Each woman is different from another, so it’s difficult to say when will you get your first period after delivery.
Actually, the first period depends upon breastfeeding; whether you are breastfeeding or not. If you are breastfeeding the baby then it can delay the periods and if not, then it comes too early.
The periods after the delivery will be different from those in the pre-pregnancy state due to changes in the hormones and physiological changes.
If you’re giving artificial or bottle feeds to your baby then your period could start as early as 6-8 weeks after delivery. If you are exclusively breastfeeding the baby without giving anything else other than breast milk then your periods could be delayed for 6 months. Sometimes, it might not come the entire time you breastfeed.
Why period does not come early in breastfeeding mothers?
The period after delivery does not come early in breastfeeding mothers because of the effect of the hormones. The hormone prolactin which is responsible for milk production in breastfeeding mothers can suppress the reproductive hormones. As a result, ovulation (release of the egg from the ovaries) will not start and you won’t menstruate without ovulation.
Will your periods affect the breast milk?
When your period returns after delivery you may notice some changes in the milk supply to the baby. There may be decreased milk production or milk supply to the baby due to the effect of reproductive hormones that are responsible for ovulation and menstruation.
How can your first period be different after delivery?
As every woman is unique, there are chances that your periods after delivery will be different compared to periods before pregnancy. You may experience some of the following changes in your periods-
- If it is your first period after delivery, the flow will be heavier than before.
- You may have blood clots with bleeding.
- Abdominal cramping can be stronger or lighter than usual.
- In some women after delivery, the menstrual cycle can be either regular or irregular.
- If you had experienced a lot of pain during your periods before pregnancy then it could decrease after delivery or vice versa.
- In some women, the period might be associated with backache and leg cramps.
You may experience heavy blood flow during your first period after delivery which may become normal after a few months when your body gets used to it. There is a possibility that you may get pregnant even before you get your first period so it is necessary to use contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy.
If you are not getting your first period after childbirth for one year then no need to worry about it. Some women may take 2-3 years to get their first period and in some, it may come at 8 weeks. Have patience and care for your baby; enjoy your parenthood.
Conclusion
In the above post, we discussed the first period after delivery.
