The return of the uterus to the menstrual cycle after childbirth is part of the natural postpartum recovery process and varies from woman to woman.
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) during lactation is a physiological condition if the woman is breastfeeding, as the hormone prolactin, which inhibits ovulation, is secreted.
- If you are breastfeeding, it is normal for menstruation to be absent, even throughout the entire breastfeeding period.
- Menstruation should resume within 2-3 months after weaning (discontinuation of breastfeeding).
- If the woman is not breastfeeding, menstruation typically returns within 6-8 weeks postpartum, excluding the period of bleeding immediately after childbirth.
- Menstruation can occur during breastfeeding, depending on the duration of the postpartum period, the number of breastfeeding sessions within 24 hours, the time between feedings, as well as other factors such as mental state, exhaustion, and lack of sleep.
- If the baby is formula-fed and menstruation does not resume within 3 months, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
- The breastfeeding period can serve as a method of contraception as long as menstruation and ovulation are absent, but the first ovulation after childbirth is not preceded by menstruation, so it cannot be accurately determined when it occurs.
- Ovulation can occur even in the absence of regular menstruation, and any slight sign or spotting may indicate the onset of menstruation and ovulation.
- The period of menstruation recovery does not differ based on the mode of delivery (vaginal/cesarean) if the woman is breastfeeding. In the case of a cesarean delivery, the first menstruation may occur more than 2-3 months after childbirth.
- There is no cause for alarm if menstruation is heavier or lighter than before childbirth, and it may even be painless for women who previously experienced dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation).
- The restoration of menstruation can be irregular during the first 2-3 months.
- Internal tampons are not recommended for postpartum use as they can cause or worsen soft tissue damage in the birth canal. When should you see a doctor?
1. If the bleeding is so heavy that you need to change pads every hour or use more than 6 pads with 4 drops of blood in 24 hours.
2. If the bleeding lasts for more than seven days.
3. If there are large blood clots and spotting occurs between menstrual periods.
4. If, despite feeding your baby with formula, menstruation has not resumed after three months since childbirth. The period of menstruation recovery varies from woman to woman, and furthermore, in the same woman, the period of menstruation recovery can differ from one pregnancy to another, and this is considered normal.
