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Periods After Delivery - What to Expect

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As you bask in the glow of motherhood and can't get enough of your sweet munchkin, menstruation is probably the last thing on your mind. You have enjoyed nine months of freedom from periods, but it is now time for your body to resume its normal functions.

While you wonder when your [first period](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/period-symptoms-signs-you-are-getting-your-period) after giving birth will resume and how its function will be different from before, know that every woman's body is unique. Your pregnancy journey and post-partum period won't be the same as that of your sister or your best friend. But you can still be prepared for your periods after giving birth if you know what to expect. Here's a primer.


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<span>1</span> [Return of periods after birth](#link1)

<span>2</span> [Why does breastfeeding affect periods after birth?](#link2)

<span>3</span> [Change in menstruation after birth](#link3)

<span>4</span> [Staying prepared](#link4)


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It's quite challenging to put an exact date against the arrival of your period. It can happen at any point post labor. Moreover, the return will be heavily influenced by whether you breastfeed your baby.

If you do not breastfeed your baby, you can expect the period in the next 6 to 13 weeks following your delivery. If you do breastfeed, you may not get your period until you stop breastfeeding. (Surprising, we know.) The usual [menstrual cycle](/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/period-guide/your-menstrual-cycle-phases-a-basic-guide) will take a miss and it can sneak up at any point.

As your frequency of breastfeeding slowly reduces, you will begin spotting. It is a lighter version of a period that will then gradually turn into a regular period. You will still need to maintain menstrual hygiene by using pads and/or liners during this period. 

__Pro Tip__ - Spotting can be easily managed with a good-quality  [panty liners](/panty-liners) from ALWAYS. 


<div id="link1"></div>
<h2>Remedies for PMS Bloating</h2>

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Prolactin is the hormone that is responsible for producing breast milk. However, this hormone can suppress the reproductive hormones that regularize the menstrual cycle. For this reason, there is no ovulation or release of an egg for fertilization. As a result, women who breastfeed do not typically menstruate. 

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<h2>Why Does Breastfeeding Affect Periods After Birth?</h2>

Why Does Breastfeeding Affect Periods After Birth?

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Your period may likely be different after labor. Some of the changes that you will notice include:

<h3 class="charpcos">Irregularity</h3>
Period irregularity is very common post-birth. There may be incessant spotting and sudden flow, but you should know that all of these are normal.
<br><br>

<h3 class="charpcos">Cramps</h3>
Period cramps could worsen or become less severe in your post-pregnancy months. It will vary from person to person.
<br><br>

<h3 class="charpcos">Heavy menstrual flow</h3>
The flow may be very heavy post-birth.
<br><br>

<h3 class="charpcos">Blood clots</h3>
Menstrual flow may also include blood clots. If the clots feel heavy for too long, you should speak with your health advisor. 

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<h2>Change in Menstruation After Birth</h2>

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Period irregularity is very common post-birth.

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Periods after delivery can begin at any point, so you must stay prepared. If you usually used [tampons](https://always-africa.com/en-za/tampons) before your pregnancy, we recommend staying away from them for a while until you have had a post-natal check (usually taken in 6 weeks from delivery). This is because tampons may interfere with the self-healing of your vagina that may have sustained tears or cuts as part of the delivery.

It is safer to opt for [sanitary pads](/sanitary-pads) like the [ALWAYS Maxi Thick](/sanitary-pads/always-maxi-thick-pads-with-wings) that will give you excellent protection and gentle comfort.


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<h2>Staying Prepared</h2>

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Periods after delivery can begin at any point, so you must stay prepared

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Now keep a track of your ovulation period with Aways [Fertile Days Calculator](/period-calculator).


Disclaimer

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers.

<h3>Disclaimer</h3>

You may be wondering when will the periods resume after the delivery? Get answers to all your postpartum period questions here.

Periods After Delivery - What to Expect

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