When most new moms celebrate the arrival of their little bundles of joy, we would venture to guess that many are also happy about the fact that they don’t have to deal with the pain and annoyance of their monthly period returning just yet. But if your period is a no-show month after month, that can certainly seem concerning. Rest assured that you’re not alone. In fact, a 1991 study by The American Fertility Society found that less than 25 percent of participants had a period by the six-month mark. Many women before you have found themselves at six months postpartum with no period, and you’ll be happy to know there’s a logical explanation for it.
After giving birth, your body has to undo everything it’s been working on for the last nine months.
From the moment of conception, your body is experiencing a whirlwind of change. And this enormous undertaking demands a lot. After giving birth, your body has to undo everything it’s been working on for the last nine months. From your uterus shrinking back down to size and your hormones leveling out, there’s still plenty going on.
If you’re at six months postpartum with no period, it could be due to breastfeeding
If you’ve reached six months postpartum with no period, it could simply be because you chose to breastfeed. Your period is a direct result of ovulation, and prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, suppresses ovulation. So, if you’re breastfeeding, you may not see a period for some time.
If you’ve reached six months postpartum with no period, it could simply be because you chose to breastfeed.
Of course, every woman is different, and while there are no hard and fast rules, here are some rough guidelines for postpartum periods.
- For women who forgo breastfeeding, periods can return as early as four to eight weeks postpartum.
- For new moms who supplement breast milk with formula, their postpartum periods can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to make an appearance.
- Moms who breastfeed exclusively may skip their periods for a few months, and it’s not uncommon for some to get to six months postpartum with no period. Some women don’t see their period until they stop breastfeeding entirely.
While these guidelines are a jumping-off point for you to understand what’s going on with your body, they are just that: guidelines. If you feel that your body has gone rogue, there’s no harm in asking your doctor about it; sometimes even the smallest amount of reassurance can make a big difference.
Lochia versus menstruation
It may be important to note here that many women experience some bleeding and discharge after giving birth, but this should not be confused with a period. This postpartum bleeding is called lochia. Lochia is the shedding of uterine tissue that was built up during the course of your pregnancy. Generally speaking, lochia starts out as vaginal bleeding and progresses into vaginal discharge until it has run its course. The important thing to know is that lochia is completely normal, it happens regardless of the type of birth you had (cesarean or vaginal), and it can last anywhere from six to eight weeks.
Your periods will change after having a baby
In addition to a delay in the arrival of your postpartum period, you may see a marked change in your menstrual flow when your period finally decides to reappear. After all that your body has just been through, it may not immediately return to business as usual.
While the differences vary from woman to woman, some common changes include:
- Irregular periods
- Changes in the severity of cramping—some women will experience more cramping, while others experience less
- Changes in flow—postpartum periods may be heavier or lighter than what you’re used to
- Noticeable blood clots
When should you see your doctor?
While your periods may not look or feel regular, there’s usually no cause for concern. However, you may want to consult your gynecologist if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding: Heavier bleeding is to be expected; however, heavy bleeding that goes on for weeks could be cause for concern.
- Passing large blood clots: Remember that after you give birth, your uterine lining begins to shed. While blood clots are par for the course, large clots may point to a different issue.
- Bleeding through multiple pads: Heavy bleeding is not uncommon, but if you’re bleeding through multiple pads in the course of a day, you may want to talk to your doctor.
- Your period hasn’t returned after weaning: Most women will see their periods return anywhere from four to six weeks after weaning. If your period doesn’t return two months after you stop breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
After all that your body has just been through, it may not immediately return to business as usual.
Surely there are plenty of women who see their menstruation return as early as one month postpartum. But also know that there are plenty more who reach six months postpartum with no period. Rest assured that it’s completely normal, heavily dependent on whether or not you breastfeed, and generally no cause for concern. What’s more, when your period finally does make a comeback, remember that it may not look or feel the way it did prior to your pregnancy. Of course, if you have concerns at any point in your postpartum journey, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
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