Pregnancy for any woman is a difficult test that falls on her shoulders. Her body undergoes certain changes, because he has to ensure the full development of another living creature within himself. But after the birth of a child, everything returns to normal, as before. The restoration of the menstrual cycle in the postpartum period does not occur immediately, but gradually. In addition, in some cases, women may have a number of questions, as in the case of irregular periods after childbirth during breastfeeding (HB). What could this phenomenon mean? This will be discussed further.
The absence of menstruation during lactation
With the onset of pregnancy in the female body, dramatic changes occur at the physiological level. Throughout the entire period of gestation, the concentration of hormones periodically changes. After his birth, the reproductive system, having completed its main work, is now responsible for the production of another equally important hormone - prolactin.
Thanks to this biologically active substance, breast milk is formed. The production of gonadotropic hormones (FSH, LH, LTH) is significantly reduced or is completely blocked for the period of breastfeeding.
For this reason, a woman has no periods or comes a little later. It should also be borne in mind that the mucous membrane of the genital organ has not yet recovered. This process is slow.
The arrival of menstruation
Why are menstruation irregular? This question is mainly asked by young mothers, since those women who are already raising a child and are expecting a second know very well what is being discussed. Since hormonal adjustment largely depends on the individual physiological characteristics of the body, it is impossible to name the exact timing of the end of this process.
Usually, nature itself provides that it lasts from 1.5 months to a year. The end of the lactation period is accompanied by the removal of the lock on the production of sex hormones, and as a result, the cycle is restored. As practice shows, this happens 2, 3, and even 6 months after the birth of the baby.
Among people, there is an opinion about the effect of delivery methods on the appearance of menstruation during lactation. This opinion is erroneous, as, indeed, is the dependence on the methods of conception. Neither IVF nor cesarean section surgery contribute to the early appearance of menstruation.
Physiological changes after delivery
What happens in a woman’s body after the baby’s birth, in addition to irregular periods with HS? Immediately after this, a special process starts - the involution of the genital organ. At this time, the uterus is restored to the state that preceded pregnancy, which usually takes 2 months.
This process affects not only the reproductive organ itself, but also the birth canal completely. The cervix is also subject to recovery, after which the internal pharynx closes. And when the process ends, the menstrual cycle resumes to its previous state.
At the same time, for some women, the recovery procedure may be delayed, which does not always indicate the presence of pathology and other health problems. As practice shows, delayed recovery of menstruation after the birth of a child occurs in 70% of all cases.
Irregular periods - normal or pathological?
Irregular periods during breastfeeding - is this normal? Changes that occur in the body of a woman who has already given birth lead to the restoration of reproductive function. But in some cases this is not enough, which leads to an irregular cycle during breastfeeding. Some mothers unknowingly begin to worry about this - as if something serious had happened. In their opinion, the absence of spotting or their rarity is perceived as a sign of a gynecological disease or infection.
There is no cause for concern, because the irregular nature of the cycle within a few months after the birth of a child cannot be considered a pathology. Especially when a woman feeds her baby with breast milk, and not with its analogues. As previously mentioned, during lactation, the production of the hormone prolactin occurs, which is due to the physiological characteristics of the female body.
Therefore, the absence of menstruation after childbirth in HS is explained by the fact that the level of “milk” biologically active substance is still very high. Therefore, the production of sex hormones is still at the blocking stage.
Factors affecting the resumption of the menstrual cycle
In every woman, the process of restoring the menstrual cycle goes differently. Some earlier, others later. As we now understand, in the period of lactation, a woman in the first month definitely does not have menstruation - they appear a little later, which should not be regarded as a pathology.
At the same time, various factors can influence this process:
- woman's age;
- mode of nutrition of the woman in childbirth;
- how exactly mom rests;
- complications during delivery;
- hormonal imbalance;
- the method of feeding the baby is breastfeeding or the use of dry mixtures.
Now there should no longer be a question whether there may be irregular periods during GV. The answer is yes - and that is the norm. But it is worth noting that at first there will be postpartum hemorrhage, which women perceive as menstruation. In reality, such secretions are of a slightly different nature and are called lochia.
This is a consequence of trauma to the cavity of the genital organ, when the placenta is separated. Together with these secretions, the remains of the placenta, part of the endometrium and other cells that are no longer needed leave the body.
Cesarean section operation
After this procedure, the restoration of the menstrual cycle goes the same way as in the case of natural childbirth. Unless this period after surgery can be increased due to the fact that the operation requires a special approach during rehabilitation.
However, some women suffer more irregular periods after childbirth during breastfeeding, which is associated with sutures and severe stress that the body experiences. Postpartum hemorrhage in this case passes on the 3-4th week and is more profuse.
Chronic diseases
If during the period of bearing a child for various reasons a woman has any disease in a chronic form, then after the appearance of the baby, relapses cannot be ruled out. Endocrine disorders have a strong effect on the restoration of the menstrual cycle. In particular, this is hyperthyroidism against the background of increased production of thyroid hormones, as well as hyperprolactinemia.
In addition, other diseases can add oils to the fire - endometritis, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and a number of others. Do not overlook and obesity.
When you should not hesitate to visit a doctor
Irregular periods after childbirth during breastfeeding alone do not cause concern, but if the arrival of menstruation is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, then you should already beware. Most likely, this indicates a malfunction in the body or the development of the disease.
The list of signs, if any, should immediately contact a specialist:
- pains in the lower abdomen are sharp and pulling;
- the discharge itself is bright scarlet, sometimes with an admixture of dead tissue, accompanied by an unpleasant odor;
- burning and itching in the bikini area;
- obvious discomfort or pain during urination.
Timely examination allows you to establish the fact of the presence of pathology, including its provoking factor. Compliance with the appropriate course of treatment, as well as healthy sleep and rest, avoiding stress - all this contributes to the rapid recovery of the female body after childbirth. And irregular periods themselves during GV will acquire a balanced character.
In addition, the child during the first year of his life is still physically and emotionally connected with his mother. Therefore, the main thing for a woman is to provide herself with peace, which as a result will benefit both.
Is there a reason to end breastfeeding
Over time, breastfeeding is gradually replaced by a different kind of food, as we all do. As a result, a decrease in the concentration of prolactin occurs in the female body, which in turn results in a gradual restoration of the menstrual cycle, and the body begins to function in the previous mode. At the same time, the level of progesterone and estrogen rises.
Judging by a number of reviews, irregular periods during breastfeeding serve as a weighty occasion to transfer the baby to external food. This is usually associated with certain concerns - some mothers are inclined to believe that due to the growth of sex hormones, the quality of milk may deteriorate.
But there is no significant reason for the rapid termination of the usual lactation procedure during the period that has begun menstruation. Medicine has proved the fact that in breast milk the amount of sex hormones is small and they do not pose a danger to the child.
In this regard, you can not worry about the already begun menstruation - there is no danger here at all. In other words, it is up to the woman herself to decide when to stop breastfeeding. Here, it is mainly worth relying on your well-being, emotional state, and also the needs of the child. Monthly periods should not be taken into account!
Ways to restore the menstrual cycle
Often after the onset of the first menstruation, the second ones are in no hurry to come. As a rule, the regularity of the normal cycle varies from 21 to 35 days, plus / minus a week. After childbirth, this interval may differ, but its equalization can occur after 3-4 cycles, which is the norm. If even after this period of time the regularity has not come, this is a good reason to consult a specialist.
Timely seeking medical help will help to avoid aggravation of the situation. To bring the irregular cycle of menstruation during breastfeeding to normal, you can help your body quickly regain its strength after giving birth. A number of useful recommendations will help in this matter:
- provide a correct and balanced diet;
- vitamin complexes will be very helpful;
- physical activity is not prohibited, but they should be dosed;
- provide hormonal control;
- avoid stressful situations;
- regular drinking should not be underestimated.
If you adhere to these tips, then the condition of the female body (in particular the reproductive organs) will be improved. Just take into account that the positive dynamics can be seen after a month or a little longer.
For the good of the cause
The best option for restoring the cycle with irregular menstruation after HB is swimming, yoga, Pilates. Physical therapy in conjunction with massage procedures also does not hurt.
Often, women experience postpartum depression, which negatively affects the state of the nervous system. To eliminate psychological discomfort or stop its occurrence in the bud, you can contact a psychologist. In addition, herbal teas or mild plant-based soothing medications will benefit significantly.
In addition, in order to avoid disturbance of microcirculation in the inguinal region, it is necessary to correctly select underwear. Lactating women should be preferred in favor of appropriate bras (there are special products for lactation), as well as panties made from natural fabric. This will not squeeze the blood and lymph vessels.
Following simple tips, as well as the recommendations of the doctor who led the pregnancy (if any) will ensure the restoration of the regularity of the menstrual cycle.
Postpartum Hygiene Features
Some women experience certain difficulties in choosing hygiene products after giving birth. In the postpartum period, it is best to purchase special postpartum pads or absorbent underwear. And after irregular periods during breastfeeding come back to normal, you can give preference to the usual means.
A thing like a menstrual cap made of medical silicone will be useful. It is used in the same way as a tampon, and the service life can be up to 5 years. Such an adaptation is economically advantageous, has hypoallergenic properties, and in addition, the amount of blood loss can be measured.
It is also important to consider that during menstruation, hygiene products must be replaced every 3 hours! Such a precaution has a reasonable justification, since blood is, in fact, a favorable and nutritious environment for the development of pathogenic microorganisms. And they are the main causative agents of various inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
Since after the birth of a baby the woman’s immune system is still weakened, a negligent attitude will further aggravate the situation and inevitably lead to more serious consequences.
In addition, during the period of “special days” it is necessary to wash more often than usual. Such regular delicate care will help maintain a normal vaginal pH.
In conclusion
What conclusion can be made? Irregular periods after childbirth during breastfeeding is not a reason to consult a doctor. As a rule, they occur in due time, and it all depends on the individual physiology of each woman. In order for the menstrual cycle to become regular, it is necessary to wait until the body returns to its previous state. Normalization of the hormonal background takes a certain amount of time.
With the birth of a child, everything does not end, because now the woman has an increasing responsibility - you need to monitor your health even more closely, if necessary, to provide full support to your child. If any alarming symptom occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor. Let it be an alarming trifle, rather than overlooking a more serious state of affairs.