Welcoming Your Period After Pregnancy

It is common to get a delayed period after pregnancy. It is different for each woman. For some, periods may begin right away, while for others, it may take more time. On an average, a woman should wait during breastfeeding and six months after that. However, if you are missing your period unbearably, you can consult your doctor and discuss the use of hormonal medication that triggers menstruation.

Breastfeeding And Period Don't Go Together

In many women, breastfeeding interrupts with the ovulatory actions, leading to irregular periods. During the production of milk in your body, your pituitary gland secrets greater amounts of prolactin, this is a substance that suppresses the function of ovary. In some women, ovulation occurs regularly irrespective of the production of prolactin, while in others, ovulation does not occur at all. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers may get periods either every three weeks, or every six months, or not at all.

The Golden Rule Of Period After Pregnancy

The first period that you get after delivery is always peculiar. Don't worry; it gets better after this. You will experience the customary pain as well as heavy bleeding after delivery. This happens because your body needs time to get used to regular ovulation and menstruation after a gap of nine months. Therefore, the first period always takes a toll over your body.

Kegel Exercises Are Great

Delivery causes your cervix to stoop down farther than it was before. It also weakens the muscles of your vagina. Therefore, it's a bad idea to use tampons. Use sanitary pads instead.

Kegel exercises work wonders for strengthening the vaginal muscles. This exercise includes contracting your vaginal muscles as if you are holding your urine. Ten kegels thrice a day is great for your vaginal muscles.

Starting Of Your First Period

If you choose to feed your baby through bottle, or combine breastfeeding with bottle-feeding, you are likely to get your first period after pregnancy about 5-6 weeks after delivery.

If you breastfeed regularly (with no bottle-feeding), you may not get your period until you cease to breastfeed. This is nature's way of protecting your body from an immediate pregnancy while your child is in infancy.

Even if your period starts while you are breastfeeding, don't expect it to be regular. It is common for your menstrual cycle to be of shorter or longer length than normal during your breastfeeding days.

You Are Fertile Even Without Periods

Don't think that you cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding, as your periods have not started. You are as fertile as ever at this time! This is because you ovulate a couple of weeks before your period resumes.

Therefore, if you have unprotected sex during this time, you can get pregnant. Consult your doctor regarding contraceptives before resuming sex after delivery. Your best option is condoms with lubrication cream or gel. Estrogen or progesterone containing pills might not be good for you right now.

Your first period after pregnancy might not be a pleasant experience; however, be prepared and patient to welcome it.