The return of diaper: its time, its duration, its symptoms
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"When will my period come back?" "Is it going to hurt?" These are probably the questions you're asking yourself if you're pregnant or have just given birth. And that's perfectly normal. Because we know that cycles will resume, but neither when nor how. Don't worry, we're here for you! In this article, we'll tell you everything about the return of menstruation, to prepare you to go through this natural stage with confidence. Let's go!
What is the return of menstruation?
The return of menstruation, or "retour de couche" in French, is a somewhat strange name to describe the reappearance of your period after childbirth. The uterus then returns to its normal state, and your cycles... slowly resume!
What are the symptoms of the return of menstruation?
We tend to confuse the return of menstruation with the first postpartum period, as its symptoms resemble those of normal menstruation. However, new mothers may recognize it by the fact that it is more intense than their usual periods, particularly due to:
- heavy bleeding;
- significant abdominal cramps.
The return of menstruation can also lead to a significant drop in hormones and cause:
- mood swings;
- breast tenderness.
It also often happens that the return of menstruation is confused with lochia. How to differentiate the return of menstruation and lochia? Recognizable by their red and abundant bleeding immediately after birth, lochia gradually subsides over a period of up to six weeks. The return of menstruation truly marks the resumption of ovulatory cycles. It also presents as bleeding... but it signals the comeback of periods!
When does it occur?
If predicting the return of menstruation were as simple as predicting the weather, it would make our lives easier! But as is often the case, it depends on several factors and varies greatly from one new mother to another.
For those who do not breastfeed, the return of menstruation usually occurs between 6 to 8 weeks after the baby's birth. Breastfeeding stimulates the production of prolactin, a hormone that can suppress ovulation and thus delay the return of menstruation. If prolactin is not produced, logically, the menstrual cycle returns more quickly.
However, exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation. The body produces a large amount of prolactin, which suppresses ovulation. Menstruation may even reappear several months after childbirth or after weaning the child.
As for women who have had a C-section, the return of menstruation can sometimes happen a little earlier than for a vaginal birth. Since the placenta is removed directly during the operation, the body does not need to expel it itself. The uterus heals faster, and the return of menstruation is quicker.
When should you worry if it doesn't arrive?
Rest assured: the absence of menstruation postpartum is entirely possible and happens frequently. Have you given birth/finished breastfeeding more than three months ago? Have you had a negative pregnancy test? Then try to consult a healthcare professional. This will allow you to assess the situation, make a diagnosis, or reassure you!
How long does it last?
Again... it's all about individual factors! Breastfeeding, general health... The duration of the return of menstruation can also vary from woman to woman. But generally, these periods last as long as normal periods, about four to seven days. However, it is common for the first menstrual cycles after childbirth to be irregular or longer. For most women, the body readjusts, and the duration and intensity of a cycle regulate until it becomes normal again.
Are you unsure about the length of your menstrual cycle? To find out for sure, discover our article “How to calculate your menstrual cycle?”
How to best experience your return of menstruation?
To help you live it as best as possible, we answer your most frequently asked questions on the subject.
What sanitary protection should you wear after pregnancy?
After childbirth, you may experience fairly heavy bleeding. Nothing could be more normal! To avoid unpleasant surprises and discomfort, we advise you to opt for highly absorbent sanitary pads, such as those you can find in Mamacitas' postpartum kits. When the bleeding is a little less significant, you can switch to period underwear. But forget tampons and menstrual cups for the first few weeks after birth. Too much risk of infection!
Discover our range of postpartum products formulated to support your recovery after childbirth.
What are the risks of getting pregnant before the return of menstruation?
According to the French National Authority for Health, there is no resumption of ovulation before the 21st day following childbirth. After the 21st day, however, the risk of pregnancy exists... And it is not negligible. Because it is possible to experience a return of menstruation without ovulating, but also to get pregnant before this return of menstruation. In other words, ovulation can occur before the resumption of the first menstruation.
Anomalies can also persist in the first six menstrual cycles after childbirth, which may be characterized by:
- anovulatory cycles;
- longer cycles than before;
- irregularities;
- a shorter high-temperature phase, among others.
Also know that the later the return of menstruation, the more likely it is that "fertile" ovulation will occur before this return. So if you're not really keen on a surprise baby... Remember to protect yourself!
When to resume contraception after childbirth?
Your doctor or midwife will guide you towards the most suitable contraception for your situation as soon as you leave the maternity ward (such as, for example, the progestin-only pill, i.e. with a single hormone, progestin, in very small quantities). But listen to yourself, and choose the method of contraception that suits you, when it suits you. Especially if you want to resume sexual intercourse, but avoid a new pregnancy. Otherwise, no pressure on that front.
What is the menstrual cycle like after the return of menstruation?
Again... It's a lottery! Each woman experiences a cycle that is unique to her when her period returns. When periods return, they can therefore be irregular, longer, or shorter than before. But the first periods can also be heavier or lighter!
Myths to debunk around the return of menstruation
Even today, many myths revolve around the return of menstruation. Good thing we're here to clarify them!
The most common is to think that breastfeeding remains a reliable method of contraception... Spoiler alert: that's false! Although it can delay the return of menstruation, know that early ovulation can still lead to pregnancy.
Conversely, the return of menstruation does not always indicate a strong return of your fertility. Each woman's body reacts differently, and fertility returns... at its own pace.
Finally, we repeat: the symptoms of the return of menstruation are not the same for everyone. They vary from mother to mother in terms of intensity and duration of bleeding.
Whatever the case, the return of menstruation remains a natural stage of postpartum. By understanding how it manifests itself, and how much it can vary, you will be able to experience this transition period more serenely!
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