Irregular Menstruation After Childbirth

After childbirth, a woman’s body needs time to adapt, recover and return to normal after 9 months of changes.

Menstrual changes and the time it takes to see your first period after delivery vary from woman to woman. However, these changes are completely normal and natural, so there is nothing to worry about. Discover here everything about irregular menstruation after childbirth  so that nothing takes you by surprise.

How is the first menstrual cycle after childbirth?

This can be quite difficult, and  may be delayed for 5 or 6 months, or even up to a year. This happens due to recent and ongoing changes in the body.

So, it is possible that:

• Your period is painful and heavier than before pregnancy.
• It is preceded by premenstrual syndrome, accompanied by vomiting and mild dizziness.
• You experience lochia,  which consists of bleeding with mucus and tissues that formed in the uterus during pregnancy.

Before returning to normal, the first 2 or 3 periods may still be abundant in terms of quantity and blood clot formation. Many times, some gynecological problems resolve spontaneously during and after delivery. For example, cysts on the ovaries and endometriosis.

Irregular menstruation while breastfeeding

Menstrual changes are different in each woman and depend, to a great extent, on hormonal composition, physical training and breastfeeding. Since breastfeeding is linked to an increase in prolactin, a hormone that causes menstrual disorders, it may take 4 to 5 months for breastfeeding women to have their period again.

In the case of those who do not breastfeed, however, it could occur only 2 months after delivery.

Although you do not usually have a period during breastfeeding, circumstances can vary and some women may go through an irregular menstruation phase. This is not a problem, nor is it something that is considered abnormal.

Similarly, not all women have the same symptoms during the pregnancy period. Some suffer from dizziness, nausea, and swollen limbs. The variation is due to the number of feedings of the baby and milk production,  which keeps prolactin high.

Can I get pregnant if there is irregular menstruation after delivery?

With an irregular menstruation after childbirth, a woman  could become pregnant because ovulation is occurring. In fact, you may release your first egg after delivery, even before you have your period and without even realizing it. This can happen up to about 2 weeks after delivery. Although the level of fertility drops greatly, it is not reduced to zero.

The Lactation and Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is only 98% effective if the rules are followed to the letter for the first 6 months, if you are breastfeeding. Keep in mind that your irregular menstruation after childbirth can begin to normalize after 6 months.

8 practical tips to normalize irregular menstruation after childbirth

Within a few months after giving birth, the menstrual cycle is normalized. However, there are a few things you can do to help regulate your period:

1. Have a balanced diet that contains the main minerals and nutrients.
2. Perform gentle exercises.
3. Consume plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juice during the day.
4. Do not ingest alcoholic beverages.
5. Get enough rest.
6. No Smoking.
7. Lead a relaxed life, without stress.
8. Avoid junk food.

Don’t worry too much about your period, go ahead and enjoy your motherhood. The most important thing is to know that your first period after delivery is an indicator that the reproductive system is returning to its normal cycles, despite the fact that the ovaries are not working properly.

It may take several months for your period to regain its previous characteristics after delivery. If other problems occur, such as persistent very heavy bleeding, it is best to consult your gynecologist to evaluate and treat the problem accordingly.