A woman's period after a c-section is often different than it was before giving birth, and these changes can affect the period's regularity, how heavy the bleeding is, and the pain associated with it. On average, a woman will have her first regular period after a c-section, also called postpartum menstruation, 45 days after delivery, but anywhere from seven to nine weeks is common, and for breastfeeding women it can take even longer. Some women experience heavier periods after giving birth, and many also report having more irregular periods than before. Women who have suffered from painful cramps during their period before childbirth can sometimes have less cramping when their menstruation resumes. It is important to note that ovulation can resume before the period after a c-section, and it is possible to become pregnant even if one has not menstruated after giving birth.
Changes in one's period after a c-section are usually related to general physical and hormonal changes caused by giving birth, rather than the c-section procedure itself, and are similar to changes experienced by women who give birth vaginally. Breastfeeding is one of the most significant factors affecting one's period after a c-section. It usually takes much longer for a woman's period to return if she is breastfeeding than if she is not, due to hormonal changes associated with lactation. Some women experience light periods and irregular periods while breastfeeding, and some do not menstruate at all until they stop breastfeeding. However, it is possible to become pregnant while breastfeeding, even if one has not had a period.
Several other factors such as stress, weight gain, weight loss, and various health issues such as thyroid problems can also affect the period after a c-section, often delaying it or making it more irregular. Some women have problems returning to regular physical activity after giving birth by c-section, which can affect menstruation. Not getting enough rest and overexertion can also affect one's period, often causing heavier bleeding than normal.
During the first days of c-section recovery, it is normal to have very heavy bleeding, often up to a week. This bleeding is not a period, but is called post-natal bleeding or lochia, and is made up of blood, afterbirth and other pregnancy-related tissue from inside the womb. Lochia usually becomes lighter after about two weeks, and stops after two to four weeks after delivery. One should use pads rather than tampons during the post-natal bleeding because of the risk of infection.
