However, some women may have had irregular periods before pregnancy, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS or endometriosis. If a woman is concerned about irregular postpartum periods, it is best that they speak to a doctor to find the underlying cause. Lochia is the discharge from the vagina after giving birth.
It begins as heavy bleeding and may be dark red and full of clots. Over several days or weeks, the bleeding gets lighter, eventually turning pink, brown, and clear. It is common for women to experience some cramps when passing lochia because the uterus is contracting as it returns to its usual size. Lochia is not a period. It is a sign that the body is still recovering from giving birth, as the uterus sheds the lining that supported the pregnancy. A review found that lochia bleeding lasted from 24 to 36 days.
However, only one study followed participants until bleeding had stopped, meaning that postpartum bleeding continues for at least 3 to 5 weeks, but possibly longer. It is possible to mistake lochia for a period or to think a period is lochia. While both lochia and menstruation begin with bright red blood, lochia tends to get lighter in color as the days pass, while the blood from a period darkens over time. Women who are breastfeeding may not have a postpartum period for many months because breastfeeding often prevents ovulation and subsequent menstruation.
Some women treat breastfeeding as a birth control method. But a Cochrane Review of previous research found that It is safe to begin using some forms of birth control immediately after childbirth. Doctors usually recommend waiting several weeks or longer before starting combination pills, however. Women who want to avoid hormonal birth control can consider condoms, diaphragms, the non-hormonal intrauterine devices IUD , or fertility monitoring methods.
Hormonal birth controls may help regulate postpartum periods. These methods include pills containing estrogen and progestins, or only progestin, as well as the hormonal IUDs, injections, or implants. A doctor may recommend these options for women who experience very heavy or painful periods. Women who are breastfeeding may worry about the effects of birth control on the baby or their ability to produce breast milk. A study compared two different types of birth control — combined pills and progestin-only pills — and did not find significant differences in breastfeeding patterns or milk production.
Unfortunately, the hormone levels do not spring back to normalcy, right after delivery. Factors like diet, exercise, breastfeeding, sex, and weight decide the pace at which it returns to normal levels. In the bargain, the menstrual cycle becomes erratic and unpredictable for a few months, until the hormones settle down.
If you suffered from conditions such as Endometriosis, PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome , Hypo- or Hyper- Thyroidism, or any other condition that causes or is a result of fluctuation in hormones, you may experience irregular periods after pregnancy. This is especially if you already faced issues with regularity of your menstral cycle, prior to pregnancy.
Diagnosis of irregular periods can be tricky, as many women tend to confuse the postpartum bleeding with the first period after delivery. The first period occurs after a typical gap of a few months from postpartum bleeding. An irregular cycle following the first period is quite common, and this can last for about four to five months. An unsettled menstrual cycle beyond this period should be taken up with your doctor to evaluate the exact cause of this irregularity.
There are a couple of things new mothers can adopt to fix the problem of irregular periods and get their menstrual cycle back to normalcy, as early as possible. It is, undoubtedly, a daunting task to start an exercise routine with a new baby at home. However, pushing yourself to exercise regularly is very important to bring the body back to its pre-pregnancy shape. Exercising helps a great deal in restoring hormonal balance in the body.
It also helps in maintaining your weight, which is a significant factor in determining your periods. Having a healthy and nutritious diet, post-delivery, is vital in restoring and replenishing the nutrients lost during pregnancy and childbirth.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts provide the much-needed micronutrients for repair and restoration of the body. They indirectly enhance the process of settling down after childbirth, by providing the right atmosphere to correct hormonal imbalances.
Stress affects the body and the mind. New mothers are subjected to a lot of stress due to lack of sleep, new responsibilities, and sometimes, an overwhelming feeling triggered by the new role of motherhood. This directly affects the hormone levels, causing a delay in settling back to normalcy. Contraceptives interfere with the ovulation cycle and further delay the process of getting back the normal menstrual cycle. You can talk to your doctor about other safe birth control options that do not affect the hormonal balance in the body.
A deficiency in certain vitamins, such as Vitamin D, and B Vitamins can hamper menstrual cycle, so get yourself tested, and ensure that you take supplements or eat food high in these vitamins, if you are, indeed, deficient.
But what can you expect after pregnancy? Will your periods just pick up where they left off or will you face new challenges? Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
To produce breast milk, your brain produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin. Young says. Bleeding lasts from two to seven days, she says.
Here are two examples:. If you go back to the pills after pregnancy, the lighter periods may resume. Endometriosis: If you have endometriosis or a history of painful periods, you may have easier periods at first after your baby is born.
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