Why are periods worse after having a baby?

Some women experience heavier, longer or more painful periods after having a baby. These changes may relate to a larger uterine cavity causing more endometrium (mucous lining the uterus) to shed. For some women, however, their periods improve.


Do periods change after having a baby?

It is common for a woman's period to change after having a baby. Some women experience heavier or more painful periods, while others find that their periods become easier. In the months after giving birth, periods may be irregular but may return to normal over time.

How long does it take for your period to regulate after having a baby?

It can sometimes take up to a year for your periods and fertility to get back to normal. Generally, you are advised to waiting at least 2 years after giving birth before getting pregnant again.


Why are periods heavier after baby?

Brace yourself…the first period after giving birth is typically heavier than normal because there is extra blood in your uterine lining that needs to be shed. You may enjoy easier periods due to physical changes in the uterus and cervix, although some folks experience stronger cramps.

Is the first period after birth worse?

The first period after your pregnancy may be heavier than you're used to. It might also be accompanied by more intense cramping, due to an increased amount of uterine lining that needs to be shed. As you continue your cycle, these changes will likely decrease.


3 things you should know about your period after delivering your baby



What is your first period like after having a baby?

During the first four weeks postpartum, you will notice a pink-brown discharge called lochia. This is totally normal. Even though it might look like a period, it isn't – just the natural process of your uterus shedding blood, mucous, and tissue after you've given birth. Just be sure to wear a pad and change it often.

Are you more fertile after having a baby?

Various reputable sources of medical information, such as WebMd, state that the prior births do not “reset” a woman's fertility,asserting that the notion is a myth.

How heavy is too heavy for a period?

How do you know if you have heavy bleeding? If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, you should see a doctor.


Can you develop endometriosis after having a baby?

Prolonged labor: postpartum endometriosis after birth is more common after prolonged labor where a long period passes between the rupture of the fetal membranes and delivery, internal infections are more likely to occur.

Why is my period not stopping?

Underlying health conditions that can cause long periods include uterine fibroids, endometrial (uterine) polyps, adenomyosis, or more rarely, a precancerous or cancerous lesion of the uterus. A long period can also result from hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism) or a bleeding disorder.

What were your first symptoms of endometriosis?

Common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:
  • Painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Pelvic pain and cramping may begin before and extend several days into a menstrual period. ...
  • Pain with intercourse. ...
  • Pain with bowel movements or urination. ...
  • Excessive bleeding. ...
  • Infertility. ...
  • Other signs and symptoms.


How do you check for endometriosis?

Tests to check for physical clues of endometriosis include:
  1. Pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor manually feels (palpates) areas in your pelvis for abnormalities, such as cysts on your reproductive organs or scars behind your uterus. ...
  2. Ultrasound. ...
  3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ...
  4. Laparoscopy.


How does endometriosis feel?

Pelvic or belly pain.

It might start before your period and last several days. It can feel sharp and stabbing, and medication usually won't help. Some women say it feels like their insides are being pulled down. They have a gnawing or throbbing feeling that can be severe.

What do huge blood clots in period mean?

Polyps and Fibroids

Uterine polyps that grow on the cervix or in the lining of the uterus can also be a factor in heavy clotting. If you're experiencing heavy bleeding, large blood clots during your period or lower back pain, it could be a uterine obstruction like a fibroid.


Why is my period so heavy and clotty?

Some women experience high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone. This can cause the uterine lining to thicken. When a thick uterine lining sheds during menstruation, women might experience heavier blood flows and larger blood clots.

What does jelly like period blood mean?

As your period continues, you may notice blood that's jelly-like or broken up into thick clumps. This is typically caused by blood clots that are passing through your body. This is normal during any part of your period.

What do you call siblings born less than a year apart?

The term “Irish twins” refers to one mother having two children who were born 12 months or less apart. It originated in the 1800s as a way to poke fun at Irish Catholic immigrant families who didn't have access to birth control.


How long are you infertile after having a baby?

The return of fertility

If you're not breastfeeding, ovulation usually doesn't return until at least six weeks postpartum for most women. One review from 2011 found, on average, that ovulation returned for nonlactating women on day 74 postpartum.

Can you get pregnant while pregnant?

A double pregnancy, or superfetation, is extremely rare — in fact, there aren't even stats on how often it happens — but it's scientifically possible. We're not saying you should worry about it happening to you, just that you can't say that it's impossible.

Can you use tampons first period after birth?

You should not use tampons until you've had your 6-week postnatal check. This is because you'll still have a wound where the placenta joined with the wall of your womb, and you may also have tears or cuts in or around your vagina.


What is Endo belly?

Endo belly is the colloquial term for abdominal distension caused by endometriosis. Unlike the short-term bloating that sometimes accompanies your period, endo belly is much more severe, triggering physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

What are the 4 stages of endometriosis?

Based on the results, the condition is ranked in one of four stages:
  • Stage 1 or minimal: There a few small implants or small wounds or lesions. ...
  • Stage 2 or mild: There are more implants than in stage 1. ...
  • Stage 3 or moderate: There are many deep implants. ...
  • Stage 4 or severe: This is the most widespread.


When do you start seeing signs of endometriosis?

What you might notice. The symptoms of endometriosis can begin in early adolescence, or show up later in adulthood (6). Symptoms may occur at all times, or may be cyclical. Cyclical symptoms come and go around the same time each menstrual cycle, often occurring around the same time as menstruation.


Can a Pap smear tell if you have endometriosis?

A biopsy performed during laparoscopy is often used to confirm a diagnosis of endometriosis. Can a Pap smear detect endometriosis? No, a Pap smear cannot detect endometriosis. A Pap smear is used to diagnose cervical cancer and HPV.

Can a gynecologist tell if you have endometriosis?

An experienced gynecologist may suspect endometriosis based on a woman's symptoms and the findings during a pelvic exam. Currently, the only way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy – a minor minimally invasive surgical procedure that is done under general anesthesia (while the patient is asleep).