First Menstruation After Pregnancy

During pregnancy many changes take place in your body. Many processes like menstruation, which occur every month, stop. After child birth slowly your body returns to normal. Your hormonal level comes back to what it was prior to pregnancy. You may want to know when menstruation will commence after child birth.

The menstrual cycle occurs after every twenty one days. Blood, mucus, tissue and fluid is discharged every month and lasts for as little as three days in some and as long as seven days in others. This is caused by sudden reduction in oestrogen and progesterone, two hormones that govern menstruation.

Every month an egg is produced by alternate ovaries and the uterus walls begin to thicken as preparation is made to receive a fertilized egg. When fertilization does not occur, then the extra lining is discarded. This is manifested as menstruation. After pregnancy and child birth, it takes some time for the hormonal level to return to its original count. The time elapsed between child birth and this level returning to normal is different for each woman, so it cannot be predicted exactly when menstruation will restart.

Those women who breast feed will have delayed ovulation and menstruation and it may take up to six months to resume. Those who do not breast feed sufficiently may get their periods right away. Or it may take up to two months. It should not be taken for granted that ovulation has not taken place if there is no menstruation and you must take precaution to prevent pregnancy. Alternatively, you can start menstruation without ovulation having occurred.

When you breast feed, the sucking action of the baby induces the release of the hormone prolactin. This is governed by the pituitary gland. When there is a high level of prolactin, ovulation will not occur. It is difficult to find out what the level of prolactin in your body is and when ovulation will occur. For some this level stays high during the entire period of breast feeding, while others have been known to conceive during that period.

The first menstruation period after pregnancy is typically heavy, longer and may be accompanied by pain. This is no cause for concern. The flow will be normal in subsequent periods. There are no hard and fast rules as to when you can conceive again. To be on the safe side, prevent unwanted pregnancy.