Your First Postpartum Period
If you have just had your first baby, you’re probably wondering about the changes in your body that occurred during the pregnancy. What will stay and what will go back to the way it was before pregnancy? In a short period known as the puerperium, several pregnancy-induced changes in your body revert to their pre-pregnancy state.
One thing you’re probably wondering is when and how you’re going to get your period again after the long hiatus.
When will I get my period?
It’s not easy to predict when exactly you’ll get your period again since it varies from woman to woman. It largely depends on whether or not you’re breastfeeding your baby.
If you’re using formula milk for your baby or a combination of breastfeeding and formula milk, your period can start early; around the 5th or 6th week after pregnancy.
However, if your baby is only breastfeeding, you may not have a period up to 6 months after pregnancy. As you breastfeed less, the higher your chances for getting your period go up.
It happens because the hormone responsible for producing milk, prolactin inhibits the hormone responsible for inducing your period.
How long does the 1st postpartum period last?
There is no usual pattern for your first period after pregnancy. It usually mimics your pre-pregnancy period, with your usual flow and duration. However, sometimes it can be heavier for some people and last longer than the 5-7 day duration in some cases.
How does my period change after pregnancy?
With the myriad of hormonal changes your body undergoes during pregnancy, it’s common for women to experience a change in their menstrual cycles postpartum. However, it might not be the case for everyone, and some women continue to experience the usual pattern of their menstrual cycle.
Common changes in periods after pregnancy include shortening or prolonging the duration, increasing or decreasing the flow, and a difference in the regularity of the cycle. Usually, these changes settle with time and aren’t a cause for worry.
If you have any other questions about your cycles or any other changes in your body during the postpartum period, feel free to ask your healthcare provider during your follow-up visits or give us a call!