Menstruation After the puerperium, what needs to be known?

After giving birth, a woman’s body will experience many changes, one of which is the return of the menstrual cycle. However, this process does not occur instantly.

After the puerperium ends, then menstruation will reappear, and the time of appearance can be different in every woman.

What time is the postpartum?

The puerperium is a period after giving birth in which the body is bleeding and the rest of the tissue from the uterus as a recovery process.

Usually, the puerperium lasts about 6 weeks or 40 days, although in some women can be faster or longer. During this time, the body also began to adjust from the condition of pregnancy to normal conditions.

When will menstruation return after the postpartum?

The time of the return of menstruation after the puerperium is influenced by several factors, especially whether the mother is breastfeeding or not:

• Mother who is not breastfeeding: Generally will get menstruation again between 6-10 weeks after giving birth.
• Mothers who breastfeed exclusively: Can experience a longer menstrual delay, even up to several months. This is because the hormone prolactin that supports milk production also suppresses ovulation.

The characteristics of menstruation after the puerperium

The first menstruation after giving birth can be different from before pregnancy. Some things that might happen:

• Menstrual blood is more or less.
• Menstrual pain can be lighter or even more severe.
• Cycles can be irregular for the first few months.

This is classified as normal because the body is still adapting.

Differences in Postpartum Blood and Menstruation

Although both in the form of blood from the vagina, puerperal blood and menstruation are different:

When to be vigilant?

If you experience one of the following things, you should see a doctor:

• Not menstruating for more than 6 months after childbirth (if not breastfeeding).
• Menstruation is very heavy or accompanied by large lumps.
• Unusual severe pain.
• The cycle is very irregular in the long run.

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Menstruation after the puerperium is a natural part of post -giving birth recovery. Every woman can experience different time and patterns.

The most important thing is to understand what is normal and when to check yourself. If you doubt or feel something is unusual, don’t hesitate to consult with medical personnel.