When Will Your Menstrual Cycle Return After Birth?

After giving birth, it takes some time for women to return to their normal menstrual periods. Bleeding after birth is not menstrual bleeding, it is a temporary and normal situation caused by birth. The onset of menstruation after birth depends entirely on the intensity of breastfeeding and the amount of milk.

Does cesarean or normal birth affect the menstrual cycle?

Whether the mode of delivery is cesarean or normal delivery is not a factor that affects the onset of menstruation or the menstrual pattern after delivery. The duration and pattern of the onset of menstruation mostly depend on the mother’s breastfeeding duration and amount.

Prolactin hormone level, which rises during breastfeeding, is the most important factor in the onset and regularization of menstruation. The higher the prolactin hormone, the later the period starts and the later it settles down. In short, the onset of menstruation and the establishment of its regularity after birth depend on the amount, intensity and frequency of breastfeeding rather than the mode of delivery.

How long does it take for a woman to return to her normal menstrual cycle?

The onset of menstruation after birth depends entirely on the intensity of breastfeeding and the amount of milk. The factor here is the hormone prolactin, which rises in the blood. If the hormone prolactin is high, it suppresses ovulation and causes delay in menstruation and irregularity. Therefore, the onset of menstruation and the establishment of its regularity are directly related to breastfeeding. When the duration of breastfeeding decreases and the intervals open, menstruation begins, and with the decrease in the frequency and duration of breastfeeding, the menstrual pattern begins to settle.

Does breastfeeding affect menstrual bleeding and its duration?

The higher the prolactin hormone, which rises with breastfeeding, the later will be the menstrual bleeding and its duration. Therefore, the more frequent and more breastfeeding, the later will be the menstrual bleeding and its duration. As the duration and frequency of breastfeeding decrease in the following months, the menstrual cycle returns and gradually begins to settle.

Can breastfeeding mothers use birth control pills or contraceptive injections?

Hormonal methods are not our first choice as a contraceptive method for breastfeeding mothers. If the conditions are suitable, the spiral is the first preferred method of protection. If the breastfeeding mother insists on pills or injections, birth control pills called minipills containing progesterone and injections containing progesterone can be used. But it should not be forgotten that the spiral is the method of first choice.

Do women experience menstrual irregularity after childbirth?

Especially during postpartum breastfeeding period, menstrual irregularity is an expected situation. Prolactin hormone, which rises with breastfeeding, prevents ovulation and causes irregular menstruation. But this is a normal situation. As menstruation begins to decrease, breastfeeding will become regular. A little patience and time will be enough for you. But it is an important issue that should not be forgotten; It is possible to get pregnant again when the frequency of breastfeeding decreases, even if there is no regular menstrual period. For this reason, think that milk will protect you one hundred percent and do not forget to use a protection method.