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Postpartum Depression |
How long after your postpartum bleeding stops will you get your real menstrual cycle?
(14 Apr 2010)
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The period following the delivery of a baby is known as postpartum. This period is filled with a mixture of feelings for the new mother. She takes on her new role with exuberance and pleasure. However, she also goes through phases of depression and anxiety in response to the hormonal and physical changes that her body is undergoing in an effort to get back to normal.
One of the most normal aftereffects of pregnancy is postpartum bleeding. For the entire term of the pregnancy, an expectant woman does not experience any menstrual bleeding. Almost immediately after delivery, a woman begins to bleed and this bleeding is heavier than a normal menstrual period. Hence, postpartum bleeding causes an understandable amount of discomfort as the new mother has to deal with the needs of her baby as well as her changing body. Postpartum bleeding is the body’s natural mechanism for the removal of placental tissue and excess mucus.
Postpartum bleeding is referred to as lochia and continues for approximately two to three weeks. In some women, the bleeding may persist for up to six weeks. The blood is usually bright red for the first week and a half and may be characterized by an even flow or may be in spurts and is usually accompanied by the passage of blood clots and maternal tissue. Following that, it takes on a pinkish hue and towards the end, becomes yellowish-white in color. Every woman is different from the other and her body may react differently postpartum. Hence, the onset of the next menstrual cycle would definitely vary from woman to woman.
The onset of the menstrual cycle is influenced by factors like breastfeeding and hormonal changes. When a woman is breastfeeding continuously, she does not experience menstrual bleeding until she ceases to breastfeed. This phase is called the lactational amenorrhea or the natural family planning stage. Since menstruation does not occur, it is an infertile phase that allows the mother to concentrate on the needs of her baby without worrying about getting pregnant. Many women may get their first postpartum period even a year and a half to two years after delivery, depending on the term of constant breastfeeding. However, women who do not breastfeed constantly may experience a shorter gap between postpartum bleeding and the next menstrual period and may experience menstrual bleeding anywhere after 2 months of delivery. If a woman experiences a break in postpartum bleeding, that is if the bleeding following delivery stops for a few days and continues shortly, there is a chance that she has already had her first period postpartum.
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answered by P T on 14 Apr 2010, 11:47:36
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