Will My Period Change After Pregnancy?

After you have just had your baby, it’s normal to wonder when your body will “return to normal” and start functioning as it did in the pre-pregnancy state. 

One of those thoughts usually revolves around when you will get your period again and if it will be any different than what it was before you got pregnant.

The period during which your body returns to its pre-pregnancy physiology is known as “puerperium.” It includes breast, uterus, and other organ system changes in your body returning back to their non-pregnancy state.

Here’s what you need to know about your period once you get it after a 9-month break!

Can your periods change after having a baby?

Yes and no! Due to the range of hormonal changes in your body, it is not uncommon for women to experience a shift in their cycles postpartum. 

However, this isn’t always the case with everyone, and some women may experience the usual pattern of their cycle postpartum.

Some common changes in your period after pregnancy include: 

  • Shortening or prolongation of the duration
  • Increase or decrease in the flow
  • A difference in regularity 

Usually, these changes settle with time, and you go back to having regular periods as you did before your pregnancy. In most cases, these aren’t a cause for worry.

 

When will my period arrive after pregnancy?

Predicting when you’ll get your period after pregnancy can’t be very exact since it varies from person to person. One major contributing factor is 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 may start earlier compared to those exclusively breastfeeding; it may begin in the 5th or 6th week after pregnancy.

If you’re breastfeeding exclusively, your period may not start until the 6th month after your delivery. Since the hormone is responsible for breastfeeding, prolactin has an inhibitory effect on your period.

How long does it take for your periods to regulate after having a baby?

Again, this varies on whether or not you’re breastfeeding. It may take up to a year or so for your periods to regulate after you have given birth.

 

Is it okay if periods are inconsistent after pregnancy?

It’s okay for your periods to be irregular after pregnancy. However, they should return to some regularity once you’re no longer breastfeeding. If you’re particularly concerned about your period, be sure to ask your healthcare provider so they can look into it with you!