Can Periods Irregular for a While After Giving Birth?

Updated on March 20, 2007
J.T. asks from Altoona, PA
8 answers

My daughter is about 3 months old now and so far I've had one period since she was born. I've been feeling PMS for about a week or so now. I'm not breast-feeding. I counted out the days from my last period for when this one would be due based on my prepregnancy schedule and it was due 3 days ago. I don't think I' pregnant again but I'm driving myself crazy. I can't get a test until this weekend.

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So What Happened?

Well, everything is back to normal again. I'm back on a set schedule period-wise and my husband has had a vasectomy in which he's been cleared. So no more worries and thank you everyone for your halp and advice :)

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J.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

My periods have never been the same since my daughter was born 11 months ago. They have ranged anywhere from 26-30 days. I am now pregnant with my second.

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A.Z.

answers from Reading on

YES! Mine have been very irregular too! Also the dollar tree has preg. tests too if that helps.

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H.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

It doesn't matter if you are breastfeeding or not. After giving birth, you have bleeding for a couple of weeks. Then your hormones have to straighten out. After having two children, I can honestly say that you shouldn't expect to have the same schedule as prepregnancy. Your period may resume at a different time and may be a little strange for a few months. Also, the length of your period and the length between periods can change slightly. Before I had my daughter, mine came approximately every 31-32 days. After my son, it was at first every 30 days (once it started again). After my miscarriage, it was every 29 days. As I said slight changes, but it also changed from being with me for 7 days before my daughter to being with me for about 5 days after the miscarriage.

When you breastfeed, you might cease having your period for the time you breastfeed or it might take longer to come back but it still comes back a little erratic at first. It, also, comes back sooner once you are no longer exclusively breastfeeding (whether because of supplementation or because they start solids).

If you haven't gotten your period by this weekend, go ahead and get the test. If you haven't had unprotected sex, then you are probably not pregnant. Good luck and try to relax a little. Stressing out over it can affect your period as well. (As can lack of sleep which I'm sure you are having with a 3 month old).

Good luck.

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C.G.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi J.! I'm sure you've got a million responses on this question, but I saw it and just had to respond because the same exact thing happened to me. I swore that my husband and I were going to be one of those couples that got pregnant mere weeks after having our first child! :) Thankfully that wasn't the case!!!! I had my son in January of 2006, didn't breast feed and I didn't get my first "real" period until April. I'm sure you are going to be fine, but of course, it's our instinct to worry! :) Good luck with everything!

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K.E.

answers from Reading on

It took over 4 months for my period to return to normal after giving birth. Give it some time, or check with your gynecologist. Breastfeeding, stress, and post partum depression can also effect your period.

Best of luck,

K. E.

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D.W.

answers from Charlottesville on

Hi J.,

I'm the mom of three teens, 17, 15, and 13. Before I got pregnant for my oldest, it had been almost 2yrs before when I had my last period, then after I had my son I had the usual bleeding after giving birth and then maybe two or three periods between then and getting pregnant with my daughter, then again repeating the same in between my daughter and my youngest son, only one or two periods after giving birth. I finally went on birth control pills after my third(because we'd decided three was enough). That is when my periods finally regulated. I'd talk with your doctor about your period schedule. Some will tell you that if you are breast feeding it can make your periods irregular. Also worrying about your period starting and stress can cause your period to be late. Stop thinking about it and worrying about it and I'm sure it will start. Always happens when you least expect it so make sure no matter where you are, you're prepared. Good luck and God bless.

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K.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

are you breastfeeding? If so that could be the reason. I know when I breastfed I had my first real period about 7 months after my daughter was born. With my son I never had one then I got the IUD. What kind of birth control are you using? I got the IUD after having my son and havent had a period since. I do feel like I will start but I ususally just spot and its very light spotting at that. I know how crazy you are making yourself. I was the same way especially after I had my son. We both have kids 18 months apart. I knew after my son I was not ready for another one yet. 3 kids under 3 would have been horrible, especially since I had two high needs children. Good Luck!

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J.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

Yeah, your hormones are gonna be whacko for a while as your body adjusts to not being pregnant, after finally getting used to being pregnant just before you gave birth. :) It's probably nothing to worry about, as long as you're using some form of birth control until things settle down for your body. :)

Good luck!

J.

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