Menstrual disorders after giving birth, what should I do?

Menstrual disorders after giving birth are very common in women. Some mothers experience heavy menstrual bleeding. You may also have more menstrual cramps. While others do not experience any discomfort when their periods return. During the first few months after giving birth, your period may be irregular. But may return to more regularity over time. There is no way to predict how childbirth will affect menstruation. However, women who breastfeed often have a later period.

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Postpartum menstrual disorder

One of the benefits of pregnancy is that women will go through at least 9 months without a period. However, pregnancy and childbirth will greatly affect a woman's body. Therefore, after giving birth, they need time to recover. Among them, postpartum menstrual disorder is a common condition.

For the first few days after giving birth, you will have bleeding that resembles a period . This is called translation. As your uterus shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size. This is completely normal.

Accordingly, bleeding immediately after birth can range from mild to severe. Color may vary from bright red during the first few days. But gradually turned brown before stopping completely 2 months later. Bleeding may be more in the morning when you wake up. Or after breastfeeding and after exercise.

Menstrual disorders after giving birth should mothers do?

There are many causes of postpartum menstrual disorders . However, for whatever reason, you should be examined by a specialist. In particular, heavy, uncontrolled vaginal bleeding after delivery (postpartum haemorrhage ) is a serious condition. 24 hours after giving birth, if you experience any of the following, contact your doctor or midwife immediately:

  • Blood soaks up more than a tampon after 1 to 2 hours.
  • Sudden increase in vaginal bleeding or large blood clots.
  • The blood turns bright red.
  • Dizziness, fatigue or trouble breathing.
  • Or anything else that seems unusual about your postpartum bleeding.

Menstrual disorders after giving birth, what should I do?

When you suspect postpartum menstrual disorders, you should see your doctor

Are postpartum menstrual disorders dangerous?

Menstrual disorders are not dangerous is a matter of concern for many people. According to experts, this depends on whether the menstrual disorder is severe or mild. In addition, it is necessary to base on the cause of this problem. But usually, the symptoms are not dangerous. Over time, your period will slowly return to normal.

Causes of menstrual disorders after giving birth

There are many reasons why your period may change after giving birth, including:

Illnesses that cause menstrual disorders

Some women may have irregular periods from before becoming pregnant. Caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis. Or thyroid or pituitary disease.

Therefore, menstrual disorders after childbirth can occur if these conditions are not controlled. If you are concerned about irregular periods after giving birth, it is best to talk to your doctor to find out the cause and treatment.

Breastfeeding

After giving birth, your period will return to your body's rhythm. When you give your baby formula instead of breast milk, periods tend to return earlier. If you're exclusively breastfeeding, your first period may not come for several months. Sometimes it can take 1 to 2 years.

With formula-fed or partially breastfed babies, your period may return about 3 weeks after giving birth. This is because the levels of hormones released during breastfeeding can cause the body to delay ovulation. Or ovulating infrequently.

Menstrual disorders after giving birth, what should I do?

Exclusive breastfeeding can delay your period

Regardless of whether a mother decides to breastfeed her baby or not, menstrual disturbances after giving birth can still occur. Because the body needs time to recover from pregnancy and childbirth.

Some women consider breastfeeding as a method of birth control. But a previous study found: Between 11.1 and 39.4 percent of breastfeeding women have at least one period within six months of giving birth. So, it's safer to start using some form of birth control right after giving birth.

Use birth control methods

Hormonal birth control methods can help regulate postpartum menstruation. But if used improperly, you may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. You can take pills that contain estrogen and progestin. Or progestin only. In addition, other methods such as IUDs, injections, or implants. 

A birth control method can stop a woman's period. Or cause less menstrual periods. Your doctor can recommend adjustment tips when you have irregular periods after giving birth .

Women who are breastfeeding may be concerned about the effect of birth control on the baby and the ability to produce breast milk. However, studies show that hormonal contraceptives can be safe to use while breastfeeding. Even so, it is essential and important that you see your doctor when you have a desire to use any form of birth control.

Menstrual disorders after giving birth, what should I do?

Using birth control pills incorrectly can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding

The reappearance of menstrual cycles is just one of the body's recovery processes after pregnancy. In some women, menstruation may be delayed. Because of the increase in hormones associated with breastfeeding. If there's anything out of the ordinary regarding postpartum menstrual irregularity , see your doctor promptly. Excessive vaginal bleeding or signs of infection is a particular concern for new mothers. If not treated promptly, you can experience life-threatening complications.