Often after the delivery of a newborn you will be having some bleeding which is called Lochia or postpartum bleeding. This is not considered a period as this is when your uterus is trying to shrink back to a normal size and shedding off the endometrium lining.
Postpartum bleeding, or Lochia, is a heavy flow of blood and mucus that starts following the delivery of a newborn and continues for up to 10 days. Light bleeding and spotting after pregnancy can continue for up to four to six weeks, as it varies from person to person and pregnancy to pregnancy so don’t be alarmed.
Chances are that following your delivery you will not have periods like you did before you were pregnant for a little bit. Your body is going through an adjustment and the hormones are working on balancing. This also goes for you menstruation so your cramping might be lighter or stronger than usual.
You may also experience some of the following differences:
- Small blood clots
- flow that seems to stop and start
- increased pain
- irregular cycle lengths
When will my period start after pregnancy?
Your period will typically return about six to eight weeks after you give birth, if you aren’t breastfeeding. If you do breastfeed, the timing for your period to return will vary. Those who practice exclusive breastfeeding might not have a period the entire time they breastfeed.
Can my period be irregular after pregnancy?
It will take a little bit of time for your period to go back to being “regular” so be patient. Normal is often classified as a menstrual cycle beginning 21 to 35 days apart and lasting anywhere from 2 to 7-days.
Will my period be heavier after having a baby?
The first period after your pregnancy may be heavier than you’re used to. It might also be accompanied by more intense cramping, due to an increased amount of endometrium (lining of the uterus) that needs to be shed. As your cycles continue these changes will likely decrease as your uterus shrinks back to normal size, but that is not always guaranteed.
Will PMS be worse or better following pregnancy?
It most definitely can vary as speaking with other mom’s as each of us had a very different experience.
What are some examples of why your period may be different?
- Birth control: Using birth for contraception often results in shorter, lighter, and/or less painful periods.
- Endometriosis: If you have endometriosis or a history of painful periods, you may have easier periods after your first baby is born. This though is often temporary till your progesterone levels stabilize which when elevated can result in less painful periods.
- Fibroids & Polyps: Often your physician will monitor these and perform a minimally invasive surgery to remove them if problematic.
- Overactive or underactive thyroid disorder: Your physician will continue to monitor your thyroid levels and adjust treatment if needed.
- Sheehan’s Syndrome: This can occur after severe blood loss or low blood pressure damage to the pituitary gland. This effect the normal functioning of the ovaries and can cause your periods to stop. Hormone therapy is the most common form of treatment.
- Asherman’s Syndrome: This is the result of scar tissue that forms in the lining of the uterus. It may develop following a dilatation and curettage (D&C). Symptoms of this would include light or no periods and trouble conceiving.
My Personal Story:
My first son, Jack was born via emergency c-section and following his delivery I felt like the postpartum bleeding was never going to end. However, after a month it finally did but then two weeks later, I was bleeding again. I didn’t know if this was my period or more postpartum bleeding.
Right around that time it was time to go in for my six-week check up and my doctor told me that it can vary as your body just went through a lot delivering a child so give yourself time to heal.
I then didn’t have any more periods or bleeding for about 9-months as I ended up getting pregnant with our second son, Luke right around eight-weeks after Jack was born. I know what you are thinking and that is okay. We weren’t planning on getting pregnant immediately, but God had other plans and we wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I have a feeling that the bleeding around 6 weeks was my period because I had given up breastfeeding after Jack was almost two weeks old. So, from that time it would be right around 28-days from then which would have allowed my body time to ovulate.
When Luke was born, I bleed for two weeks and that was it. It was amazing, but I am only saying that because chasing around a toddler and caring for a newborn at the same time was exhausting.
Following the birth of Luke, I didn’t have a period till around twelve weeks since I had been breastfeeding for the first 8-weeks. My cycle was very heavy for the first two to three days before it tapered off. The cramps were strong for a few days prior and during the first two days of my period. This can vary though as with Jack when I had that bleeding two weeks after I had no cramps or anything.
It took me a while before I felt comfortable leaving home without wearing a pad because I didn’t want to have an incident while at the grocery story or out in public with a newborn and a toddler. It would be hard to deal with a toddler touching everything in the restroom while you are trying to clean yourself up let alone the embarrassment.
In Conclusion:
Your periods following the birth of a child can change. It will take time to adjust to the new normal so allow yourself some patience. Also keeping track of your cycle and symptoms to determine your cycles new normal. If you have any concerns about or periods, make an appointment with you obstetric or gynecologist as there are medical therapies to help your periods.
Author Biography:
Ashley Havecker from The Irish Twins Momma
Hi! My name is Ashley and I am a full-time working momma of “Irish twins” boys. Meaning that are under 12 months apart. My boys, Jack & Luke are 11 months apart.
I blog about parenting, recipes, and crafts/DIY. I love cooking, running, traveling, and drinking coffee and tea.
If you want to learn more stop by my About Me page.
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