Irregular Periods After Delivery

After childbirth, your body recovers, and it takes several weeks for your period to return to its normal routine. In this process, hormonal changes are important. During pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels are high, and they rapidly decline after giving birth. This decline in hormone levels is the primary cause of irregular periods after pregnancy.

Noticing first period after pregnancy symptoms can be significant as it will show possible signs of a woman's normal health. Studies show that the incidence of irregular menstruation can vary from 5% to 35.6% depending on age, condition and location. Postpartum irregularities in the menstrual cycle are also caused by hormonal changes, as well as lifestyle factors such as stress and weight changes. So, read on to learn everything about postpartum menstrual cycle changes and how to deal with them.

When Should You Expect the First Period after Pregnancy?

Lochia, a vaginal discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, is common in the early postpartum period. This discharge appears bright red and very heavy. Lochia slows down and turns pinkish-brown and thinner after a few days to a week. It will continue to brighten and become more irregular over the next five to eight weeks, eventually turning from dark brown to yellow before fading off.

Lochia is not the same as menstruation, even though it can look like a period and you will need to use a pad to control the blood flow. After giving birth, it will take several weeks or months for your actual period to return. Breastfeeding also affects the timeline of your first period after pregnancy in two different ways: 

• If You Are Not Breastfeeding

Your menstrual cycle is likely to return four to eight weeks after childbirth if you are not breastfeeding. This time frame can be similar to your prenatal period. It could also take a few cycles for your period to return to "normal" if it is irregular.

• If You Are Breastfeeding

Prolactin, a hormone involved in the production of breast milk, tends to suppress ovulation. Therefore, if you breastfeed, the return of your period may be further delayed, usually for many months or longer. Your period might not come back until you wean and/or start introducing solid foods to your baby's diet if you are breastfeeding exclusively. 

What are the Symptoms of the First Period after Pregnancy?

When periods return after childbirth, the first period is not going to feel like the one before pregnancy. Your body is once more adjusting to menstruation. You might observe some of the following changes:

• Cramping that may be lighter or more intense than normal
• Small blood clots
• Heavier flow
• A flow that appears to start and then stop
• Increased pain
• Irregular cycle lengths

After giving birth, your first menstrual cycle may feel heavier than normal. As there is more lining in the uterus to shed, it may also be accompanied by more severe cramping. These changes will decrease as your cycle continues.

Is It Normal to Get Irregular Periods after Delivery?

The timeline may not appear the same if menstruation returns after pregnancy. Your cycle may be shorter, longer, lighter, heavier, erratic, or more crampy; all of these changes are common. However, one of the most prevalent symptoms is irregular periods when hormones return to normal. It can be really frustrating not to know when or how long you will be bleeding.

However, except for the inconvenience, it is rather normal. It is normal if your cycle length changes. For example, it could go from 24 days one cycle to 35 days after that. Your periods will take some time to return to normal because your body is just regulating itself. On the other hand, if you had irregular periods before becoming pregnant, you are likely to continue to have irregular periods after becoming pregnant unless the underlying cause is treated.

Also Read: Skin changes during pregnancy

Causes of Irregular Menstrual Cycle After Pregnancy

Along with the changing hormone levels, a woman's body undergoes numerous changes from the moment of conception. A particular consequence of these changes is an irregular menstrual cycle. After giving birth, a few other external factors may also contribute to irregular periods, such as: 

Weight

Pregnant women often gain weight, and this continues for a few months after birth. On the other hand, some women experience significant weight loss as a result of inadequate sleep and nutrition. In both situations, the body's hormone levels are directly impacted by weight. These hormonal imbalances after delivery will affect a woman's postpartum menstrual cycle.

Stress

Irregular periods can be caused by stress, regardless of whether you have just given birth or not. Additionally, the first few days of parenthood can be extremely stressful for some people, which can undoubtedly affect their menstrual cycle. 

Breastfeeding

As previously stated, breastfeeding mothers typically ovulate later, after giving birth. The hormone called prolactin, which causes the mammary glands to secrete milk, also inhibits the ovulation process. As a result, the hormone stays in the bloodstream and stops ovulation as long as a mother feeds her baby. Irregular periods while breastfeeding may occur due to the absence of successful ovulation.

Altered Hormone Levels

The body of a pregnant woman starts adjusting hormone levels in preparation for childbirth, labour, and breastfeeding. Unfortunately, hormone levels do not immediately return to normal after birth. The rate at which it recovers to normal levels depends on several factors, including weight, sex, nursing, exercise and diet. As a result, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and erratic for a few months until the hormones settle.

Pre-pregnancy Conditions

You may have irregular periods after pregnancy if you have endometriosis, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or another medical condition that causes or results from hormonal changes. This is especially true if you had trouble with the regularity of your menstrual cycle before pregnancy.

Tips to Deal with Irregular Periods

New mothers can take a few steps to address the issue of irregular periods and restore a regular menstrual cycle as soon as possible.

Exercise

Push yourself to exercise on a regular basis to get your body back to its pre-pregnancy condition. Exercise is particularly effective in restoring hormonal balance in the body. Additionally, it helps in maintaining a healthy weight, which is important for controlling periods.

Healthy Diet

A healthy and balanced diet post-delivery is critical for healing and replenishing nutrients loss during pregnancy and labor. Nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables all include essential micronutrients for the body's repair and recovery. 

Managing Stress

Stress has an impact on both the mind and body. Lack of sleep and new responsibilities cause a lot of stress for new mothers. The best method to support the body's healing process is to avoid anxiety and stress by asking for help and discussing your concerns with others.

Avoiding Contraceptives

The process of returning to a regular menstrual cycle is further delayed by contraceptives, which disrupt the ovulation cycle. Other safe birth control methods that do not interfere with the body's hormonal balance might be discussed with your doctor. 

Taking Vitamins

Menstrual cycles can be affected by vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin D and B. If you are found to be deficient, get tested and make sure you take supplements or consume foods high in such nutrients. Vitamin D can be obtained by consuming dairy products or by allowing the sun's rays to penetrate your body in the morning. Eat green, leafy vegetables, meat, nuts, whole grains, and legumes to get your recommended daily intake of B vitamins.

When To Call the Doctor?

Although irregular periods during postpartum can be completely normal, there are several conditions in which it is important to consult your doctor. Consult your doctor if your period:

• Becomes extremely heavy (you have to switch out your pad at least once every hour).
• Lasts more than seven days.
• Includes clots bigger than a quarter. 

After giving delivery, excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage, typically happens during the first 24 hours, but it can also happen days or weeks later. Even though it is uncommon, but if you exhibit any bleeding symptoms, get in touch with a doctor immediately.

Additionally, tell your doctor if you experience spotting in between periods or skip a period after your menstrual cycle resumes. These symptoms could be a sign of thyroid dysfunction, fibroids, polyps, infection, or other issues.

Get Relief from Postpartum Irregular Periods with Exceptional Care!

Periods after delivery can be irregular, whether you are breastfeeding or not. Hormonal changes, postpartum recovery, and individual health decisions may affect when your cycle returns. In time, your body will learn to regulate itself with patience, self-care, and time. Do not be afraid to contact a healthcare professional if you notice first period after pregnancy symptoms.

We at Apollo Spectra understand the importance of the challenges that postpartum mothers face due to irregular periods. Based on underlying hormonal imbalances, our method provides personalized treatments that promote health and well-being.