lack of awareness, a lot of mommies consider breastfeeding as a form of contraception. But it is not a good practice, you still have high chances of getting pregnant. Always consult your doctor regarding an effective and safe birth control method. Taking birth control pills with estrogen can hinder the breast milk production.
WILL POST CHILDBIRTH PERIODS WILL BE SAME AS BEFORE?
You can experience a change in periods sometimes. Some may have longer, shorter, lighter or heavier menstruation cycles. In fact, there can be an increase or decrease in cramping, this is mainly due to the growth of uterus and then shrinking of it during pregnancy and childbirth.
During menstruation, endometrial lining is shed and it has to remodel again. This happens with every pregnancy, this is why most women notice a change in menstruation cycle after every delivery. Some women also experience heavy bleeding after childbirth, it can be due to IUDs or hormonal birth control pills. Hormonal contraceptives usually cause thinning of the uterus lining.
WILL MY PERIODS BE REGULAR?
It takes some time for the hormones to secrete normally post-pregnancy, it can take more time if you are a nursing mommy. Some women experience a change in menstruation cycle, one cycle might be for 28 days and another one for 35 days. Once you have stopped nursing, menstruation cycle generally stabilizes.
HOW TO IDENTIFY IF SOMETHING IS WRONG?
Some women expect heavy bleeding and killer cramping during the initial periods after delivery. But, if the flow is heavier, contain blood clots and lasts for more than a 7-10 days, consult your doctor. It can be due to some infection or fibroids and can also lead to anaemia and fatigue.
