How much is the average time interval from stopage of postpartum bleeding and first periods?
What is normal postpartum bleeding?
After a woman has experienced the process of pregnancy and childbirth, her body takes a little time to regulate itself to its original shape and size. Besides this, there are also hormonal changes that will be experienced over the next few weeks. Postpartum bleeding is a natural phenomenon that occurs for approximately forty days after the process of child birth has been completed. Normal postpartum bleeding is experienced by every woman who has experienced the process of childbirth, but there is no definitive period for how long this process lasts. In some cases, postpartum bleeding lasts for three weeks, while in other women, it lasts for longer. However, the average period for postpartum bleeding experienced by mothers is about forty days. The period of postpartum bleeding is primarily the body’s attempt at regulating the menstrual cycle that is experienced by a woman, after it has been disrupted by the pregnancy for a period of nine months. Abnormal postpartum bleeding is not an uncommon phenomenon and has been experienced by numerous women across the world. There are various causes for abnormal postpartum bleeding, the primary of these being the presence of a fibroid in the uterus, or an incomplete Dilation and Cutterage (D&C) that has left some impurity behind in the uterus, after the pregnancy.
Submitted by P T on March 13, 2012 at 04:33
A woman’s body undergoes numerous changes during the course of pregnancy and following pregnancy as well. The baby draws its nourishment through the placenta attached to the uterine wall. During labor, the baby and the placenta are passed out. It is but natural that the area of the uterus where the placenta was attached bears a resemblance to an open wound that continues to bleed until it heals. After delivery, the uterus begins shrinking to ensure that the exposed surface area becomes less thus restricting the flow of blood. This period to recovery is called postpartum.Postpartum bleeding or lochia is an absolutely normal phase that follows pregnancy as the body ensures that no placental tissue or products of conception are retained in the uterus. The bleeding is heavier than a normal period and is usually characterized by the passage of blood clots and tissue. The flow of bright red blood continues for eight to ten days following delivery. Subsequently, it lightens to a pinkish hue and towards the end; the mother passes a yellowish-white discharge. In some women, the whole process may last for approximately three weeks and in some, may continue for up to six weeks. Hence, we see that postpartum bleeding differs from woman to woman. Similarly, the return of a normal menstrual cycle also varies in the case of different women.
Women are known to resume menstruating anywhere between two months to three years after delivery. Breastfeeding is the main factor that influences the onset of a menstrual cycle after pregnancy. Menstruation normally resumes when breastfeeding ceases. This is the natural family planning method called lactational amenorrhea. With no menstrual bleeding, this period is an infertile stage in a woman’s life enabling her to concentrate on the needs of her baby, without the possibility of getting pregnant. However, this mainly depends on the condition that the mother breastfeeds her baby constantly. There should be no gap in breastfeeding or supplementary food. Hence, if a woman continues to do so for six months or two years, her menstrual period will resume after that.
If a woman passes bright blood for more than two weeks postpartum, it may signal a cause for concern. This usually happens when a part of the placenta refuses to leave the uterine wall causing health risks for the new mother. It may also indicate uterine problems. Consulting a gynecologist is recommended as only he or she would be able to give you a clear picture related to your case specifically.
Submitted by P T on April 19, 2010 at 05:19
