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However, since it is almost an unavoidable occurrence, it is beneficial to educate yourself on what to anticipate from your first period after delivery. Remember that it is possible to get pregnant after giving birth, particularly while nursing, even if you have not yet had a period.
Here's everything you need to know about your first period after pregnancy:
How To Tell The Difference Between Lochia And The Postpartum Period?
Many new mothers and parents-to-be are perplexed by the distinction between postpartum bleeding (lochia) and a period. The difference is that lochia appears immediately after the baby is born and gradually fades away.Lochia's last phases may persist up to six weeks after delivery; therefore, it is commonly confused with the initial postpartum period. However, if you have bright red bleeding many weeks after giving birth and lochia has largely subsided, it is most likely due to the first postpartum period. Normally, menstrual blood begins as brilliant, deep red, and sometimes contains clots before becoming dark brown.
When Is Your First Menstruation After Birth?
The timing of your first period after delivery varies considerably. A lot of this depends on whether or not you're nursing. If you are not breastfeeding, your period should return between six and eight weeks postpartum. Some women may get a period before this time, while others may not have their period for up to three months after giving birth.When Does Your Menstruation Begin After Delivery While Breastfeeding?
If you opt to exclusively breastfeed your baby after delivery, which means you nurse around the clock and feed them just breast milk, you may have a somewhat longer hiatus before your first postpartum period. Breastfeeding suppresses the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which are necessary for ovulation. They try to maintain a thin uterine lining, which may stop your menstrual cycle from happening again.This means you may not get your period for up to six months after giving birth. However, even if your period has not returned, your chances of becoming pregnant after six months improve. So, if you don't want to have another child immediately, take birth control whenever you're sexually active.
Even if you are exclusively nursing, it is typical for your period to return early. Postpartum periods vary from person to person.
What Is The First Period After Having A Baby Like?
Your first period after having a baby may be heavier than usual, but soaking a pad every hour is not typical. Even if your first period is odd, your cycle should return to normal quickly after birth. If you are suffering excessive bleeding, severe discomfort, or irregular periods after delivery, you should consult your doctor.If you have disorders that disrupt your menstrual cycle, such as uterine fibroids or polycystic ovarian syndrome, you may have a recurrence of those symptoms after your menstrual cycle resumes.
Do You Have A Different Period After Having A Baby?
If you had a regular menstrual cycle before becoming pregnant and had no gynaecological health difficulties, it's unlikely that your periods would be changed after delivery. Of course, minor alterations might occur, but if you notice a significant shift in your periods after birth—irregular, heavier, or more painful—you should see your healthcare professional.How Long Does The Initial Postpartum Period Last?
The duration of your first postpartum phase varies. It should continue for no more than seven to ten days. Will You Have A Heavy First Postpartum Period?
In summary, there is no established pattern regarding the initial period following the birth of a baby. Some women may get heavy, painful periods, others may have a lighter flow. Many women are astonished to see more blood clots in their first period after having a baby. Tampons may be used after four to six weeks following the child’s birth after consulting your doctor. Your postpartum flow may be affected by the birth control method you use. If you are not nursing and opt to return to birth-control pills after giving birth, you may have a lighter period.Can You Get Pregnant Before You Have Your First Postpartum Period?
You may get pregnant again even before your period returns. That is because ovulation occurs before menstruation in the monthly cycle.All forms of contraception are safe to use during nursing. However, be aware that your contraceptive requirements may have changed.
For example, if you used a diaphragm or cervical cap before becoming pregnant, your gynaecologist may need to refit it since your cervix size may have changed. Your cervix may take up to six weeks to return to normal after childbirth.
Because oestrogen might diminish a woman's milk supply, birth control methods containing the hormone should not be used until nursing is well established, which is usually six weeks after giving birth. Instead, your doctor may prescribe the "mini-pill,"(also known as the progestogen-only pill (POP), which is a daily oral contraceptive that prevents pregnancy.) This pill is generally considered safe for nursing.
It is also recommended to wait at least three weeks before using a birth control method that includes oestrogen and progestin, such as a pill or patch. What's the reason? Women are already more likely to develop blood clots in the postpartum period. The combination of hormonal approaches may increase the danger.
Men can use condoms which is the safest for the mother and child, some birth control pills are not safe and moreover, the mother has to keep too many days and weeks in mind to take care of her health as well as her baby's health.
What Postpartum Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
You must consult a doctor if you suffer any of the following symptoms:- Symptoms include excessive soaking and bleeding, as well as abrupt and acute discomfort
- Symptoms may include a rapid fever and persistent bleeding lasting more than 7 days
- Blood clots larger than a softball are considered dangerous
- Smelling discharge
- A strong headache
- Symptoms may include difficulty breathing and painful urination
Returning to your menstrual cycle is simply one aspect of healing and returning to your pre-pregnancy life. Some people may have delayed menstruation as a result of hormone changes linked with nursing.
Breastfeeding as a method of contraception is not foolproof. A backup option, such as oral contraception or a condom, may provide further protection.
Contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual about your first period after pregnancy. Excessive bleeding or signs of infection are particularly alarming for a new parent. Listen to your body and be safe.
FAQs on What to Expect From Your First Period After Pregnancy?
- Can you use tampons during your first postpartum period?
Yes, you may restart using tampons for your periods, even the first time following birth. Simply make sure you're cleared during your six-week postpartum appointment. That is when your doctor will check to ensure you are recovering correctly and there are no symptoms of infection. Before that time, utilise pads for any bleeding you may have. - Is it typical to get irregular periods after childbirth?
While there may be some irregularity for months after childbirth, your period should rapidly return to its normal pattern and frequency.
