Irregular Menstruation after Childbirth

In this article we’ll share with you everything you need to know about irregular menstruation after childbirth so that nothing will take you by surprise.

After delivery, the body needs time to adjust, recover and return to normal after the 9 months of changes it went through.

Menstrual changes and the time it takes to get your first period after childbirth vary from one woman to another. These changes are completely natural and there’s nothing to worry about.

How should the first menstrual cycle be after delivery?

The first menstruation after childbirth can take up to 5 or 6 months to occur. In some cases, it takes up to a year.

This delay occurs due to the changes the body experienced and that are still occurring.

So it is possible that:

• Your first period might be more painful and abundant than those that occurred before pregnancy.
• It might be preceded by premenstrual syndrome, which might cause vomiting and slight dizziness.
• You might have lochia. Lochia is a type of hemorrhage which is made up of mucus and tissue that was formed in the uterus during pregnancy.

Your first 2 or 3 periods after childbirth might be abundant in terms of quantity before returning to normal.

Sometimes gynecological problems such as ovarian cysts and endometriosis are resolved spontaneously during and after childbirth.

Irregular menstruation while breastfeeding

Menstrual changes occur differently in women and they depend to a large extent on the woman’s hormonal and physical composition, as well as whether or not breastfeeding is maintained.

Breastfeeding is associated with an increase in prolactin production. Prolactin is the hormone that is responsible for menstrual disorders.

Women who breastfeed may have delays of up to 5 months before getting their period again.

Women who don’t breastfeed can get their period 2 months after delivery.

Although you might not get your period while breastfeeding, the circumstances may vary and some women may go through an irregular menstrual phase.

Many women don’t have the same symptoms when they get their first period after pregnancy. Some suffer from dizziness, nausea and swollen limbs.

This variation in symptoms might be associated with the mother’s milk production which elevates prolactin levels.

Can I get pregnant while having irregular menstruation after childbirth?

Even while experiencing irregular menstruation after childbirth, a woman can still get pregnant since ovulation is still occurring.

You may release your first ovum after childbirth without even realizing it. This can happen as soon as 2 weeks after delivery.

The level of fertility is dramatically low after childbirth. Although fertility levels are low, keep in mind that they’re not zero.

The breastfeeding and amenorrhea method is only effective 98% of the time if all of the rules are followed during the first 6 months after childbirth.

Keep in mind that irregular menstruation after childbirth can start to normalize after 6 months.

8 practical suggestions to normalize menstruation after delivery

The menstrual cycle normalizes after a few months. However, there are some things you can do to help regulate your period:

1. Have a balanced diet rich in minerals and nutrients.
2. Do light exercise.
3. Drink lots of water and fruit juice during the day.
4. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages.
5. Rest as you see fit.
6. Don’t smoke.
7. Try to be stress free.
8. Avoid junk food.

Don’t worry too much about your period. Go ahead and enjoy motherhood.

The most important thing for you to know is that your first period after delivery is a sign that your reproductive system is returning to its regular cycles.

This occurs even though the ovaries have experienced important changes.

It may take several months for your period to regain the characteristics it had before pregnancy.

If other problems arise such as persistent heavy bleeding, consult your gynecologist for them to evaluate and treat the problem as they see fit.