Regular periods resume for most women after a Cesarean section. However, they may be different than during her pre-pregnancy cycles. It can be difficult to tell when a woman should expect her first post-partum period, as well as what it will be like. For some women, periods don't become regular for several cycles.
Post-Cesarean Bleeding
After a C-section, it's common for women to bleed for several weeks. However, this bleeding should not be mistaken for a menstrual cycle. It's a discharge called lochia, which is a product of the uterine lining that is shed in the weeks following birth. The Mayo Clinic reports that lochia gradually subsides over several weeks, changing from reddish brown in color to almost clear. Although a woman may experience occasional spotting during the latter stage of this process, her first true menstrual period is often further down the line. Pregnancy Today reports that for most women, regular periods can return any time after about eight weeks. So after a C-section, a woman can expect her period to begin sometime after the two-month mark.
Factors for Periods
When a period begins after a C-section may be affected by the mother's medical condition. Pregnancy Today reports that medical conditions such as thyroid problems or significant weight gain and loss can influence the timing of postpartum periods. In addition, the mother's stress and activity levels can also have an effect. According to Women's Health Queensland, however, the main factor that influences when a woman's first postpartum period begins is whether she is breastfeeding. This is true for women who gave birth vaginally and those who delivered via C-section.
Effects of Breastfeeding
When a woman is breastfeeding, she produces specific hormones that are associated with milk production. Prolactin affects how much milk she produces and suppresses ovulation for many women. Without ovulation, there is often no period. However, Pregnancy Today warns that breastfeeding is not a guarantee of staving off a period after delivery. The amount of prolactin a woman produces depends largely on how much she is breastfeeding. Those who exclusively breastfeed every few hours are likely to go longer without a regular period than those who supplement with formula.
Timeframe for Bottle Feeders
Women who do not breastfeed can expect their periods much sooner than their lactating counterparts. According to Pregnancy Today, a woman's body returns to normal, menstrually speaking, by around six to eight weeks after she delivers her baby. She can expect to ovulate, and for her period to begin shortly after that point.
Considerations
Regular periods after a C-section may not be exactly regular. Although the menstrual cycle does begin anytime after around two months, for many women they are not the same as before pregnancy. Pregnancy Today reports that the first few cycles of periods may be heavier than usual, and may also look a bit different. Color, texture and odor may come as a surprise. After a few months, periods often return to their normal pre-pregnancy state.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. Harper Collins 2004
- Pregnancy Today: Menstrual Cycle After Childbirth
- Women's Health Queensland: Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
