Introduction:

Pregnancy brings a lot of changes in our bodies; the menstrual cycle is also not an exception. After nine months' freedom from cramps and clots, it's normal to notice few changes in your postpartum period. There are several reasons why there are changes in the period cycle after childbirth, for example: 

-The uterus takes some time to return to its usual size 
-Hormonal imbalances 
-Breastfeeding affects hormone levels 

It depends on different kinds of bodies. The cramps could be more intense, the colour can be different, or there could be more clots.  

When will the menstrual cycle resume after delivery?

Generally, if you aren't breastfeeding, it takes six to eight weeks to get your first period after pregnancy. All the new moms who practice exclusive breastfeeding (your baby drinks only breast milk) their periods might not resume the entire time they breastfeed. The main reason for postpartum menstrual irregularities is ovulation.

Sometimes your doctor might recommend that you use OPKs (Ovulation Predictor Kit). If you had a vaginal delivery, it's good to avoid tampons in your first postpartum period. According to a 2011 analysis, women get their first period between 45-94 days post-childbirth.   

Will the postpartum period be painful?

Your postpartum period might be a little painful due to several factors. For example: 

-Increased intensity of uterine cramping 
-Hormone issues while breastfeeding 
-The uterine cavity becomes larger in pregnancy 

What will be different from the previous menstrual cycle?

After a long break of 9 months, your body will need some time to adjust to the regular menstruation cycle. You may experience some of the following irregularities:  

-Cramps might be painful or sometimes lighter 
-Small blood clots 
-Heavier blood discharge  
-More or less number of days 
-Irregular white discharge before or after periods 

Women who had thyroid before pregnancy can face a heavier blood discharge, while women with endometriosis can witness a lighter blood discharge in the first period after childbirth.   

Nursing and periods: What's the connection?

Women who breastfeed don't get their periods quickly because of hormonal imbalances. There is a secretion of Prolactin hormones in every lactating woman that is responsible for breast milk production. The Prolactin hormone generally suppresses the production of reproductive hormones. As a result, your ovulation process gets affected, and the outcomes are observed as irregular periods.  

After you get your period, there might be a slight decrease in breast milk production, or your baby might react to it differently. It is a very minor and casual change; there is absolutely nothing to worry about. In some cases, women also can face lactation problems due to hormonal issues. andMe's Lactation Booster is here to solve all your lactation problems. The drink boosts up breast milk production to double. It contains no harmful chemicals that can affect your child's growth.  

Can I get pregnant after six months of childbirth?

Yes! After childbirth, if there are no periods for six months, chances are there that you might come home with another good news. If you are anyway not planning to have another kid, it's better to take precautions and be on the regular check-up. Recovering from pregnancy could be a tricky matter for most women. Immediate pregnancy after childbirth can cause adverse outcomes on your body.  

Lifestyle changes in the postpartum phase:

With daily exercise and yoga, certain food and lifestyle changes need to be done during the postpartum period.  

-Avoid alcohol and caffeine 
-Try to consume fresh and fruits and green vegetables 
-Try to avoid processed and sugary food 
-Try to have a filling meal with brown rice, whole wheat bread, or       oatmeal 
-Focus on fat-free high calcium dairy products 
-High-protein diet intake 

From glowing skin to holding the little fingers of your baby, pregnancy is a crucial yet beautiful stage in every woman's life. Generally, the body needs adequate time to get back to the normal routine. Due to several reasons, the body goes through a lot of ups and downs. Change is the only constant and especially when it comes to human life. Embrace it with a smile and take precautions to ease your hassles.