D.L. asks from Portland, OR on April 28, 2009
Strange Periods After Birth of First Child--is This Normal?
Hi Ladies,
I gave birth to my first baby 10 months ago. It was a very normal vaginal delivery, though I had a 4th degree tear. I've been breastfeeding and was exclusive with it for the first 8 months or so, as it took my baby a while to really like solid foods. I'm still breastfeeding quite a bit, as my baby only eats solids a couple of times a day.
My periods started up 3 months after he was born. Around the 4th or 5th month, my period was 2 weeks late. While I was awaiting its arrival during those 2 weeks, pregnancy tests came up negative. Now, I'm 2 weeks late again, pregnancy tests are negative, and I've had spotting every few days, though no actual flow. (I'm definitely not trying to get pregnant, but the late periods always made me wonder, of course.)
Has this happened to anyone else? Did your body take a while to get back to normal as far as cycles go? I'm just wondering if it's something I should worry about at this point. Pre-pregnancy, I was usually quite regular at 28 days or so. Thanks!
1 mom found this helpful
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M.F. answers from Richland on April 29, 2009
periods can be different after children sometimes if regular they become not reegular, if not regular become regular sometimes cramps before and none after or the other way around
good luck Paula
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J.C. answers from Anchorage on April 29, 2009
It is really normal. After the birth of my children, and now that I have stopped taking the pill. Any major hormonal change can cause our bodies to need time to re-regulate. Even weight loss or gain can have effects on your cycle. Hang in there, a few months after you stop breast feeding things should get back to normal, although it may be a new normal. :)
G.B. answers from Seattle on April 28, 2009
A.H. answers from Portland on April 28, 2009
Yup, it all sounds pretty normal to me. My cycle didn't actually come back for 12 months and when it did it was on a totally different schedule then before. It might take another several months or until your child completely weans to get your period back to normal. Good job on the breast feeding, it's so important. :)
L.W. answers from Seattle on April 28, 2009
You too? I was wondering the same thing! I breast-fed exclusively for about 6 months, & still nurse a LOT (he's almost 9 months now, still getting used to food), got my period back after 2 months, and it's been weird - irregular, extra-heavy. On the up side, less crampy than it used to be (so far, anyway - fingers crossed!)
P.H. answers from Seattle on April 29, 2009
My cycles were normal after I gave up the breast feeding.
K.R. answers from Seattle on April 29, 2009
My cycles were totally messed up after both of my children. With my 2nd baby, I got my period every other week for a while. I went back on my old birth control pill when she was about 15 months old (and almost totally weaned) to try and regulate things a bit. After being on the pill for 6 weeks, I got (suprise!!!) pregnant with my 3rd. I'm due in September.
If you are concerned, call your doc and at least let them know what is going on. They may want to do a follow up check and make sure everything is "normal."
Good luck
S.L. answers from Portland on April 29, 2009
Breastfeeding can delay ovulation. Some people don't get their period back for more than a year after their baby was born if they are still breastfeeding (I wasn't one of those). You won't have a period until approx. 2 weeks after you ovulate--if you ovulate late, you'll get your period late too. It's normal, but please, PLEASE keep up with your birth control method at all times or you might get pregnant accidentally thinking that its too late in your cycle to be fertile.
M.S. answers from Portland on April 29, 2009
I was perfectly regular and predictable until after kids. With each child, my cycle has gotten a little more screwed up. It never went back to normal for me.
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