Periods After C-Section: What’s Normal & What’s Not

Many new moms are concerned about their periods after childbirth. Soon after the vaginal or C-section delivery, women tend to experience vaginal bleeding, which is more similar to heavy periods. Women, most often get confused with menstruation bleeding.

When it comes to answering the question, after c section how many days bleeding happen, the discharge may usually begin shortly after the childbirth and may extend up to 2-3 weeks. This vaginal discharge is known as lochia. Lochia comes in a mixture of tissues, mucus, blood, and other fluids.

Similar to periods, lochia resembles heavy bleeding and transforms to lighter in colour as days pass. However, lochia is the body’s way of expelling the uterine tissues that are no longer required after pregnancy.

So, what about the first periods after c section?

This blog may help new moms understand when the first postpartum menstruation happens, and what’s normal and what’s not. This may indeed help individuals of being informed to recognize and respond appropriately to abnormal bleeding, potentially reducing the negative outcomes.

Periods After C-Section: What’s Normal?

The following are some of the symptoms of normal menstrual bleeding after C-section.

Timing

The first period after childbirth, either vaginally or C-section, may happen anytime between two and eight weeks. For many women, it may happen around six and twelve weeks. The timing of its return may often be influenced by the factors such as hormonal changes, and underlying health conditions. In particular, breastfeeding plays a significant role in the return of the periods.

Menstrual Flow

Many women have noticed their periods after cesarean delivery to be heavier when compared to their pre-pregnancy periods. However, the flow may tend to become lighter eventually. Studies indicate that the scarring from the c-section may contribute to an increase in the flow along with the pain.

Blood Clots

Experiencing small-sized blood clots in the first period after delivery is generally normal. However, if you notice larger blood clots than the size of a plum, having a consultation with the healthcare provider is highly recommended. Especially, if it is accompanied by heavy bleeding.

Note that the size of the blood clots in the menstrual bleeding should not exceed the size of a golf ball or plum.

Menstruation Length

Many new moms wonder the common question during the first period after giving birth, how long should it last?

The length of the first period after c-section may typically vary from woman to woman. In general, the menstruation bleeding may last anywhere between three and seven days. The days a woman bleeds may most often be similar to the pre-pregnancy cycles. However, in the first few cycles after delivery, some women may notice their bleeding to be shorter or longer than usual. This is due to the hormonal adjustments after childbirth.

Note that the experience may widely vary for each and every individual.

Irregularity

It is normal to notice an irregular menstrual cycle for a few months after childbirth. The days may sometimes tend to be even more delayed, especially if you are breastfeeding the newborn. This is primarily due to the interplay of the hormone prolactin production during breastfeeding. This hormone has the ability to prevent the ovulation process by minimizing the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. When there is a disruption in the ovulation process, the menstrual cycle may also indeed be disrupted or delayed.

Note that your menstrual cycle may become regular when you start giving your baby solids or other form of milk.

Pain and Cramps

Women may experience severe pain and cramping soon after childbirth. This is because the expanded uterus from the pregnancy to accommodate the fetus is trying to shrink and come back to its normal size. The muscle contractions that take place because of this process are somewhat similar to menstruation cramps. The process is widely known as uterine involution, which may most often take about six weeks.

A study indicates that women, in general, do experience menstrual cramps from their first period after c section. These cramps are most often similar to their pre-pregnancy cramps. However, others have shared their experience as the cramps in the postpartum have significantly improved over time.

Periods After C-Section: What's Not Normal?

The following are some of the symptoms of abnormal menstrual bleeding after C-section, which may require medical attention.

Heavy Bleeding

It is understandable that caring for a newborn is undoubtedly challenging and time-consuming. Yet, prioritizing the postpartum mom’s health is crucial. Especially, if they are menstruating.

Some women may unfortunately experience excessive or heavy bleeding after a c-section. Heavy bleeding is when a woman notices her sanitary pad being soaked within an hour. If it continues for more than three hours, it requires immediate medical help. The condition is widely known as postpartum haemorrhage. This can potentially develop life-threatening complications if failed to be treated promptly. According to a recent study, nearly 5% of new moms experience this condition. The symptoms of postpartum haemorrhage may primarily include low blood pressure, pale skin, and nausea.

Large Clots

Noticing larger blood clots in the first menstrual cycle after c-section is normal. However, if the larger clots are kept on discharging even after 24 hours, it calls for immediate medical help. It is important to understand that larger clots, exceeding the size of a plum is a concerning sign.

Fever

A fever after a c-section is a normal postpartum symptom. However, the persistent or high temperature may indicate an infection in the wound or incision, or infection in the uterine lining (endometriosis). The condition may need medical help to prevent severe complications.

Severe Pain

It is quite common to experience pain after delivery when periods come. However, if the pain is not relieved over time, even after taking the pain-relieving medications, or interfering with daily activities, it is a significant indicator for medical help. Sometimes, the pain is accompanied by swelling, infection, fever, or redness.

Summary

The menstrual cycle, in general, may take enough time to become regular after the childbirth, either by vaginally or c-section. It doesn’t matter even if your cycles are regular before pregnancy. Your body has gone through several changes to bring the baby into the world. Hence, it takes time to become normal.

The scenario could be more intense when it comes to breastfeeding mothers. Their body may tend to produce lower levels of estrogen at this moment due to prolactin hormones. Without an adequate amount of estrogen, the possibility of having a regular period is very minimal.

No matter if you are breastfeeding or not, never be alarmed if you notice your menstrual cycle being late – until and unless you have had intercourse without the protection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will I get my period after c-section and breastfeeding?

A: After lochia, you may notice an irregularity in your menstrual cycle, which is quite normal. This could be more specific if you are breastfeeding the newborn. Your menstrual cycle may become regular when you start giving your baby solids or other form of milk.

Q: What are the factors affecting the menstrual cycle of postpartum mothers?

A: The significant factors that are affecting the menstrual cycle of postpartum mothers can be rooted in several factors. They may include sudden changes in hormone production, sleep deprivation, stress, and breastfeeding.

Q: Second period after c-section how long does it last?

A: The second period after c-section can be anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks. It may even be delayed beyond that, especially if you are breastfeeding the newborn. This is primarily due to the hormonal adjustments of the postpartum mother’s body after childbirth.

Q: When should I seek medical help about my period not returning after postpartum?

A: You may seek medical help when you stop breastfeeding, yet your menstruation hasn’t returned within 3 months. In such scenarios, you may have to diagnose for secondary amenorrhea.

Q: Is it normal to have heavy bleeding after a C-section?

A: The answer to the question is yes. It is quite normal to have heavy bleeding soon after a C-section. The bleeding is widely known as lochia. However, the heavy bleeding can gradually be reduced over the following days or weeks.