Periods after pregnancy can be either regular or erratic. They are different for different women. Some women get their periods in the first month, and regularly after, and some get them even after six months of child bearing.
The Release of Prolactin
The reason why your periods become irregular post pregnancy is that, a substance called prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland during breast-feeding. Prolactin suppresses normal functioning of the ovaries. Some women are clearly affected by this and they do not get their periods for some time after pregnancy, while for others, their periods resume like before.
Your First Period Post Pregnancy
The first period after pregnancy is slightly unusual. There is pain and heavy bleeding. This is because, your body needs to get used to the 9-month long gap from regular menstruation. You may get very tired during this time.
You will get your first period after pregnancy within five to six weeks of delivery, if you breast-feed your baby or combine breast-feeding with bottle-feeding.
If you breast feed your baby and do not bottle feed at all, you may not get your periods, while you are breast-feeding. In addition, your periods will tend to be most irregular during this time, if they do happen.
You are Fertile even though You Don’t Get Your Periods
Here is an important point to be remembered. While you are breastfeeding, you do not get your period, however, that does not mean you will not get pregnant again. You are very fertile during this time. Ask for your doctor’s advice on what contraceptive method you should follow. Taking estrogen or progesterone pills can be harmful at this time. The use of condoms may be a wise decision.
You may want to read more about periods after pregnancy. Read good books and health magazines that offer reliable advice on the subject.
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