4 months old

Your Period After Pregnancy

Your menstruation vacation has to end some time. Although some would argue that postpartum bleeding more than made up for a year’s worth of missed periods, it’s nice to not fuss with tampons and PMS for such an extended period of time.

• When yours will return is subject to a number of factors: Usually the longer you breastfeed the longer you’ll remain period-free, but some women produce more estrogen than others, prompting menstruation to begin even before your baby has been weaned.
• The earliest you might have gotten your period is six weeks postpartum, but most women – whether breastfeeding or not – won’t have to pick up tampons for three to six months or longer.
• Another factor to consider is your diet and exercise regimen. If you’re pushing yourself to get into those pre-pregnancy jeans, rapid weight loss and an inadequate diet can delay your cycle from restarting.
• When the time finally comes, don’t be surprised if your first postpartum period is a little different than you remember. Your body has to find its rhythm after such a long break, so fluctuating hormones might cause more irregular, painful, longer periods. Of course there are some women who barely spot for the first few months and have shorter, lighter periods.
• Just because you haven’t gotten a period doesn’t mean you’re not ovulating. Make sure you take necessary contraception precautions and keep in mind that your pre-baby contraception might not fit your new body or lifestyle. Make sure to research your options and talk to your doctor. Even if you’re still turned off by the thought of sex, the mood might strike unexpectedly – so it’s better to be prepared.