Pregnancy can have its challenges, but on the celebratory side, y'all are spared the menstrual cycle craziness of monthly mood swings, cramps, and bleeding. Of form, now that you lot've had your baby, y'all may be wondering when your period is likely to return. The curt answer is…it depends.

How long does information technology commonly accept for periods to return later birth?

The timing of your first catamenia postpartum depends on whether or not you breastfeed. If you're formula feeding, Aunt Flo should make it about six to eight weeks after the big day. However, if you're exclusively breastfeeding—meaning, your baby drinks absolutely nothing but breastmilk (other than vitamins or medicine)—your period will likely exist delayed. That's considering prolactin, the hormone released during breastfeeding, delays the restarting of your ovulating. No ovulation = no menstruation.

Some women won't become a catamenia for the entire fourth dimension they are breastfeeding. Others will go their period while they are still breastfeeding, particularly after they have introduced bottles of formula, solid foods or when baby starts sleeping through the night.

Tin yous get pregnant before you have a period?

Yes! Yep! Yes! Once your cycle comes back, y'all will ovulate ii weeks before you lot get your commencement period, and then yous volition take no accelerate alarm that you're fertile! If y'all're not ready to become pregnant again, check out your birth control options. Hormonal birth control won't injure your baby, but if they contain estrogen they may crusade your milk supply to dip. Ask your practitioner virtually non-hormonal birth control methods including diaphragms, condoms, certain versions of the pill (progesterone-only pills do not reduce milk supply), and some IUDs, that are totally compatible with breastfeeding.

What volition your showtime period afterward birth be like?

Caryatid yourself…the first menstruation after giving nascence is typically heavier than normal because there is extra blood in your uterine lining that needs to be shed. You may enjoy easier periods due to physical changes in the uterus and neck, although some women experience stronger cramps.

Here's another surprise: Subsequently your start post-baby period, the next may testify upward early…or quite late. It tin take a few months for your cycle to become regular over again. Stash some period protection in your purse so you're not caught off guard. If you do get your period before long after giving nascence, ask your doctor if it's safety to use tampons. Well-nigh women experience that pads are a improve option until the vagina is completely recovered from commitment.

When should you lot run across a physician most your catamenia?

Though that start menstruum after baby can be a doozy, the catamenia should not exist so heavy that you're going through one pad per 1-2 hours. Phone call your doctor if you're experiencing any of the following:

  • Big blood clots: It'southward normal to encounter pocket-size clots in your offset postpartum flow, but if they are larger than a quarter or concluding for several days, it could be a sign of a thyroid problem, infection, fibroids, or polyps.
  • Heavy menses, pain, and spotting: If you are experiencing heavy, painful periods or spotting between periods, yous may have adult adenomyosis, which is a thickening of the uterine wall. While not usually dangerous, adenomyosis can be uncomfortable, particularly during sex activity. Don't be shy nigh asking your doctor or midwife. Depending on the severity, they may want to give you lot anti-inflammatory medications, hormones, or a minor surgical procedure.
  • Prolonged heavy flow: Losing too much blood tin crusade anemia from iron deficiency. Low atomic number 26 can make you feel tired, dizzy and irritable. Fortunately, the diagnosis and treatment are pretty simple: if your blood exam shows low iron, your practitioner will give you lot iron supplements and vitamin C (Vitamin C helps your body absorb the fe).
  • No period: If your period hasn't returned three months after giving birth or three months afterward stopping breastfeeding, talk to your practitioner. This is oftentimes totally normal, but there are two rare conditions that can crusade your periods to disappear:
    • Sheehan's Syndrome: Your pituitary gland was damaged during commitment, which disrupts your menstruum. Information technology is treated with hormone therapy.
    • Asherman'southward Syndrome: The development of scar tissue in the uterus, often resulting from a D&C (dilation & curettage) procedure done after a miscarriage. Asherman's can cause fertility issues, so a woman with this syndrome who wishes to become pregnant once more may need a surgical procedure chosen an operative hysteroscopy.

Though you may wish your menstruum would just stay away forever, call up that it'south a sign of your body performance normally after pregnancy. Practice self-care by getting enough of rest, taking walks to save cramps, and snacking on good for you fats (howdy, avocado toast!) and iron-rich lentils, prunes, meats, and foods cooked in a cast fe skillet.

Have questions about a Happiest Infant production? Our consultants would exist happy to help! Connect with us at customercare@happiestbaby.com.

Disclaimer: The data on our site is NOT medical communication for any specific person or status. It is merely meant equally general information. If you accept any medical questions and concerns most your child or yourself, please contact your wellness provider.