Diaper return: everything you need to know about the return of periods

The return of menstruation is the return of your period after childbirth. Often associated with the return of fertility—your menstrual cycle has resumed and you can get pregnant again—it can raise questions and is associated with various beliefs and misconceptions. What does the return of menstruation mean? How does breastfeeding tend to be affected? Are you fertile from the first return of menstruation? We discuss this in this article.

What is menstrual bleeding?

While the term “return of menstruation” is often associated with a surprise pregnancy (“she had a return of menstruation”), return of menstruation actually refers to the return of menstruation after childbirth . It should be distinguished from lochia, the postpartum vaginal bleeding that lasts between two and four weeks after childbirth.

After fertilization of the egg and implantation, the menstrual cycle stops. Ovulation stops under the influence of hormones and the pregnant person no longer has periods (except in very rare exceptions, particularly in cases of denial of pregnancy). After birth, the body gradually gets back into working order and, after a while, periods return: the menstrual cycle has resumed and the new mother is (very) fertile again. The return of menstruation is thus associated with very high fertility. If you would like to know more about the most dangerous days of the menstrual cycle , discover our dedicated article!

When does the return of menstruation occur?

The return of menstruation generally occurs between 6 and 8 weeks after giving birth if you are not breastfeeding. However, there is no cause for concern if this period is longer: it can occur up to 3 months after giving birth without it being abnormal. If you are breastfeeding, the return of menstruation occurs a little later, before or after stopping breastfeeding, but it is rare for it to occur after 5 months.

The role of breastfeeding

The milk production required during breastfeeding is controlled by prolactin, a hormone that tends to both stimulate milk production by the mammary glands and inhibit ovulation, preventing the new mother from becoming pregnant again immediately after giving birth. Breastfeeding tends to increase the production of the hormone prolactin and thus inhibit ovulation, thereby delaying the return of menstruation after giving birth.

This is why, generally, the return of menstruation may occur only several months after giving birth if you are breastfeeding your child.

🚩Breastfeeding and prolactin production, however, should not be considered a contraceptive option. If you do not want to become pregnant, consider restarting contraception before resuming sexual activity, even if you are breastfeeding.

What are the signs of menstrual bleeding?

As is often the case when discussing the menstrual cycle, periods, and premenstrual syndrome, the signs that your period is about to return vary greatly among menstruating individuals. However, there are some signs that may indicate that your period is about to return: as you may notice, they are very similar to the classic signs of PMS . Here is a list:

• Abdominal and back pain: Abdominal cramps similar to those of a period are often a sign of the return of menstruation. You will easily recognize these if you were prone to painful periods before your pregnancy. You may also experience lower back pain .
• Breast tenderness: Your breasts may become sore, as if swollen. This symptom may be a little difficult to spot if you are breastfeeding.
• Migraines or Headaches: Some menstruating people report headaches or migraines before their period returns.
• Changes in cervical mucus: The texture or color of cervical mucus changes as your period returns. It may become thicker or darker (pinkish, brownish, or blackish, tinged with blood that begins to flow very slowly).
• Irritability or mood swings: Certain hormonal changes can cause mood swings. The imminent return of menstruation is no exception!
• Fatigue: Fatigue may increase due to hormonal fluctuations , and sudden onset of fatigue may accompany your return of menstruation.
• Water Retention: Problems related to water retention, such as leg pain , can occur as your period approaches.
• Transit problems, bloating: Disturbed transit can be one of the symptoms of an imminent return of menstruation .
• Changes in appetite: Food cravings, food cravings... No, you're not pregnant again! It's just your return of menstruation!
• Return of libido: Libido is strongly affected by hormonal fluctuations. This is why, as your period approaches, you may experience a return of your libido, even though it may have decreased postpartum.

Signs similar to your pre-pregnancy PMS? With the hormonal changes of pregnancy and changes in your body, it's entirely possible that your pre-pregnancy PMS symptoms may evolve or change completely. Some menstruators report that their abdominal cramps have decreased after pregnancy, while others report that they have worsened.

When should you be concerned about a lack of menstrual flow?

Missing a period after delivery is possible and normal beyond the 6-8 weeks typically seen in new mothers. However, you should be concerned and consult your healthcare professional about missing your period if:

1. you experience a total absence of menstrual bleeding more than 3 months after giving birth (or more than 3 months after complete weaning if you are breastfeeding);
2. AND you have a negative pregnancy test

The first period after childbirth

The first period after childbirth is often longer and heavier than your previous period. You may also notice blood clots—a common occurrence in menstruating people with particularly heavy periods .

The first two cycles following childbirth are often disrupted. The surge of hormones in the body usually explains these disruptions. It may take some time for a regular cycle to return. However, don't hesitate to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

How long do menstrual periods last?

Just like the periods you've experienced throughout your life as a menstruator, your return period typically lasts between 3 and 7 days.

What sanitary protection should I use?

As we've mentioned, periods often return just a few weeks after giving birth, especially if you're not breastfeeding... but your vagina may still be fragile after giving birth. That's why it may be better for you to choose external menstrual protection, such as menstrual panties or pads, rather than tampons or cups. It's up to you to decide based on how you feel and the recommendations of your healthcare professional, if applicable.

My period after giving birth has different symptoms. Is this normal?

After giving birth, your menstrual cycle, PMS, and period may change. Your cycle length may become shorter than usual or longer , your PMS symptoms may change, and your period may change. This is not abnormal. Some new mothers report less menstrual pain after pregnancy, while others may develop postpartum endometriosis. There is no standard for this, and it is impossible to know exactly what your menstrual cycle pattern will be after giving birth.

When to worry about your period?

There are two main reasons to worry about your return of menstruation:

1. If your period does not return more than 3 months after giving birth (or more than 3 months after complete weaning if you are breastfeeding) even though you are not pregnant (take a pregnancy test);
2. If your menstrual cycle does not stabilize during the 3 cycles following the return of your period: It is generally estimated that it takes 3 cycles, or approximately 3 months, for the menstrual cycle to reestablish itself. If your cycle is very irregular and/or symptoms are particularly ruining your life (pain, mood swings, etc.), do not hesitate to consult a doctor about this. The postpartum period is a difficult time mentally and physically, and it is entirely possible that your body is suffering from it—as is your menstrual cycle. You have the right to ask for help.

Return of menstruation and contraception

Contrary to popular belief, the absence of your first period after giving birth does not mean that you are not ovulating. If you are not breastfeeding, ovulation can occur between the 15th and 20th day after giving birth. If you are breastfeeding, ovulation may still occur.

Hormones are in turmoil due to the close proximity of pregnancy and delivery, and it's not uncommon for new mothers to be particularly fertile at this time. That's why it's essential to think about contraception soon after giving birth, especially if you're resuming sexual activity and don't want to get pregnant again.

When to resume contraception?

If you have sex and do not want to get pregnant again, it is therefore necessary to resume contraception - before ovulation potentially resumes, i.e. 15 days after giving birth. This applies whether you are breastfeeding or not.

If you are breastfeeding, be aware that some methods of contraception are compatible with breastfeeding. This is the case with the copper IUD, but also with various pills such as the estrogen-free microprogestin pill. When you stop breastfeeding, you can choose another estrogen-progestin pill.

Is it possible to get pregnant before your period returns?

Yes. A missed period after giving birth does not mean a lack of ovulation. Since the postpartum period is often associated with abdominal pain and bloody vaginal discharge, ovulation may occur in different conditions than usual... but that doesn't prevent you from being fertile! You can definitely get pregnant very quickly after giving birth, even if you're breastfeeding! If you want to avoid this, you can resume contraception and calculate your ovulation period .

Also read: Symptoms of ovulation >

Beware of myths surrounding the return of menstruation

There are several myths and beliefs associated with the return of menstruation. Here's a debunking operation to help you sort out the truth from the lies!

Breastfeeding is a reliable contraceptive method.

As we've mentioned, the hormone your body produces while breastfeeding, prolactin, actually has the role of blocking ovulation. Except, as you probably know, hormones aren't perfect and can have limitations! Breastfeeding is therefore in no way a guarantee that you won't get pregnant, and if you have sex, you'll need to adopt a reliable additional method of contraception to avoid a pregnancy in the near future!

If menstruation returns, breastfeeding should be stopped.

While breastfeeding can slow the onset of menstruation, particularly due to the presence of prolactin in the body, which blocks ovulation, there is no scientific reason to stop breastfeeding when you get your first period after giving birth. Breast milk, despite popular belief, is in no way affected by menstruation and menstruation.

The return of menstruation affects the quality of breast milk.

Although there is an urban myth that menstruation makes milk sour (and even that menstruating people cook! 😵‍💫), menstruation and menstruation have no effect on breast milk or its quality. You can continue breastfeeding as long as you have milk, as long as you want, and as long as your baby wants.

The return of menstruation is always painful and uncomfortable.

The return of menstruation corresponds to the return of menstruation... And for many menstruating people, periods are a special time to experience. They can indeed be painful and uncomfortable, both physically and mentally. That being said: on the one hand, some menstruating people experience their periods well and on the other hand, symptoms related to periods and PMS can change after pregnancy. It is therefore possible that your periods will be less unpleasant after pregnancy.

The return of menstruation means that fertility has fully returned.

The return of menstruation means that your menstrual cycle is indeed back in working order: you're ovulating, you're having periods. However: on the one hand, you may be fertile BEFORE your period returns, and on the other hand, your menstrual cycle may remain chaotic in the first few months after your period returns. (Your ovulation may not be as well regulated as it was before, for example.)

Breastfeeding always prevents the return of menstruation.

While breastfeeding generally delays the return of menstruation, it does not necessarily prevent it. Some women will have a return of menstruation despite breastfeeding within a few weeks of giving birth, while others will have to wait until they stop breastfeeding completely to experience the return of menstruation. This varies greatly and can change from one pregnancy to another.

It is abnormal not to have a return of menstruation several months after giving birth.

The return of menstruation generally occurs within 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth, or, if you are breastfeeding, within 6 to 8 weeks after stopping breastfeeding completely. These durations and figures remain averages based on testimonies, studies and observation; this can vary from one person to another. However, if your period does not return after these durations, it will be interesting to first take a pregnancy test and then, if it is negative, to discuss it with your healthcare professional. Several pathological and/or psychological reasons can be at the origin of a lack of menstruation.