When do periods return after giving birth?

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December 6, 2024

Recovery of menstrual cycle post-birth Periods after caesarean delivery

The period after childbirth can feel uncertain and ambiguous, and it’s completely normal to have questions about how your body will recover and adjust after it. One of the questions we often get asked is—when will my period return after giving birth? And if you’re wondering this too, you’re not alone. The return of periods after childbirth can vary from person-to-person and depend on several different factors.

When it comes to postpartum menstruation timing, many things come into play, including whether you’re breastfeeding, your hormonal balance, and how your body is healing. It’s important to remember that postnatal menstrual health is unique to each individual, and your body will likely take time to adjust.

In this blog, we’ll take you through what you can expect when it comes to postpartum periods and how to handle them with confidence and ease.

Is postpartum bleeding the same as your period?

Postpartum is the period immediately after childbirth. It lasts six to eight weeks and brings with it a host of physical and emotional changes. One of these changes include lochia or postnatal bleeding. This occurs regardless of whether you’ve had a C-section or a vaginal birth and is not the same as your period.

Lochia is a mix of blood and uterine tissue that the body doesn’t need after pregnancy and it can feel similar to a heavy period. Usually this happens for two- or three-weeks post birth but can change depending on your recovery.

Although they can feel similar, it is important to draw the difference between postnatal bleeding versus periods. This is especially important in what you use for the bleeding because it is heavier, thicker and your vagina is also in recovery. If you’re experiencing postnatal bleeding, you should be using pads and not insertable products like tampons or menstrual cups.

We always tell our users that while the Asan cup is very effective, it is not meant for postpartum bleeding. If you’ve been an Asan cup user or looking to switch to a menstrual cup, you should wait till your regular periods resume before switching to the cup.

Read our blog on everything you need to know about menstrual cups to learn more.

Hormones affecting postpartum cycles Menstruation delay postpartum

When can you expect your period to return?

As mentioned before, the post-birth menstruation cycle can take some time to return and that depends on different things—for example whether you’re breastfeeding, your hormonal balance, and your overall health.

Breastfeeding produces high levels of the hormone prolactin, which is essential for milk production but also suppresses ovulation. This is why breastfeeding and periods return are closely linked.

If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, it’s likely that your period will not return until you begin to wean your baby and introduce solid foods. However, if you’re giving your baby a combination of breastmilk, formula, or other foods, your prolactin levels may decrease, which can lead to the period return after breastfeeding happening sooner.

Understanding the connection between lactation and menstrual cycle is important, as these factors play a significant role in how and when your period may return.

Without breastfeeding, you may experience your first post-baby menstrual cycle around six to ten weeks after delivery.

It is important to remember that both scenarios are completely normal and depend on your overall health, medical advice and what you feel is best for yourself and your baby.

Period absence after childbirth Pregnancy recovery and periods

What will your first period after delivery be like?

Your menstrual cycle after pregnancy can look different from what it used to pre-birth and can also change over time. Here are some things that you might notice about your periods restarting post-delivery:

1. Your periods may be heavier than before, and you also may have more or less cramping than earlier.

2. You may experience irregular periods after birth, especially the first few months after your periods return. Cycle irregularities after birth are normal as your body adjusts, and may also lead to your cycles being longer or shorter than usual.

3. Your hormonal changes postpartum may also affect both your PMS symptoms and your periods. Sometimes you might notice that symptoms like mood swings, breast tenderness, and acne get worse or get much better after pregnancy due to hormones affecting postpartum cycles.

These changes are usually temporary. If you notice anything concerning such as extreme heavy bleeding or pain, we advise you to consult your doctor.

What can influence the return of your period?

Postnatal menstrual health can look different for everyone, and some of the factors that can influence its return and experience are:

1. Birth Control: Hormonal contraceptives can delay or regulate the return of your period.

2. Stress Levels: Physical and emotional stress can impact your hormonal balance and menstrual cycle.

3. Sleep and Nutrition: Proper rest and a nutrient-rich diet support hormonal regulation, aiding more regular and healthy periods.

4. Medical Conditions: If you have conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders, they may affect the onset and nature of your postpartum periods.

Can you get pregnant before your first postpartum period?

Postpartum ovulation timing varies for everyone, so it’s good to be aware if you’re thinking about family planning. Fertility after childbirth can return sooner than you might expect, and ovulation postpartum doesn’t always come with obvious signs. If you’re trying to conceive—or avoid pregnancy—tracking your cycle can help you stay on top of things.

How can you better manage your periods postpartum?

If you’re wondering how to better manage your periods postpartum, we have the perfect solution for you. The Asan cup is super flexible and comfortable—it’s made from medical grade silicone, and is very easy to use. Not only does it save you a lot of time and money, it is extremely sustainable and is good for both you and the environment.

You can use it whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a C-section but if you’re sceptical, you can read this blog on the best menstrual cup after C-section to learn more.

Getting your period back after childbirth is just another part of your postpartum journey. While the timeline is different for everyone, knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared.

Keep in mind that cycle changes after giving birth are normal and vary from person-to-person.

Remember, your body is amazing and has been through so much! If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.