Second Period Late After Birth: What’s the Deal? | From a Mother

Hey You, Super Mom! I see you’ve just added a new member to the brood. Congratulations! Now, between me and you, five times into the mom game and I’ve realized that no one ever talks about the carnival of changes happening down under after delivery. Can we all agree that “where in the world is my second period?” deserves a spot at the top of the list of postpartum mysteries? Today, let’s unravel this mystery together, because after popping out 5 munchkins, I can tell that the second period after birth has a knack for playing hide and seek!

When I had my second child, I distinctly remember waiting (and waiting) for my second period to make its grand appearance. I marked off days on the calendar, fretted over any tiny change in my body, and asked every mom I knew if the second period late after birth was something they’d experienced too. Turns out, it was. And so, from one mom to another, I’m here to share the scoop on why your second period might be playing hard to get.

Why Is My Second Period Late After Birth?

Understanding why the second period late after birth happens can feel like decoding a foreign language (really!), so let’s dive into the crux of it.

Our bodies are an absolute riot post-birth, aren’t they? One minute you’re a pregnant goddess, and the next, you’re staring down the barrel of a hormonal rollercoaster, otherwise known as the return of Aunt Flo. You’d think after the Herculean task of birthing, your body would fall back into a normal menstrual cycle quicker than a toddler can destroy a clean house. But nope, it’s never that easy.

What is that Post-Delivery Bleeding?: First things first, the flood of blood and tissue after delivery, also known as lochia, isn’t the Red Wedding. It’s just your body cleaning house after baby’s grand exit. This beautiful mess can last from a few days to six weeks, regardless of how you’ve delivered your baby (C-section mamas, I’m looking at you).

The MIA First Period: Now, after the end of the postpartum bleeding episode, the first official period after birth shows up. The timing of this surprise guest varies from woman to woman (because of course it does).

Second Period Timing Lottery: The second period late after birth, you ask? That could also turn up fashionably late— For most women (According to Dr. Shalini Varma, around 80%), the second period comes waltzing in around 3 to 4 months postpartum, but she could also turn up fashionably late—anytime from six weeks to a year (or even more).

Past Period Performance Matters: If your periods were as unpredictable as a toddler’s mood swings before pregnancy, or if you’ve had to dance with conditions like PCOD, it’s likely that your periods will continue their erratic ways even after childbirth.

Lifestyle and Breastfeeding Impact: Your second period is influenced by factors like your postpartum lifestyle, diet, and exercise routine. Also, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s like hitting the period-pause button. The breastfeeding hormones play keep-away with ovulation and menstruation.

Is it Normal for the Second Period to be Late after Birth?: It is absolutely normal. Experiencing the second period late after birth is so common that if irregular periods were an Olympic sport, postpartum women would sweep the podium. Unless there’s a possibility of another bun in the oven (and let’s face it, who has the time?), you usually won’t need medical intervention.

The Hormonal Symphony: Hormonal imbalances post-pregnancy also delay your periods. Stress, fatigue, and changes in your daily routine mess with your cycle as well. But hey, don’t fret. Your body will eventually strike a balance and get things back on track.

Are periods irregular after delivery? – Dr. Shalini Varma

A Closer Look at the Hormones Involved in Menstruation

Let’s get intimate with your hormones. Consider this as your very own ‘meet and greet’ with the microscopic celebrities that pretty much run your body’s show. These little dynamos include estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Quite a mouthful, I know! They’re the fundamental quartet that pulls the strings behind the scenes of your menstrual cycle.

Now, estrogen is the cool auntie of the group, doing the necessary job of building up your uterine lining every month, preparing for a potential baby. Progesterone, on the other hand, is the supportive grandma, nurturing that lining further and making sure everything is comfy and warm, just in case a fertilized egg wants to move in. However, if there’s no baby news, progesterone and estrogen drop like a hot potato, and your period starts.

But, where do FSH and LH fit into this family portrait, you ask? Well, think of them as the chatty siblings, always communicating with your ovaries to control the production of estrogen and progesterone. FSH kicks things off, stimulating your ovaries to start growing a batch of eggs, while LH initiates ovulation. They work together like a perfectly conducted orchestra. Once you’ve given birth, these hormones are on a rollercoaster ride, trying to recalibrate and get back to their original symphony, which results in the second period late after birth.

What to Expect Post-Birth When it Comes to Your Period

The post-birth period is like a season finale cliffhanger: you really never know what’s going to happen next. Will your period make a grand comeback a few weeks post-delivery? Or will it take a sabbatical and reappear after several months? It’s a lottery, really.

For many women, especially those who are breastfeeding, periods may take a hiatus. This is thanks to the lead actor in our breastfeeding saga, a hormone known as prolactin. This superstar not only stimulates milk production but also likes to put ovulation and menstruation on a break. So, if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, your chance of seeing your period anytime soon is pretty slim. But remember, this is not the same for everyone. Some women start menstruating as early as 6 weeks after delivery, even while breastfeeding.

Then, there’s the dramatic return of the first period post-birth, which often enters the scene with a bang! It’s usually heavier and longer, and oh boy, the cramps can make you feel like there’s a miniature Hulk smashing his way through your uterus. But fear not sister, it’s all part of the body’s way of cleaning up the stage after the big act of childbirth.

Coping with Symptoms Associated with a Late Period

Let’s talk about late period woes, shall we? The cramps that feel like an overly enthusiastic Zumba class happening in your uterus, the mood swings that range from “I love the world” to “Why is everyone so annoying?”, and the bloating that has you questioning if you are indeed pregnant again. The joys of menstruation!

Fear not, because the goddess of self-care is here to guide you through these tumultuous times.

First off, low-impact exercises like walking or swimming help ease those cranky cramps. Think of these activities as that good friend who gives you a back rub when you’re feeling tense. They increases blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and release endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers).

Next up on the symptom-soothing agenda is your diet. Yes, ladies, what you eat indeed influences how you feel during this time. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds helps to manage mood swings. And to deal with bloating? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Also, consider having smaller and frequent foods instead of three large ones. Your digestive system will thank you!

Lastly, there’s no shame in indulging in some self-care rituals. Whether it’s a hot bath, reading your favorite book, or binge-watching that new Netflix series (no spoilers, please!), do what makes you happy and relaxed. Your body has been through a lot, mama. So, take a moment, breathe, and remember – you’re doing an amazing job!

My Real Life Tips for Healthy Post-Birth Lifestyle Choices (That Will Help Get Your Period Cycle Back on Track)

Finally, my dear warrior mama, here are the proven post-birth life hacks that have helped me through my five postpartum journeys:

1. Catch plenty of Zs. Your body needs it.
2. Say “Yes” to a balanced diet and “No” to processed junk.
3. Start slow with light exercises, and don’t rush into becoming a postpartum fitness guru.
4. Mind your mental health. Deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation are your new best friends.
5. Indulge in self-care practices. A good massage or acupuncture session does wonders.
6. Consider herbal supplements like chasteberry. It’s like nature’s little postpartum gift to us.
7. Wear supportive clothing. Trust me, your abdominal area will thank you.
8. Join a mom group, get active on BabyCenter Community! Sharing experiences with women in the same boat will be therapeutic.

Understanding the Return of Your Period 

The return of your period after childbirth can vary depending on individual factors such as breastfeeding and the type of delivery you had. Generally, it takes about six weeks to six months for your period to return to normal after childbirth. 

If you’re breastfeeding, you might experience a delay in the return of your period because breastmilk production suppresses ovulation. Once you wean your baby or decrease their breastfeeding, your menstrual cycle can return to normal.

Wrapping it Up

In conclusion, don’t let a late second period after birth keep you up at night. It’s as normal as forgetting why you walked into a room (thanks, mom brain!). Just remember, your body is unique and is doing the best it can. Listen to it, take care of it, and most importantly, love it. After all, it’s the amazing vessel that brought your beautiful baby into the world!

FAQs

• Does the second period after birth signify the return to fertility?

Absolutely! Once you start menstruating post-birth, it’s a sign that your ovaries are back in business. Remember that ovulation can occur before your first period, which means you can get pregnant even before your periods resume.

• Does breastfeeding exclusively delay the return of periods?

Yep, it sure does. The hormones that encourage breastfeeding suppress ovulation and menstruation. But remember, breastfeeding isn’t a 100% foolproof birth control method.

• Why is the first period after birth so heavy?

After giving birth, your body has a larger uterine lining to shed, hence the heavier flow. However, if you’re soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or passing large clots, reach out to your doc.

• Can I use tampons during my first period after childbirth?

Hold your horses, mama! Wait until after your 6-week postpartum checkup to use tampons or a menstrual cup. Until then, stick to pads.

• Is it normal to have mood swings around the time of my first few periods after birth?

Yes, hormonal shifts triggers mood swings. 

After my third child, I remember being absolutely ecstatic one moment, cooing over my beautiful baby, and the very next moment, I’d be sobbing into my pillow, feeling overwhelmed. I was baffled and frankly, quite worried. My late period after the birth only added to the mix, leaving me confused about what was happening with my body. But when I spoke with my doctor, she reassured me that mood swings and periods being late were common post-birth due to hormonal fluctuations. That helped me feel less alone and more aware of what was happening.