Irregular Period After Childbirth: Causes, Symptoms & Tips

Hey there, new moms-to-be! We all know how exciting and nerve-wracking it can be to bring a new life into the world. But what happens to your body once the baby is born? Well, for starters, say goodbye to your monthly friend for a little while. That’s right, the menstrual cycle takes a break for a few months after delivery. Are you also having periods irregular after giving birth?

But don’t get too comfortable just yet! Once the postpartum bleeding stops, you might notice a considerable gap before your first regular period. And when it does come back, it may not be the same as before. Irregular periods after pregnancy are common, but should you be worried? Let’s take a closer look.

Once the first postpartum period occurs, the menstrual cycle follows a very unpredictable schedule and can come earlier or later than usual, for months. This is a huge cause of concern for women, and they rush to consult their doctors. The good news is that having irregular periods after delivery is perfectly normal, and occurs due to various hormonal changes in the body. With time, the body settles down to it’s usual routine, but the time frame for this process varies from person to person.

Are Irregular Periods Normal After Birth?

First and foremost, it is necessary to understand that childbirth drastically alters some hormones in the body. Therefore, the hormones that ensure a regular period between menstrual cycles take a backseat. It is quite normal for women to experience changes in the frequency and the flow of their monthly period, post-delivery. Many factors come into deciding when exactly the body gets back to its normal menstrual routine.

When Will You Get Your Period After Birth?

After giving birth, many new moms are curious about when they can expect their period to return. The timing can vary depending on several factors, such as whether or not you’re breastfeeding. Let’s take a closer look at when you might expect your period to return, depending on your breastfeeding status.

1. While Breastfeeding

It’s a mixed bag. Some moms may not see their period return until they stop breastfeeding, while others may experience irregular periods during breastfeeding (1).

2. While You Are Not Breastfeeding

If you’re not breastfeeding, you may see your period return anywhere from 6-12 weeks after giving birth. But keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, so your mileage may vary. Whether you are breastfeeding or not, don’t panic if your second period is late after childbirth unless you’ve had unprotected sex recently (2).

Reason for Irregular Periods After Delivery

From the time of conception, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes, all alongside the changing levels of hormones. An altered menstrual cycle is a consequence of these changes. Some other external factors also play a role in making your periods irregular after delivery.

1. Weight

Women tend to gain weight during pregnancy and continue to be on the higher side for a few months after delivery. On the contrary, some women lose weight drastically due to a lack of proper diet and sleep. In both cases, the weight directly impacts hormone levels in the body. The weight of the mother is a significant parameter in deciding the time frame within which she switches back to having a normal menstrual routine.

2. Breastfeeding

Mothers who breastfeed their children tend to ovulate much later, post-delivery. The hormone responsible for inducing the secretion of milk from the mammary glands (prolactin) also suppresses the process of ovulation. Therefore, as long as a mother is breastfeeding her baby, the hormone remains actively in circulation and prevents the ovulation process. Only a successful ovulation culminates in menstruation, and therefore, your periods resume later than usual or get irregular (3).

3. Altered Hormone Levels

An expecting mother’s body starts altering the levels of hormones in anticipation of the pregnancy. These hormones prepare her for childbearing, birthing, and breastfeeding. Unfortunately, the hormone levels do not spring back to normalcy right after delivery. Factors like diet, exercise, breastfeeding, sex, and weight determine the pace at which it returns to normal levels. In the bargain, the menstrual cycle becomes erratic and unpredictable for a few months, until the hormones settle down.

4. Pre-pregnancy Conditions

If you suffered from conditions such as Endometriosis, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), Hypo- or Hyper- Thyroidism, or any other condition that causes or is a result of fluctuation in hormones, you may experience irregular periods after pregnancy. This is especially if you have already faced issues with the regularity of your menstrual cycle, prior to pregnancy.

Diagnosis of Irregular Period After Childbirth

Diagnosis of irregular periods can be tricky, as many women tend to confuse the postpartum bleeding with the first period after delivery. The first period occurs after a typical gap of a few months from postpartum bleeding. An irregular cycle following the first period is quite common, and this can last for about four to five months. An unsettled menstrual cycle beyond this period should be taken up with your doctor to evaluate the exact cause of this irregularity.

Symptoms of Irregular Periods After Birth

Here is how you can understand whether you are having a postpartum menstrual cycle irregularity:

• Periods that don’t follow a regular monthly cycle
• Very heavy bleeding or unusually light flow
• Long gaps between periods or missed cycles
• Spotting between periods
• Severe cramps that feel different from before pregnancy
• Sudden changes in cycle length (too short or too long)

Can You Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods After Having a Baby?

Yes, you can! Irregular periods after having a baby can make it difficult to predict when ovulation will occur, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get pregnant. In fact, some women may even ovulate before their first period after giving birth. So, if you’re not ready for round two of the baby-making game just yet, it’s important to use contraception.

But before you start panicking about accidental pregnancies, remember that irregular periods are common after having a baby, and they can take some time to regulate. It may take a few months, or even up to a year, for your periods to become regular again. However, if you’re concerned about your fertility or if you’re experiencing other symptoms along with irregular periods, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

Tips to Deal With Irregular Periods After Pregnancy

There are a couple of things new mothers can adopt to fix the problem of irregular periods and get their menstrual cycle back to normalcy, as early as possible.

1. Exercise

It is, undoubtedly, a daunting task to start an exercise routine with a new baby at home. However, pushing yourself to exercise regularly is very important to bring the body back to its pre-pregnancy shape. Exercising helps a great deal in restoring hormonal balance in the body. It also helps in maintaining your weight, which is a significant factor in determining your periods.

2. Healthy Diet

Having a healthy and nutritious diet, post-delivery, is vital in restoring and replenishing the nutrients lost during pregnancy and childbirth. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts provide the much-needed micronutrients for the repair and restoration of the body. They indirectly enhance the process of settling down after childbirth by providing the right atmosphere to correct hormonal imbalances.

3. Managing Stress

Stress affects the body and the mind. New mothers are subjected to a lot of stress due to lack of sleep, new responsibilities, and sometimes, an overwhelming feeling triggered by the new role of motherhood. This directly affects the hormone levels, causing a delay in settling back to normalcy. The best way to facilitate the body’s healing process is to remain stress-free and keep worries at bay by taking help from others and talking to them about your worries.

4. Avoiding Contraceptives

Contraceptives interfere with the ovulation cycle and further delay the process of getting back the normal menstrual cycle. You can talk to your doctor about other safe birth control options that do not affect the hormonal balance in the body. 

5. Taking Vitamins

A deficiency in certain vitamins, such as Vitamin D and B Vitamins can hamper the menstrual cycle, so get yourself tested, and ensure that you take supplements or eat food high in these vitamins, if you are, indeed, deficient. You can get your fill of Vitamin D by letting the morning rays of the sun soak into your body or by including dairy products in your diet. Eat legumes, meat, nuts, whole grains, and green, leafy vegetables for your daily dose of B Vitamins. Ensuring your body is healthy and has an adequate amount of Vitamins can aid the process of regularising menstrual periods.

When to Call the Doctor?

Irregular periods postpartum can be totally normal, but there are certain situations where it’s important to check in with your healthcare provider. Here are a few scenarios where it’s a good idea to give them a call (4):

• You experience heavy bleeding: While some bleeding after giving birth is normal, if you’re soaking through pads or passing large clots, it’s important to seek medical attention.
• Your periods are very painful: Cramping and discomfort during your period can be normal, but if you’re experiencing severe pain or other unusual symptoms, it’s worth getting checked out.
• Your periods are extremely heavy: Heavy bleeding can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance or other underlying issue, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing this.
• You’re trying to conceive without success: If you’ve been actively trying to conceive for several months without success, or if you’re concerned about your fertility, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your healthcare provider to see if there are any underlying issues.

FAQs

1. Is it normal to have irregular periods after childbirth?

Yes, it’s quite common to experience irregular periods after childbirth, especially if you are breastfeeding your baby. Pregnancy hormones take time to settle, especially if you’re breastfeeding, so your period may or may not come in the initial days.

2. How long does it take for periods to become regular again?

It can take a few months to a year, depending on your body and feeding patterns. Please note that every person is unique, and so is how their body functions.

3. Are lifestyle factors responsible for irregular cycles?

Lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, excessive stress, poor diet, and eating junk foods can impact overall health as well as your cycle.

4. Can irregular periods affect fertility?

Yes, there is a possibility that irregular periods might make ovulation unpredictable, but it doesn’t always mean you can’t conceive. You can still conceive, as there are pregnancy hormones still present in th body.

Irregular periods can be very frustrating for a new mother, especially since they come with a high level of unpredictability. Understanding the different biological reasons behind this very natural and common phenomenon can be reassuring, particularly for first-time mothers.

Also Read:

First Period after C Section
Periods during Breastfeeding
Postpartum Hormone Changes

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Sources References

1. Tommy’s – Sexual and reproductive health after having a baby

2. UT Southwestern Medical Center – Will my period change after pregnancy?

3. HealthDirect Australia – Periods while breastfeeding

4. UPMC – What to Know About Periods After Pregnancy