Cesarean section or C-section is a procedure in which the child is delivered through surgery. Instead of vaginal delivery, the baby is delivered through a surgical incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
After welcoming a new baby into the world, your life will have changed in so many ways. Typically, some women wonder if they will take longer to menstruate after a cesarean section. So the answer is 'No'. A c-section does not delay your period. However, it affects the nature of the period as the first period may come after a while depending on your health conditions, hormones and lactation.
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1. What factors influence your menstrual cycle after a c-section?
- state of your health
- lack of rest
- Stress
- weight problems
- Complications, if any.
2.When will your period start after cesarean section?
The resumption of periods after cesarean depends entirely on your hormones. Postpartum, chronic human gonadotropin or hCG hormone levels,Progesterone and estrogen tend to be on the lower side.One major item you see when your periods return after your c-section is breastfeeding.
- if you are breastfeeding
This will have an impact on your hormone levels. Increases the level of prolactin, causing a delay in ovulation. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding, you can take at least six months to resume your periods. In addition, periods can also be irregular.
- if you are not breastfeeding
If you are not breastfeeding, the level of prolactin in your body drops, causing your period to come earlier. However, in some cases, the first period occurs only six weeks after cesarean delivery.
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3. How will your first menstruation after a cesarean section be?
Bloody discharge is common after cesarean section
About 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, your vagina will expel a bloody discharge also known as lochia. This type of discharge is considered normal, as it flows on its own, whether in a C-section or a vaginal delivery. Remember this discharge is not your period. Also, it should not be long-lasting and should be light in color.
Your period may be different
Whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your period will likely be different in smell, color, flow, and regularity. Once your body is fully healed and your hormones are balanced, you will be back to the way you were before pregnancy.
Must Read:delivery decisions
Your cycle may be irregular
Irregular cycles after pregnancy are quite common. Some women have a slightly more erratic cycle, while others revert back to their typical 28-day cycle. There are many things that can affect the regularity of your period, including weight loss, stress, weight gain and thyroid problems.
In some cases, irregular cycles can also be a sign of perimenopause. However, most women enter this phase in their 40s.
The first period after a c-section can be very heavy.
The first period after a cesarean section can be considerable due to the surgical incision during the cesarean section procedure and the repair of the uterine wall. If you're experiencing more substantial flow, it's recommended to keep an eye on how heavy it becomes.
Your period may be less painful and lighter.
Some women are lucky because they experience a lighter, less painful and shorter period after giving birth. And women with endometriosis experience a positive change in your menstrual cycle after having a child.Progesterone levels are elevated during pregnancy which is responsible for alleviating menstrual symptoms. This keeps your estrogen levels in balance, which causes additional uterine cells to grow.
To know more:About the difference between a c-section and a normal delivery
Bleeding after a c-section may last longer
Depending on the state of health and hormonal changes in your body, menstruation may last longer than usual. Generally, most women have a period of seven days. But in some cases, women experience a period of twelve days.
If that's the case,visit your gynecologist to find out the reason behind it.
The first period after cesarean section can be full of blood clots
During the first period after cesarean delivery, clots of dark or bright red color may appear. This usually happens when you are having heavy bleeding. This is because an anticoagulant that is released from the body during periods to prevent menstrual blood clots will not be able to work efficiently as more blood flow is released in a short amount of time. This allows the formation of a blood clot that comes out with the menstrual blood.
The first period after cesarean section and tubal ligation.
A woman can undergo the tubal ligation procedure right after the cesarean section. Tubal ligation does not create complications, nor does it influence the cesarean recovery time. However, the chances of having heavy bleeding during your first period may increase after a c-section and tubal ligation.
Must Read:Breastfeeding can help ease the pain of a c-section
4. When to seek medical help?
If you have any of the following problems, seek medical help.
- Fever:
If you have a fever along with your first or next period (during or after your period), see a doctor to determine the reason. According to experts, there should be no fever-related symptoms after cesarean delivery.
- extremely heavy periods:
Whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section, a heavy period is normal for some women. However, there must be aflow limit.If you find yourself absorbing one or more pads/tampons every hour or two, it's time to consult your gynecologist.
- strong pain:
Stomach cramps are normal after a c-section. But if you are suffering from excruciating pain and this is causing you a lot of inconvenience, then you should visit your doctor to find out the exact reason.
Must Read:cesarean delivery
- Long term period:
If your period is seven days, then it's normal. If it extends for more than a few days, you should consult your doctor to find out the reason.
- no periods:
If you're breastfeeding, your first period can be at least six months after a c-section. However, if your first periods don't come even after that then there might be some other reason behind it. Consult an expert to solve the problem as soon as possible.
You can also join our Cloudnine community to discuss and learn more about:Caesarean,beginners,Postpartum support group.
Watch the video about normal birth and cesarean section
- Exhaustion:
Feeling tired is normal after a C-section, but massive exhaustion or any symptoms related to anemia are not. So, consult a doctor for better advice and treatment.
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