Menstrual Cycle After Pregnancy

Of the many questions related to women's health post pregnancy, that a lot of women are seeking an answer to, an important one is regarding the menstrual cycle. There are many variations that your menstrual cycle will go through post pregnancy and childbirth, owing to the changes that take place in your entire system and body. There is nothing really to worry about these changes as they are perfectly normal and natural. The changes in the menstrual cycle will be different for all women, depending upon their physical attributes, breast feeding, hormonal composition and other such factors.

Menstrual Cycle After Pregnancy
It is commonly experienced, that the menstrual cycle after you deliver a baby gets a bit erratic and irregular. For many women, the periods may get delayed by 5 to 6 months and they go through irregular cycles for a few months. Many women also go through a heavy bleeding during this time. This is because the body takes some time to get back to its normal functioning. Periods after pregnancy may be preceded by PMS and menstrual cramps may also be experienced by some women. This usually gets rectified within a few months.

The first menstrual cycle post pregnancy may be a tough one to handle. Since your body has recently undergone so many changes and still continues to undergo a few, hence it may be painful and uncomfortable. You may also experience PMS accompanied by vomiting and slight dizziness. Many women mistake 'lochia' for the first menstrual cycle. Lochia occurs immediately after childbirth and it consists of the blood along with mucus and tissues that lined the uterus during pregnancy. It is somewhat similar to the blood discharge seen during menstruation but may be heavier in quantity and may also form some clots. The lochia continues to be discharged for a week or two.

A major factor or condition being affected during this time is breastfeeding. Since your body is fairly new to the phenomena of breastfeeding, it tries to adjust to it by delaying your periods. If you are nursing regularly, you may not get your periods until you completely stop breastfeeding, although this does not stand true for all women. This is because when you are breastfeeding, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone known as prolactin, which suppresses the ovaries' functions like ovulation. Suppression of ovulation also prevents pregnancy when still nursing your baby. Prolactin is also the cause behind irregular periods after pregnancy. If you are bottle feeding as well as breast feeding, you may get your periods about 4 months after childbirth, but it may be a heavy and irregular menstrual cycle. If you are only bottle feeding your baby, you may get your periods after a month or two.

Although the body starts functioning normally within a few months of childbirth, few women may experience difficulty in getting their menstrual cycle back to normal. But, there are a few things that you can do that will help regularize your periods. Exercise and diet can help you get back to your normal cycles. Indulge in mild exercising and eat a balanced diet containing all essential nutrients and minerals. Consume a lot of water, fruit and vegetable juices throughout the day. Avoid consuming alcohol, junk food and smoking till your menstrual cycle gets back to normal. Try not to get stressed out and get adequate rest and sleep.

If you experience any further problems, it will be wise to consult and discuss it with your doctor. Do not worry about your menstrual cycle, but go ahead and enjoy your motherhood.