Your body changes in so many ways after pregnancy, and one of the most common questions new moms ask is how they can expect to get their first period after baby.
A lot of people wonder: When periods start after delivery? And “first period after giving birth, how long should it last”?
The reality is, every woman’s experience is unique, but having a grasp of the typical timeline can make you feel more prepared and less anxious.
When Periods Start After Delivery?
When you get your first period after giving birth will vary based on a few things, particularly whether or not you’re breastfeeding.
Nursing moms may not get their cycle back for years since the hormone prolactin, which is released to make milk, inhibits ovulation. Sometimes, the periods do not come for months or even a year.
Mothers who are not breastfeeding will generally find that their period after pregnancy returns in 6-12 weeks.
And one last thing to keep in mind: You can get pregnant before you even have that first period back, so if another pregnancy is not what you want right now, talk with your health care provider about which type of birth control will be best for you.
For comfort and protection during your first postpartum period, you can also try the Sensitive Extra Long Pad for heavy flow and lasting protection.
First Period After Delivery: How Long Does It Last?
The question on many women’s minds is: first period after giving birth how long should it last?
Overall, the duration of after delivery periods depends:
- The majority of women have their first period between 4-7 days, which is relatively similar to the length of time they experienced before pregnancy.
- For some women, after delivery periods duration is more extended up to 10 days, which is normal if the uterus is still retraining.
- Others may experience random spotting, which is also normal during the first few cycles.
Be sure to contact your healthcare provider if: You have your period for more than 2 weeks, Or very heavy bleeding (soaking through pads every 1-2 hours)
Period After Childbirth: What To Expect
Your first period after you give birth may differ in appearance and consistency from your pre-pregnancy periods. Here’s some that women commonly experience:
Heavy Flow: The lining of the uterus is generally thicker after pregnancy, which can result in heavier cycles throughout the first few post-pregnancy cycles.
Blood Clots: Most women will experience small clots, but contact your doctor if you are losing large clots.
Irregular Periods: It will likely be anywhere from several months to a few years before you begin to have a regular period.
Pain/Cramps: You may feel more intense cramps or milder pain compared to before.
Disparate Colour Blood: The blood might look darker or lighter red than you may have been familiar with in the past, prior to pregnancy.
Lochia vs First Period After Childbirth
It’s a critical thing to know the difference between postpartum bleeding (lochia) and your first period after baby.
Lochia: Starts immediately following birth and can last up to 6 weeks. It starts looking bright red and eventually changes to brown, followed by yellowish or whitish discharge.
First Period: You ovulate, and your menstruation looks pretty much the way it usually does.
Do’s And Don’ts of Your First Period After Delivery
Your period after giving birth can be more difficult to manage because of the heavier flow and unpredictability. Here are some tips:
Pick the proper pads: For postpartum cycles, the ideal choice is a long and high absorption pad.
Keep hydrated and eat well: Cramps can be alleviated and cycles regulated with healthy nutrition.
Listen to your body: Track your cycle with an app or physical journal and record how you feel, flow and duration.
Relax whenever necessary: your body is still going through the healing process so take it easy.
When to See a Doctor?
If there are irregularities, don’t panic. Before you take the address of the nearest maternity centre, here is a list to tell you when to consult the doctor :
- Your period is longer than two weeks.
- You have large clots with your periods.
- You experience a lot of pain that you can’t reduce with medicine.
- You feel lightheaded, dizzy, or immensely weak.
The symptoms could be a sign of an infection, retained tissue or other postpartum issue.
Conclusion
The first period after baby can be an uncertain time heavier or longer (or even the opposite of that) and far crampier than your pre-pregnancy periods, depending on how it all shakes out. The length of the period following the delivery varies on average (4–7 days), but may be a few months before cycles are regular. Whether you are breastfeeding also influences when menstrual periods will resume after having a baby.
Every woman’s body is different, so the best thing you can do is to stay in tune with your symptoms. Plus, take good care of yourself and contact your doctor if anything feels abnormal. Eventually, your body will cycle back into its typical pattern, and you’ll feel a sense of ease when working through your cycles.
FAQs
How Long Does the First Period After Childbirth Typically Last?
On average, it occurs during 4–7 days, but some women may bleed for as long as 10 days.
Is the First Postpartum Period Heavier Than Usual?
Yes, it is normal for the first period after giving birth to be heavier because there is still a thicker-than-usual lining inside the uterus.
Can the First Period After Delivery Be Very Light?
Yes, some women have lighter spotting.
Is It Normal to Have Blood Clots in the First Period After Birth?
Little clots are fine, but big clots should be brought to your doctor’s attention.
How Do I Know if It’s My Period or Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia)?
Lochia occurs right after giving birth and undergoes colour changes over the duration of 6 weeks. A period will take place after this and look similar to your pre-pregnancy period blood.
Does breastfeeding delay the return of periods?
Yes, breastfeeding frequently postpones ovulation and menstruation for a few months.
Can Periods Be Irregular After Giving Birth?
Absolutely. It can be a few cycles before your body adjusts to a routine.
