Irregular Menstrual Cycle after Childbirth - Question?

Question

Hello. Just a Little Background Here: I co-host a web forum. And on our forum there is a TTC section. It is a forum for ttc after a loss actually. And a lot of the women on there have such irregular cycles after giving birth that it is hard to depend on them as predictors of ovulation or even pregnancy. So I am wondering if anyone has any information on having irregular cycles (particulary in length) after childbirth. Like, why are they irregular in length after childbirth, when will they return to normal, etc..

Thanks in Advance.

Answer 1

Well how you periods are after childbirth has a lot to do with wether or not you are breastfeeding.  If you are and you do happen to get your period, it can be really hard to keep track of it.  If you are partially breastfeeding, it is even harder to keep track.  Generally the more you breastfeed the less your period will come.  I got mine right away after my milk dropped.  I got it back up and was exclusive, so my period came every 6 weeks.  As I began drying up many months later, it began coming more often.

Another important factor is your hormones.  Some people get their hormones right on track and other's do not.  My non-breastfeeding friend didn't get hers until 6 months later, but when she got it it was regular.  

I also noticed after pregnancy my cycles changed in length.  I used to have 5 day periods every 30-34 days.  Now they have been 4 days every 29 days (so much more predictable).  Really after pregnancy, its all trial and error.  Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and postpartum is all one big hormonal change and your body needs to get used to it.  Things can go back to normal right away or they may take a few months, 6 months, or even a year or more if you are breastfeeding.  To tell you the truth, my period didn't get normal again until just a few months ago (my baby is 16 months-breastfed for 10 months), and wether it stays the same from now on only time will tell.

The best thing you can do to track your ovulation I suggest getting one of those ovulation kits to tell you.

Answer 2

I had a miscarriage 7 weeks ago ... still no period. My midwife said that it can take as long as 3 months for your body to rid itself of the HCG hormone. However, I have continued to chart my temperature and I did ovulate 6 days ago so I am hoping I will be starting up again.

Answer 3

I have just had my first period after giving birth 4 months ago. I am still breastfeeding. My period lasted for 3 days and it was real heavy. I have no idea when I will get my next one. Hope I helped!