Many women are concerned about their first period after pregnancy. This article provides some information about the same.
Most women instinctively know when they are pregnant. One of the early signs being missed periods. All through the pregnancy phase and before conceiving, one concentrates about matters related to the same. One tends to forget that the body cycle would continue even after childbirth. However, the time and amount of bleeding that one may experience is different in every women. Here is a look at what happens after one resumes menstruation cycle after childbirth.
Experiencing the first period after this phase is a matter of discomfort for most women. One would experience pain and heavy bleeding. Though the experience may not be a pleasant one, it is just the body’s way of coming back to its normal self. One would start bleeding soon after childbirth. It includes blood along with mucus and tissue. Furthermore, one would experience heavy bleeding (absolutely normal after childbirth) that is bright red in color. However, the flow shouldn’t be so much that it exceeds a sanitary pad every four hours. One’s body would expel small blood clots that is the blood accumulated in the vagina. However, if one observes many large blood clots, it is better to consult the doctor. This vaginal discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue for a few weeks after delivery is called lochia. This flow would decrease by the next week and the color would become pale red, followed by brownish red. Before this stops, it may turn yellow-white in color. Furthermore, one may observe a strong odor, however, if one feels that it is offensive then, do consult the doctor. Ideally, this loss should stop after a week or so, but sometimes there may be a light blood loss for about six weeks after delivery (that would vary in each woman).
As far as the use of tampons after childbirth is concerned, it is better to use sanitary pads instead (until the lochia stops). This is because the tampons may obstruct the blood flow and may promote the growth of bacteria, thereby leading to an infection. Also, make sure to change the pad every four hours so as to avoid any build-up of bacteria.
Menstruation After Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
Menstruation after this phase would depends on whether or not one is breastfeeding. It has been found that women who do not choose to breastfeed, resume their menstrual cycle after childbirth within 10 weeks, whereas those who do, would find their menstruation cycle pushed back to about 20 weeks or more. This is because breastfeeding tends to delay ovulation. However, as each woman is different, there are some who begin with their normal menstruation within a month after childbirth and a few who do not resume the same for the next 12 months.
Many women often experience irregular light and heavy periods. For a few, it is so heavy that their sanitary pads tend to overflow. Many times, one needs to wait for up to 6 months for the same to resume. Moreover, the first period would be the most painful of all. This is a part of the normal cycle. The reproductive organs, hormones, as well as the body are all trying to get back to normal. Some may also experience occasional spotting in the first 3 to six months after childbirth.
No Menstruation Cycle After Childbirth
As stated earlier, one may begin their periods within a month after childbirth and some may not for up to 12 months. If they do not appear, it does not mean that one is infertile during that phase. You are very much fertile and can get pregnant. Therefore, make sure you use contraption whenever one decides to get intimate with their partner. This will help prevent any unexpected pregnancies. Do consult the doctor for the methods that are safe.
The best way to regularize one’s menstruation is by carrying out Kegel exercises that help strengthen one’s weakened vaginal walls. Have a healthy diet that contains all the essential nutrients and required minerals. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and caffeinated drinks. It is always better to consult the concerned doctor, if one has any doubts regarding the same.
Disclaimer: This HerHaleness article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
