First Period after Pregnancy

Most women instinctively know when they are pregnant. One of the early signs of pregnancy is missed periods. All through the pregnancy phase and before one conceives, one concentrates about matters related to pregnancy. One tends to forget, the body cycle will continue even after childbirth. In the following paragraphs, we shall have a look at the first period after pregnancy. The time and amount of bleeding one may experience is different in every women. Let us have a look at what happens after one resumes menstruation cycle after childbirth.

First Period After Pregnancy

Experiencing first period after pregnancy is a matter of discomfort for most women. The pain and heavy bleeding makes matters worse for a woman who has just delivered a child. Though the experience may be horrifying, it is just your body's way of coming back to its normal self. You will start bleeding soon after childbirth. This bleeding includes blood along with mucus and tissue. You will experience heavy bleeding, that is absolutely normal after childbirth. You will find your body expels small blood clots that is the blood accumulated in your vagina. If you see many large blood clots, speak to your doctor. This vaginal discharge of blood, mucus and tissue for a few weeks after delivery is called lochia.

Menstruation After Pregnancy and Breast Feeding

Menstruation after pregnancy depends on whether or not you are breastfeeding. It has been found women who do not choose to breastfeed, resume their menstrual cycle after childbirth within 10 weeks. Women who breastfeed, will find their menstruation cycle pushed back about 20 weeks or more. This is because breastfeeding tends to delay ovulation. However, as I have already mentioned, each woman is different. There are women who begin with their normal menstruation after pregnancy within a month after childbirth. A few women do not resume their menstruation cycle after pregnancy for the next 12 months.

Many women often experience irregular light and heavy periods. For a few women, first periods after pregnancy are so heavy that their sanitary pads tend to overflow. Many times, one needs to wait for up to 6 months for their menstruation cycle after childbirth to resume. The first period after pregnancy will be the most painful of all. I am not trying to scare you, but it is a part of the normal cycle. The reproductive organs, hormones as well as the body are all trying to get back to normal. A few women also experience occasional spotting the first 3 to six months after childbirth.

No Menstruation Cycle After Childbirth and Pregnancy

As stated earlier, one may begin their periods within a month after childbirth and some may not for up to 12 months. If they do not appear, it does not mean you are infertile during that phase. You are very much fertile and can get pregnant. Therefore, make sure you use contraption whenever you chose to get intimate with your partner. This will help prevent unexpected pregnancies.

The best way to regularize your menstruation is by carrying out Kegel exercises that help strengthen your weakened vaginal walls. Have a healthy diet that contains all the essential nutrients and required minerals. Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeinated drinks. If you have any doubts regarding first period after pregnancy, speak to your doctor. Your doctor is the best person to answer most of your queries regarding menstruation after pregnancy.