Pregnancy tin can have its challenges, just on the celebratory side, you are spared the menstrual wheel craziness of monthly mood swings, cramps, and bleeding. Of class, at present that you lot've had your baby, you may be wondering when your menstruum is likely to return. The short answer is…information technology depends.

How long does it usually take for periods to return after birth?

The timing of your starting time menstruum postpartum depends on whether or non you breastfeed. If you're formula feeding, Aunt Flo should make it virtually six to 8 weeks later the big day. However, if you're exclusively breastfeeding—meaning, your infant drinks admittedly nothing but breastmilk (other than vitamins or medicine)—your menses will likely be delayed. That's because prolactin, the hormone released during breastfeeding, delays the restarting of your ovulating. No ovulation = no menstruum.

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

Can y'all get meaning earlier yous take a period?

Yeah! Aye! Yep! In one case your wheel comes back, you volition ovulate two weeks before you get your first period, so you will have no advance warning that you're fertile! If you're not fix to get pregnant again, check out your birth control options. Hormonal nascence control won't hurt your baby, merely if they contain estrogen they may cause your milk supply to dip. Enquire your practitioner about non-hormonal birth command methods including diaphragms, condoms, certain versions of the pill (progesterone-only pills do non reduce milk supply), and some IUDs, that are totally compatible with breastfeeding.

What volition your kickoff period after birth be like?

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

Here's another surprise: Later your first post-baby period, the next may show up early on…or quite late. Information technology can take a few months for your cycle to become regular over again. Stash some menses protection in your purse and then you're not caught off guard. If y'all do get your period before long after giving birth, enquire your doctor if it'south rubber to use tampons. Near women feel that pads are a improve option until the vagina is completely recovered from delivery.

When should you meet a md about your flow?

Though that commencement period after baby tin exist a doozy, the menstruum should not be so heavy that you're going through one pad per i-2 hours. Telephone call your doctor if you're experiencing any of the following:

  • Big blood clots: Information technology's normal to run into modest clots in your first postpartum catamenia, 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 flow, hurting, and spotting: If you are experiencing heavy, painful periods or spotting betwixt periods, yous may have developed adenomyosis, which is a thickening of the uterine wall. While non usually dangerous, adenomyosis can be uncomfortable, particularly during sex. Don't exist shy about asking your doctor or midwife. Depending on the severity, they may want to give you anti-inflammatory medications, hormones, or a pocket-size surgical procedure.
  • Prolonged heavy flow: Losing too much blood can cause anemia from iron deficiency. Low iron can brand you feel tired, lightheaded and irritable. Fortunately, the diagnosis and handling are pretty uncomplicated: if your blood test shows depression iron, your practitioner will give you lot iron supplements and vitamin C (Vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron).
  • No menses: If your menstruation hasn't returned three months after giving birth or three months after stopping breastfeeding, talk to your practitioner. This is frequently totally normal, but in that location are two rare conditions that tin cause your periods to disappear:
    • Sheehan'due south Syndrome: Your pituitary gland was damaged during delivery, which disrupts your menstruation. It is treated with hormone therapy.
    • Asherman's Syndrome: The development of scar tissue in the uterus, oft resulting from a D&C (dilation & curettage) procedure done later on a miscarriage. Asherman's can cause fertility problems, and so a woman with this syndrome who wishes to go meaning over again may need a surgical procedure called an operative hysteroscopy.

Though you lot may wish your period would just stay away forever, remember that it's a sign of your body performance normally after pregnancy. Practice self-intendance by getting plenty of residuum, taking walks to salve cramps, and snacking on good for you fats (hello, avocado toast!) and atomic number 26-rich lentils, prunes, meats, and foods cooked in a bandage iron skillet.

Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Connect with us at customercare@happiestbaby.com.

Disclaimer: The information on our site is Not medical advice for any specific person or condition. Information technology is simply meant as general data. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, delight contact your wellness provider.