Postpartum period

Pregnancy is a major change for the female body. The hormonal balance gradually normalizes and menstruation occurs again. The first Postpartum period is something special for many women. Because every woman is different, the timing of the first period cannot be generalized. However, longer waiting times are not a cause for concern.

When the fertile days return

As soon as the fertile days come after the birth, you have to think about suitable contraception again. The female body was stressed by pregnancy. The usual regularity often disappears after giving birth. When exactly fertility returns depends on each woman.

Many women ovulate for the first time after a few weeks, while others ovulate for the first time Postpartum period only a year later. Overall, ovulation after giving birth is not possible until three weeks after delivery at the earliest. Experts recommend the use of contraceptives if you miss your period. Ovulation usually goes unnoticed and, despite reduced fertility, there is a possibility of a new pregnancy.

When is the first period after giving birth?

From fertilization to birth, the hormones have changed significantly. There are also various factors that can delay the onset of menstruation. This includes breastfeeding the child, for example. The longer and more regularly the baby is breast-fed, the later the first period usually occurs.

For the past nine months, the hormones were generally adjusted for the pregnancy. Immediately after birth, there are physical changes involving the hormones. As the placenta gives birth, the levels of various hormones produced by the tissues decrease. The reduction in hormones can be demonstrated in blood and urine, among other things.

First of all, it is mainly the hormones estrogen and progesterone. If the level of the hormones decreases, physical regression is initiated. Follicle maturation begins with the formation of the hormones FSH and LH: menstruation occurs again. Breastfeeding delays your period because of the hormone prolactin, which is involved in the production of milk. However, breastfeeding is not considered a safe method of contraception.

How do the weekly flow and period differ?

Because the detachment of the placenta leaves a wound in the uterine wall, the body excretes residual placenta tissue, wound secretions, blood and mucus after birth. The bleeding is what is known as the weekly flow. Overall, the wound takes about four to six weeks to heal.

In the first week the color changes from light red to brown, later it changes to yellowish. After about four to six weeks, the weekly flow disappears. The weekly flow occurs both in women who give birth vaginally and in mothers who have opted for a caesarean section. With a caesarean section, however, the weekly flow is often a little weaker.

Because the discharge may take six weeks to subside, the weekly flow and period can follow one another. However, the bleeding can usually be easily distinguished from one another. Eventually the color of the weekly flow changes towards the end and takes on a whitish tone, while the period that comes in is bright red. If you are unsure, ask the treating gynecologist.

Is the postpartum period different?

Menstruation can change after giving birth. The first cycle in particular is often unusual: the bleeding is heavier and / or more painful than before. Some women report prolonged menstruation. Others, however, have weaker periods and previous cramps may subside.

Very heavy bleeding or pain should always be clarified with a doctor. It can take a few months for the hormonal balance to normalize. Until then, irregular cycles are not uncommon and nothing to worry about.

Tampon or pad?

If menstruation occurs within the first six weeks after delivery, tampons should not be used because wound healing is not yet complete during this time. Tampons would increase the risk of infection. It is therefore important that a bandage is used in such a case. If the bleeding does not occur until a few weeks later, tampons are also allowed again.

When purchasing, however, it must be remembered that a different size may be necessary. Inserting the tampon can also feel unfamiliar at first. Childbirth has changed the anatomy of the genital organ. If pain occurs, a doctor should be contacted.

From now on, think about prevention again

After childbirth there is hormonal chaos in the body. The period only comes after a few months, maybe it is stronger, maybe weaker or more painful. Physical regression begins through birth.

Something irregular is quite normal there. If in doubt or in pain, it is advisable to contact a gynecologist. Otherwise, one thing in particular must not be forgotten: contraception. Even if menstruation is a long time coming, ovulation is difficult to predict. After all, the bleeding doesn't occur until about two weeks after ovulation.

If the child is breastfed, the type of contraception should be discussed with the doctor. In order not to endanger the health of the baby, it is advisable, for example, to avoid the birth control pill first. Other methods of contraception such as condoms are more suitable during this time.