The expectant mother does not menstruate until the birth. There are exceptions, but usually the menstrual cycle stops during pregnancy. Some time after the birth, the cycle starts again. But how long is that period? Many women wonder how long after giving birth they can expect their period. The issue of menstruation after childbirth is also part of women’s desire to get back on track.
About Menstruation after Childbirth
The questions of how the menstrual cycle will be after childbirth or how long after childbirth will I have my period make new mothers curious. We have researched for you what is curious about the postpartum menstrual cycle. We have compiled information that will guide you on how to have a menstrual cycle after childbirth. Here are the details.
Postpartum Menstruation
There is no exact date for the first period after childbirth. Many details such as the woman’s biological structure, living habits and the effect of childbirth affect the date of the first menstrual period after birth. However, to give a general average; many women menstruate within the first 6-8 weeks after giving birth. In other words, menstruation after childbirth occurs between the sixth and eighth week. Details such as the type of delivery and whether the mother is breastfeeding or not can also affect the date of the first period. Let’s look at this in more detail.
How does the mode of delivery affect the timing of menstruation?
Many people think that the type of delivery, normal birth or caesarean section, is related to the time of the first menstrual period after birth. However, there is no scientific basis for this. In other words, there is no known link between having a normal birth or a caesarean section and an early first period.
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Menstrual Pattern after Normal Childbirth
There is a misconception that menstruation will be later after a normal delivery. There are currently no scientific studies that show a relationship between the type of delivery and the first postpartum period.
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Menstrual Pattern after Caesarean Section
It is often assumed that the menstrual pattern after a caesarean section will be different from normal birth. The menstrual pattern after a caesarean section does not differ from normal birth.
When Will I Have My First Menstruation After Childbirth?
First of all, the timing of the first period or first bleeding after childbirth varies from person to person. Many things are influential here, such as the mother’s physiology, continued breastfeeding and lifestyle. The timing of the first period after childbirth is usually associated with breastfeeding. This is because the hormones secreted by the body during breastfeeding interfere with the mother’s cycle. If you are breastfeeding, your first period can happen between the tenth and fifteenth week after giving birth. It will be earlier if you are not breastfeeding.
When is the earliest first period after childbirth?
As we shared above, the earliest menstrual period varies from person to person. It is even very variable. However, the earliest can be 5 weeks later. Very rarely, it can also be after 4 weeks. However, menstruation in the fourth week after birth is very rare.
Frequently asked questions about the first period after childbirth
How will the first menstruation after childbirth be, will there be pain, will the color appearance be different…Let’s answer these questions step by step:
- When is the first period after childbirth?
The earliest menstruation after childbirth varies from person to person. At the earliest after 4 weeks, at the latest after a year and a half.
- How long does the first period last after childbirth?
The first menstruation after childbirth is not very heavy. It usually continues intermittently for a few days. It may be painful. If it is more than you are used to, see a specialist immediately.
- Is there pain during menstruation after childbirth?
In fact, there is usually no obvious difference in pain intensity. The groin pain will be the same as before. Maybe a little bit more intense.
- Does menstruation after childbirth stop milk?
There is a common perception among the public that “breast milk stops” when menstruation occurs. This is not entirely true. A mother can continue breastfeeding for months despite menstruation. However, there is also a relationship between breastfeeding and milk supply, as breastfeeding inhibits the hormones that cause the menstrual cycle. You should consult a specialist doctor immediately. He or she can give you accurate information and helpful advice.
- Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?
There is a popular belief that “a breastfeeding mother cannot get pregnant”, but this is not true. The hormones secreted while breastfeeding prevent menstruation, but ovulation still occurs during this period. Therefore, if you do not use protection, it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding.
Menstruation after childbirth or not?
This is something that worries mothers a lot. Feeling bloated and tense because they cannot menstruate makes them want to return to their cycle as soon as possible. Some mothers are also very afraid of menstruation because they are worried that their milk will stop. The first thing you need to do is to stay calm. The postpartum period is difficult and different, but it will pass. And when it does, you will miss it. So make sure to be with your baby, breastfeed her often and express milk when you can’t. It’s wonderful to hold her tiny body, to be the only thing she knows. Let it flow and enjoy it..