Post pregnancy, there are usually a number of matters which become a cause of concern for the new mother. One of them is the menstruation care after pregnancy. Most women worry as to when they will get their first period and how to care for it.
Factors Affecting Menstruation Cycle
The start of a woman’s menstruation cycle depends on a number of factors.
During pregnancy the hormonal composition of a woman goes through a lot of changes. Due to such imbalance in hormones, the re-start of the menstruation cycle may differ from woman to woman depending upon the severity of such imbalance.
Post pregnancy, one very important factor governing the start of menstruation cycle is breastfeeding. It has been found that mothers who do not breastfeed get their periods within one month from delivery. On the other hand, women who breastfeed tend to get their periods late, at least 3 to 6 months post delivery. This happens because in case of breastfeeding mothers their body produces prolactin which acts as a suppressant of ovulation, thereby delaying the start of menstruation cycle.
Apart from the above, other factors affecting the menstrual cycle may be stress due to childbirth, medications, activity levels, diet, too much weight gain or loss etc.
Menstruation Care Post Pregnancy – Some Pointers.
Once the menstruation cycle starts, proper care should be taken. The nine month gap affects the normal ovulation process and hence the first menstruation post pregnancy is bound to be a difficult one.
Following Are Some Of The Matters To Be Taken Care Of-
The first period after pregnancy is a lot heavier and more painful than the ones experienced before pregnancy. This happens due to the huge time gap which affects the normal ovulation cycle. There may also be clots in the blood. The periods may stretch longer than a normal period, ranging from 7 days to 2 or 3 weeks. Hence, one should opt for good heavy flow sanitary pads during this time along with ample rest.
Getting PMS is another normal phenomenon at this time. So care should be taken so that the mother is always kept in a positive environment and doesn’t detach herself from her surroundings. Other symptoms that the mother may suffer from are vomiting or dizziness. Hence, proper rest is very necessary.
Many women believe that post pregnancy they will not be fertile until their menstruation cycle starts. This myth has led to innumerable accidental pregnancies. In women who breastfeed, the menstruation may be delayed but they may still ovulate. Hence it is mandatory to use contraceptives. And once the menstruation starts, it goes without saying that contraceptives are a must to avoid accidental pregnancies .
It is necessary to be on a healthy and nutritious diet post pregnancy. It is also necessary to be well hydrated as menstruation is very heavy and uncomfortable in the beginning.
The menstruation cycle takes time to regularize. But a balanced diet, drinking lots of water and juices and light exercising can regularize the menstruation cycle sooner.
