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What Should I Expect from Postpartum Menstruation?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

Postpartum menstruation, especially the first period after birth, can be different that your normal menstruation prior to pregnancy. It can start anywhere from a few weeks after giving birth to a few years, and the first period after birth may be different in flow and duration than your periods were in the past. While most women's cycles eventually go back to normal, your period may permanently change after having a child. Even before you start postpartum menstruation, you can become pregnant.

The majority of women start menstruation between one and three months after giving birth, although some women may not experience a period after birth for a few years. This depends on both your individual body chemistry and whether you are feeding your baby formula or breast milk. Women who formula feed often start menstruation sooner than breastfeeding moms. This is because breastfeeding suppresses ovulation; basically, it is nature's way of spacing out children.

Postpartum menstruation generally begins between one and three months after giving birth.
Postpartum menstruation generally begins between one and three months after giving birth.

Formula feeding mothers tend to have their first menstrual cycle five to six weeks after having their baby. The majority of breastfeeding moms start postpartum menstruation when they begin introducing other food sources, such as solids, to their baby. Others start their period as soon as two months postpartum or as long as six months after completely weaning their child. No matter when your menstrual cycle starts up again, your period will likely be different than it was before, especially your first one.

Mothers who breastfeed their children may start postpartum menstruation later than women who formula feed.
Mothers who breastfeed their children may start postpartum menstruation later than women who formula feed.

The first period after birth is often heavier than normal. You may pass blood clots, and your period can last for over a week. Because your body is not used to having a menstrual cycle, you may experience more cramping than in the past. While all of this is normal, if the period lasts for more than eight days or you are passing blood clots that seem excessively large, let your doctor know. This could be an indication that your body has retained tissue from the placenta, which can cause an infection, or that you are experiencing a molar pregnancy.

Postpartum menstruation may be heavy at first.
Postpartum menstruation may be heavy at first.

After your first period, each additional period will likely decrease in duration and heaviness until you are back to whatever was normal for you. Postpartum menstruation can also be different than pre-pregnancy. Your period may be lighter and less painful than it has been in the past. In rare cases, you may experience heavier periods and more cramping.

More cramping than normal may occur during postpartum menstruation.
More cramping than normal may occur during postpartum menstruation.

If you do not want to become pregnant, you should use some sort of birth control, even if you have yet to have your first period after birth. While less likely, it is possible to become pregnant before you start postpartum menstruation. The type of birth control used depends on your specific health issues and whether you are formula feeding or breastfeeding; talking with your doctor about birth control options at your six week postpartum checkup, or before you resume sexual activity, is probably a good idea.

Discussion Comments

anon358919

I just went 13.5 months after childbirth without a period. (lots of breastfeeding!) It returned today. But I have been trying to space feedings so that I can get pregnant again. So far it has been lighter than normal. And it hasn't been near as bad!

I'm in such a good mood because of the relative ease of this first day of my cycle! Seriously, labor was easier than my periods ever used to be. And I went drug free for childbirth. This is like a breath of fresh air!

burcinc

@ysmina-- Wow! My menstrual cycle returned when my son was six months old. We had stared solid foods, I think that was the reason.

My postpartum period was extremely light. I had moderate periods before my pregnancy, but afterward, it was barely there. In fact, it seemed more like spotting at times. It took four or five months to go back to normal.

ysmina

@ZipLine-- Believe it or not, I got my menstrual cycle back almost two years after I gave birth. Breastfeeding really does prevent menstruation. Don't expect your postpartum period until you've weaned your little one off of breast milk.

Also, don't be surprised if you get cramps for a while before your menstrual cycle. I had cramps on and off for a few weeks before my cycle returned. I think it was my body readjusting and preparing for the cycle.

ZipLine

It's been a year since I had my baby and my menstrual period hasn't returned yet. I am breastfeeding and I know that this is normal, but I can't help but worry. It's a weird feeling not having a period.

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    • Postpartum menstruation generally begins between one and three months after giving birth.
      By: lukasmajercik
      Postpartum menstruation generally begins between one and three months after giving birth.
    • Mothers who breastfeed their children may start postpartum menstruation later than women who formula feed.
      By: Claudio Divizia
      Mothers who breastfeed their children may start postpartum menstruation later than women who formula feed.
    • Postpartum menstruation may be heavy at first.
      By: apops
      Postpartum menstruation may be heavy at first.
    • More cramping than normal may occur during postpartum menstruation.
      By: inesbazdar
      More cramping than normal may occur during postpartum menstruation.
    • A woman who has recently given birth may have to switch to heavier sanitary pads for the first six weeks.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      A woman who has recently given birth may have to switch to heavier sanitary pads for the first six weeks.