Pregnancy is a significant transition for the female body. Hormone balance gradually normalizes and menstruation resumes. The first period after childbirth is special for many women. Because every woman is different, the timing of the first period cannot be generalized. However, longer waiting periods are not a cause for concern.
When fertile days return
As soon as the fertile days return after childbirth, it is necessary to think again about the appropriate contraception. The female body has been put under a lot of stress by the pregnancy. Often, the usual regularity initially disappears after childbirth. When exactly fertility returns depends from woman to woman. Many women ovulate for the first time after a few weeks, while for others the first period after childbirth does not start until a year later. Overall, ovulation after childbirth is possible at the earliest three weeks after delivery. Experts recommend the use of contraceptives despite the absence of a period. Ovulation usually occurs unnoticed and despite reduced fertility, there is a possibility of pregnancy again.
When is the first period after childbirth?
From fertilization to birth, hormones have changed significantly. Furthermore, there are several factors that can delay the onset of menstruation. These include breastfeeding the baby, for example. The longer and more regularly the baby is fed with breast milk, the later the first period usually occurs. During the last nine months, the hormones were overall adjusted to the pregnancy. Immediately after birth, physical changes occur with the participation of hormones. Due to the birth of the placenta, the level of various hormones produced by the tissue decreases. The reduction of hormones can be detected in blood and urine, among others. Initially, it is mainly the hormones estrogen and progesterone. If the level of hormones decreases, physical involution is initiated. Follicle maturation begins through the production of the hormones FSH and LH: menstruation reappears. Breastfeeding delays the occurrence of the period due to the hormone prolactin, which is involved in milk production. Nevertheless, breastfeeding is not considered a safe method of contraception.
How do lochia and periods differ?
Because the detachment of the placenta leaves a wound in the uterine wall, the body excretes residual placental tissue, wound secretions, blood and mucus after birth. The bleeding is what is known as postpartum flow. Overall, the wound takes about four to six weeks to heal. In the first week, the color changes from light red to brown, later it changes to yellowish. After about four to six weeks, the postpartum flow disappears. Postpartum flow occurs both in women who give birth vaginally and in mothers who have opted for a cesarean section. However, in the case of a cesarean section, the postpartum flow is often somewhat weaker. Because the discharge may not subside for six weeks, lochia and periods may follow each other. However, the bleeding can usually be easily distinguished from each other. Finally, the color of the postpartum flow changes toward the end and takes on a whitish tone, while the onset of the period is bright red. In case of uncertainty, the attending gynecologist can be asked.
Is the period different after childbirth?
After childbirth, menstruation can change. In particular, the first cycle often runs unaccustomed: the bleeding is heavier and/or more painful than before. Some women report a long-lasting menstruation. For others, however, the period becomes weaker and previously existing cramps may subside. Very heavy bleeding or pain should always be checked with a doctor. It can take several months for the hormone balance to normalize. Until then, irregular cycles are not uncommon and are not a cause for concern.
Tampon or pad?
If menstruation occurs within the first six weeks after delivery, tampons should not be used because wound healing is not complete during this time. Tampons would increase the risk of infection. That is why it is important to use pads in such a case. If, on the other hand, bleeding does not occur until a few weeks later, tampons are also permitted again.However, when purchasing, it must be remembered that a different size may be necessary. The insertion of the tampon may also feel unfamiliar at first. Due to childbirth, the anatomy of the sexual organ has changed. If pain occurs, a doctor should be contacted.
From now on, think about contraception again
After childbirth, the body is in hormonal chaos. The period comes only after a few months, perhaps it is heavier, perhaps weaker or more painful. Due to the birth, processes of physical regression set in. Some irregularity is quite normal. In case of doubt or pain, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist. Otherwise, one thing above all must not be forgotten: Contraception. Even if menstruation is delayed, ovulation is difficult to predict. After all, bleeding does not occur until about two weeks after ovulation. If the baby is breastfed, the type of contraception should be discussed with the doctor. In order not to endanger the health of the baby, it is advisable, for example, not to use the contraceptive pill at first. More suitable at this time are other methods of contraception such as condoms.
