After birth how long till period

Ahead, an ob-gyn explains everything you should know about postpartum bleeding, and what to expect from that first real period after pregnancy.

This post-birth bleeding, called lochia , is your uterus shedding all of the lining that was built up during pregnancy. Lochia can ebb and flow pun intended during this postpartum period, Dr. Phillips says. It tends to start out red in color, and then progress to pink, and then turns to a yellowish-white color.

After that progression, which typically takes a month and a half or two, you may notice your period returning, which will generally be back to bright red or the color you're used to seeing.

Sometimes, the longer you breastfeed, the longer it takes for your period to return to schedule. Your first postpartum period may happen as soon as a month and a half after birth, depending on if you're breastfeeding. Other people will get their period back quicker, even if they do breastfeed. Initially, your first postpartum period might be heavier, especially if you had a C-section, Dr. It's best not to use tampons until after you attend the medical check that occurs 6 weeks after you give birth.

If your normal periods return before this, use a sanitary pad until your doctor gives you advice. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. All you need to know about periods, including what's normal and what's not. Plus, see what happens inside your body during the different phases of a normal menstrual cycle. Read more on myDr website. Learn all about the menstrual cycle, what happens during a cycle, how long a menstrual cycle usually is and when you should seek help.

Read more on Jean Hailes for Women's Health website. There are a variety of problems that can occur with the menstrual cycle. Some of the common problems are covered briefly below but it is best to discuss any specific period problems with your local doctor or Family Planning clinic.

Read more on Your Fertility website. For women who have a regular menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Read about some of the other early pregnancy signs and symptoms. Family Planning NSW provides reproductive and sexual health services, including information and health promotion activities, as well as education and training.

Read more on WA Health website. Fertility Awareness Based FAB methods of contraception sometimes called Natural Family Planning methods are based on identifying the fertile days of the menstrual cycle in order to avoid a pregnancy.

Ovaries produce and release eggs ova and make the hormones estrogen, progesterone and some testosterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and protect bone health. Read more on Hormones Australia website.

How this works. From glowing skin to a newfound appreciation for your body, there are many things to love about pregnancy. When your period returns often depends on whether or not you breastfeed. And just like your life after baby, you might find your periods after pregnancy are somewhat different.

If you do breastfeed, the timing for a period to return can vary. Those who practice exclusive breastfeeding might not have a period the entire time they breastfeed.

If your period does return quickly after giving birth and you had a vaginal delivery , your doctor might recommend that you avoid using tampons during your first menstruation post-baby. This is because your body is still healing, and tampons could potentially cause trauma. Ask your doctor if you can return to using tampons at your six-week postpartum checkup.

Prolactin , the hormone needed to produce breast milk, can suppress reproductive hormones. The hormonal changes that cause your body to have your period may also influence your breast milk. For instance, you might notice a decrease in your milk supply or a change in how often your baby wants to nurse. Some use breastfeeding as a natural birth control method.

The key here is exclusive breastfeeding. Other than breast milk, no fluids or solids are given to the baby with exclusive breastfeeding. Even water. Safe and effective birth control methods are available for those who are breastfeeding. Nonhormonal options such as the copper intrauterine device IUD , condoms , and diaphragms are always safe for breastfeeding. There are also some hormonal birth control options that are considered safe during breastfeeding.

Your doctor can provide the latest updates on specific types of birth control. Women who breastfeed exclusively and frequently do not, in most cases, ovulate. You can still get pregnant while you're breastfeeding and before the return of your period, though. More on that below. Some women may have heavy, painful periods. Others may enjoy light, easy periods. Many women are surprised to find that their first period after baby has more blood clots in it. You can use tampons once it's been four to six weeks since you gave birth and with your doctor's okay.

Your postpartum flow may depend on your choice of birth control. But keep in mind that your contraceptive needs may have changed. It can take six weeks after the birth of a child for your cervix to return to normal. Instead, your practitioner may prescribe what's known as the "mini pill," which is considered safe during breastfeeding.

Women are already at greater risk of developing blood clots in the postpartum period. These combined hormonal methods can up the risk.