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How long does the first postpartum period last? It is a common question that most new mothers would ask themselves as they learn to adapt to the changes that take place in the body after giving birth. Breastfeeding or not, the period schedule can be reset at a different time and shorter or longer than you expect. The awareness of what is normal (or not) can make you better prepared and confident. Here we will answer what, when, and how long you can anticipate your period, what clues to watch for, and how to know.
When Will You Get Your Period After Pregnancy?
When you first enter your postpartum period is different in each mom and is highly dependent upon whether you are breastfeeding. Even after delivery, your period can come back in 6 to 8 weeks, even without nursing. In breastfeeding mothers, particularly those who breastfeed exclusively, it might not come back at least for several months, or until your child weans. It is because of the prolactin hormone that promotes the production of milk and inhibits ovulation. Each body is unique, thus no general timeline.
What Is The Difference Between Postpartum Menstruation And Lochia?
It is confusing to tell the difference between your initial postpartum period and the lochia, which is the normal vaginal discharge after delivery. Although they both involve bleeding, they have very different purposes in your recovery. Here is a brief comparison that you will find useful to understand the differences between the two.
|
Feature |
Postpartum Period |
Lochia |
|
What It Is |
Your regular period returning after birth |
Normal bleeding/discharge after giving birth |
|
When it starts |
Around 6–8 weeks after birth (later if breastfeeding) |
Right after delivery |
|
How long it lasts |
3–7 days (like a regular period) |
Up to 6 weeks, gradually lightening |
|
Color |
Bright or dark red |
Starts red, then turns pink, brown, or yellow |
|
Cause |
Hormonal cycle restarting |
Body clearing out tissue and fluids from birth |
How Your Period Changes After Pregnancy
Your postpartum period might appear and feel dramatically different from what it did previously. Your hormonal changes, physical transformation, and your breastfeeding status all influence your menstrual cycle resuming and becoming regular. Here’s what you might notice:
1. Heavier or Lighter Flow
The first few postpartum periods may be heavier in some women, especially with a vaginal birth. Some might discover that they experience lighter periods than they used to; it all depends on how your uterus is recovering and how your hormones are normalizing.
2. Irregular Cycles
Naturally, cycles are irregular initially. Your period can also come too late before the next month, and early the following one, or rather, one month it will just skip a period. It can take several months. It will take your body to adjust to a routine, especially when you are breastfeeding.
3. Stronger or New Cramps
Cramping may be worse than what you previously had during pregnancy. It is due to the fact that your uterus is still trying to adjust to fit and change its shape, and hormone levels are up and down. Cramping decreases in some women after childbirth; in others, however, it increases. You can read more in this guide on postpartum cramping: causes, duration & relief.
4. Changes in Duration
You may have shorter or longer periods than usual. The average is about 3-7 days, but a few postpartum periods may be slightly longer, particularly within the first few months.
5. Heavier Clots
You may notice bigger clots than those before pregnancy. It is not abnormal because the uterus will still be shedding and healing. Nonetheless, when the clots are extremely large or recurrent, it is advisable to consult your doctor and rule out the possibility of any complications.
6. More Noticeable PMS Symptoms
There might be mood swings, fatigue, bloating and all these may feel worse initially. This can be attributed to the hormonal changes, which are yet to settle down due to your body shifting gears to a postpartum phase after the pregnancy phase.
How Long Does the First Postpartum Period Last?
This initial postpartum time is usually 3-7 days long, though it can be heavier and longer than your normal period, particularly until your normal cycle is established. Some women may also encounter light spotting or other bleeding during the first several cycles as hormone levels normalize. Some women experience spotting or irregular bleeding for a few cycles as their hormones adjust.
Your period might come back earlier and in a more normal cycle if you are not breastfeeding. It might take longer to come back in case you are breastfeeding, and the initial period can be shorter or delayed. Each person recovers in their way, so the variance of what is normal is broad. For ongoing comfort and healing, good postpartum vaginal care practices are also helpful.
Is The First Period Postpartum Heavy?
Yes, the initial postpartum is usually heavy compared to the ones you had prior to your pregnancy. Your hormones are adjusting, and it may take some time before your uterine lining settles into a more regular pattern. The first months of the initial cycles are accompanied by heavier flow, larger clots, or more cramping.
The first period may become heavier than you are used to, so having the right recovery products can make all the world of difference to your comfort and confidence. The Momcozy Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit is set to ease this very stage. It contains maternity pads with high absorbency, breathable mesh underwear, and comfortable things to assist them in dealing with the bleeding and discomfort. It does not matter whether it is your first period or it is simply a part of the healing; this kit will make you feel secure along the way.
When you are soaking up a pad every hour or passing very large clots, or you are dizzy or weak, you may want to call your healthcare provider. Otherwise, the early heavy bleeding tends to be a normal part of recovery. For more details on this symptom, see postpartum dizziness: timeline and relief.
Does Your Period Affect Your Milk Supply?
Yes, the temporary effect of a period can trigger a shift in milk supply, and there is usually nothing to worry about. Most breastfeeding mamas have noticed that their supply is reduced a bit before or during their menstrual period due to the fluctuation of hormones, mostly a slowdown in calcium and estrogen levels.
Your baby may appear grumpier or want to be nursed more frequently at this time, but usually supply recovers within a few days. The right amount of water consumption, healthy nutrition, calcium and magnesium can help sustain milk production throughout the cycle.
Can You Get Pregnant Before Your First Menstrual Period Postpartum?
It is possible to become pregnant even before you have gotten your first postpartum period. It is because ovulation occurs before menstruation, so there is a possibility of ovulation, and you may not be aware of it. Even after missing a period, there is a chance of pregnancy taking place in case you are sexually active and you are not taking any means of birth control.
It is particularly significant to the mothers who think that once they breastfeed, no pregnancy will occur. Breastfeeding does inhibit ovulation in the short run and, on rare occasions, has worked as birth control, but this is no guarantee, as the induction of ovulation can resume as soon as the mother and baby first interact. When you are not prepared to have another child, discuss with your provider the available postpartum contraceptives.
Conclusion
The first postpartum period is confusing and can easily prove to be overwhelming, but having a clear idea of what to expect does wonders. Every experience is different, from comprehending lochia to identifying cycle changes. Give it time, be mindful of what is expected and do not be afraid of approaching your healthcare provider with concerns. This stage can be more comfortable to go through with the right care and preparation in its place.
