C-sections are common surgical procedures performed during the delivery of a baby. C-sections, also known as cesarean sections, require a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus to safely deliver the baby.
While c-sections are generally a safe procedure, they do come with more risks than a natural vaginal birth, and can come with complications as well.
C-sections are often either performed in a response to an emergency problem that arises in order to ensure the baby is born safely, or they can be scheduled in advance due to various reasons.
It’s common knowledge that after you give birth, your menstrual cycle will return again in the next few months. Having a c-section birth can affect the nature of your menstrual cycle when your period returns.
When will your period return?
Hormones play a significant part in the menstrual cycle, and so the return of your monthly period will be based off your hormone levels post-c-section delivery. After giving birth, the levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and hCG (Human Chronic Gonadotropin) decrease.
Breastfeeding your baby can also affect your hormones, keeping the prolactin level high and therefore delaying ovulation for up to six months.
This isn’t necessarily accurate for every woman, so it is important to still be safe while having sex at this time.
If you do not breastfeed, your prolactin levels will likely decrease.
For women who choose not to breastfeed, the menstrual cycle will likely come back on average about six weeks after delivery, definitely after four weeks and up to twelve weeks. If your period hasn’t returned after three months, you should consult with your doctor to rule out any serious issues.
It might be different for every woman, as the return of your monthly period will be determined by how soon your hormones return to their pre-pregnancy state. Levels of HCG must be lowered, and estrogen and progesterone must balance out.
Women may also ovulate before they even see the return of their period, which is important to keep in mind when having sexual intercourse, as ovulation may occur while you are unaware.
What kind of period will it be?
C-section deliveries can often affect what kind of period you experience when it returns post-birth. Your period might differ in a number of ways, including in length of occurrence, menstrual blood color, and the amount of blood.
After you deliver a baby, you may experience bloody discharge for 4 to 6 weeks after delivery, which should not be confused with your period.
The first week after giving a c-section delivery, you will experience heavy bleeding, which is perfectly normal and will lessen.
You should not use tampons, as they can increase risk of infection post-surgery, so it is important to stick with sanitary pads only during this time. This discharge is called lochia, and gradually becomes lighter in color and lessens over time until it ceases.
When your period returns six or so weeks later, it will likely be different than the regular periods you had before. Your period can become irregular, although over time your cycle will balance out and become regular again.
It is common to also experience periods that occur with heavy cramping, or even periods associated with lighter bleeding and less cramping. It all depends on the hormonal changes going on in your body after delivering your baby, which can vary from woman to woman.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT C-SECTION AND PERIODS
Regular Periods
According to female reproductive health perspective, C-section will not affect your periods badly and most of the time menstrual cycle will resume quickly after C- section. The critical thing to consider about periods is the hormonal changes, not the C- section.
Once the hormonal level is balanced in females, your periods will start naturally. However, due to clinical complications or health conditions, the onset can be affected.
Irregular Periods
It is quite possible that the females might experience irregularity of periods after C-section. There is nothing to worry about irregular periods. It is a natural phenomenon and very common due to hormonal changes.
There are few things which might contribute to irregular periods after C-section that are weight gain, or weight loss, Stress, anxiety, and thyroid problem.
Lighter Periods
The blood flow may vary in females depending upon a few factors such as physical fitness as well as clinical condition. It is normal to experience lighter periods after C-section. Some female might find the periods less painful and shorter.
The menstrual cramps are milder due to the stretching of the uterus. Progesterone plays a critical role in relieving these symptoms.
Heavy Periods
Some females might have heavy periods after C-section. Some women might experience abnormal vaginal discharge many factors can contribute to heavy periods. Heavy blood flow can be unusual if the females have a medical history of vaginal infection.
It is normal to have heavy bleeding after C-section for the first few days. It this bleeding prolongs to 5 days then the gynecologist or physician should be consulted for medical examination.
How do c-sections affect your period?
Our monthly cycles are sensitive, and so any major stresses or changes put on the body can alter them. Since c-sections are a surgical delivery, our bodies need time to recover and heal afterwards, and the added stress and tiredness can affect the menstrual pattern.
Similarly, women recouping from the surgery will typically need to get plenty of rest, and so women who find themselves feeling over-exerted or having a difficult time getting back into physical activity may find that their periods are also affected as a result.
Other factors affecting menstruation post c-section delivery include the typical factors that result from pregnancy and birth, such as weight gain, weight loss, additional stress, and added complications and health issues. These issues can delay the period or cause irregularity.
It’s common to notice differences and irregularities in your period after undergoing a c-section delivery, but there are some signs that may indicate a more serious problem.
Heavy, increased bleeding that soaks your sanitary pad in a short amount of time may be a cause for concern. Similarly, ongoing bleeding that lasts for more than a month post-natal should indicate you need to visit your doctor.
Since c-sections are a surgery, it is important to keep an eye on your body during recovery. Incisions that swell, become red, or seep pus can indicate an infection, as well as odorous discharge from the vagina. If you experience any of these differences following your c section, it is important to see a doctor.
References:
-
1. Prior, E., Santhakumaran, S., Gale, C., Philipps, L. H., Modi, N., & Hyde, M. J. (2012). Breastfeeding after cesarean delivery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of world literature–. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 95(5), 1113-1135.
2. Moshtaghi, M., Zukerman, I., & Russell, R. A. (2015). Statistical models for unobtrusively detecting abnormal periods of inactivity in older adults. User Modeling and User-Adapted Interaction, 25(3), 231-265.
3. Miovech, S. M., Knapp, H., Borucki, L., Roncoli, M., Arnold, L., & Brooten, D. (1994). Major concerns of women after cesarean delivery. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 23(1), 53-59.
4. Kinay, T., Basarir, Z. O., Tuncer, S. F., Akpinar, F., Kayikcioglu, F., Koc, S., & Karakaya, J. (2016). Is a history of cesarean section a risk factor for abnormal uterine bleeding in patients with uterine leiomyoma?. Saudi medical journal, 37(8), 871.
5. Jacobsen, B. K., Knutsen, S. F., Oda, K., & Fraser, G. E. (2012). Obesity at age 20 and the risk of miscarriages, irregular periods and reported problems of becoming pregnant: the Adventist Health Study-2. European journal of epidemiology, 27(12), 923-931.
6. Cao, G. S., Liu, R. Q., Liu, Y. Y., Liu, J. W., Li, L. P., Zhang, Q., … & Li, T. X. (2018). Menstruation recovery in scar pregnancy patients undergoing UAE and curettage and its influencing factors. Medicine, 97(11).
Hi I had my C-section last September 2017 and my first menstruation occurs on December.. 2nd one was on January but I was delayed 8 days… On February I was delayed 5 days and on march i was delayed 2 days, but this april menstruation isn’t coming yet i’m 8 days delayed already… We had sex with my husband thiese days but only (withdrawal) 2 days before my expected menstruation we had sex again but we let go through… Sooo right now I was wondering if what causes the delayed of my mens this time… I already had a PT last day but its still negative… Is this normal to have irregularities on my period after C-section?
Hi Mai, congratulations on your little one! It can be normal that your body is getting back into the swing of things. Are you nursing, if so that could cause changes with your cycle. In addition to that if you had unprotected sex during your fertile period you could become pregnant. While the withdrawal method is someone what okay when you are very aware of your cycle, if you aren’t it’s a recipe for getting pregnant again. Your body however could still be regulating after having a baby. Also consider if you had a regular cycle prior to getting pregnant as well.
Had my c-section last Jan 13. My first period was Mar3. Then had sex mar 25(withdrawal method) by mar 28 had my polyp remove. By apr 1 I had brown mucus discharge. Still doesn’t have my period 1 week after the discharge.
Hi Bell, do you mean January of this year? Are you nursing? Because that could the reason for not having a period. As far as if you ren’t, it could be that your body is still healing from surgery.
Hi,
I had my C section Jan.7 and had my 1st period March 2 and had my 2nd period March 31 but had a light bleeding for 2 days and spotting for 4 days is this normal?
Hi Haejin, yes it can be normal. Getting your period after pregnancy can take a few months to get back into it’s regular schedule. If you however are not trying to get pregnant, ensure that you are using some form of protection.
Hello I had cs last year September I lost d baby but my period was normal at first but few months back my period stared having changes I get period cramps two weeks before my period starts and I get a lot of back pain and side pain on both side will all dis affect my chances of conceiving cos am 7months gone now and want to start trying to conceive again
Hi Merah, you could start trying at this point. I would recommend tracking your periods, and see what your cycle is. If you are having significant pain with your period I would recommend making an appointment just to check everything else out. Good luck.
Hi guys, I had a c-section almost 10 months ago and still not seen my period. My daughter has always been on combination feeding and now she’s into solids, formulae and sometimes nurses. I went to the gynae and they did a thyroid function test which they said showed everything was okay…I’m constantly cramping like a period is about to start but still nothing. What do you think might be going on?
Hi Jessica, some women get their periods earlier than others after they have a baby. When nursing, you generally don’t get a period (although it’s possible). The cramps you feel could be your body just getting ready to get your period and starting to ovulate. I would give it some more time, ones you completely wean from nursing your period will most likely make her appearance.
Hey Daniela,
Thank you for your response.
Weirdly enough, 2 days after I posted that question my period showed up! After almost 20 months with pregnant 9 months and all!
Haven’t been this excited to see a period in years…lol!
Thank you once again!
Hello, I had a c section on February 23rd 2018, I was breastfeeding but also pumping more. Stopped pumping like on my 4th week and started to have sex on my 4th week. I stopped bleeding on my 2-3rd week. I just started a heavy bleeding on my 5th week. Would that be my period ? Very heavy flow and that’s not normal for me. Constantly having to change pads.. Would everything sound normal? Or should I see a doctor ?
Hi Karen, it could be normal. Honestly that first period after pregnancy can be an absolute nightmare and completely different than what you are used too and it can take a few cycles to get back to normal. So yes it can be normal. I know my first after was terrible and I thought I was dying, but I’m still here. Good luck getting through it and know that you should be back to normal soon.
I had my babay 23rd of April 2017 through c section afterward. I had my period 2months after and ever since November I haven’t gotten my period till date and I have done a urine test using pregnancy kit it’s all negative I’ve been having unprotected sex
Hi Nifemi, if you have’t gotten your period, since last year, and aren’t breastfeeding plus having unprotected sex, I would contact your doctor. You are either not ovulating, or you are pregnant.
my wife didnt get any period after her cs delivery until now. She is breastfeeding. please reply me. she give birth cs 15th December,2017 until now march 2018, no period happens.
Hi Abdul, is she exclusively breastfeeding? If so, that is completely normal. Many women don’t get a period until they start weaning or reducing the amount they are nursing.
Hi I a had c section on feb 5 and I am a breast feeding, after my c section deliver I bled for almost and I started bleeding on march 25 its a heavy bleeding is that okay? Please help me..
Hello Jhoy, yes you will bleed after a c-section but heavy bleeding should not persist for months.
I gave birth via c section on 19 dec 2017 and haven’t stopped bleeding since then.. had ultrasound it was all okay my doc said it’s irregular period cox of hormones n gave me d gest tablets.. am taking my medicine but I’m still spotting n sometimes bleeding..is it normal ?? I am very scared…
Hello Nadia, if this persists please see another doctor and get a second opinion and further tests done.
my wife didnt get any menstruation after her cs delivery until now. She is breastfeeding. is it normal? please reply …..she give birth cs jan,2017 until now march 2018, no mentruation happens.
Hi Renante, yes this is very normal. A lot of women who are breastfeeding don’t get a period until they are done breastfeeding, especially with exclusive breastfeeding. Once she starts weaning or if she starts supplementing or using formula, whatever the case may be, she will most likely see her period again.
is it possible that she will get pregnant even if she don’t experiencing menstruation?
Hi Renante, she can, but only once she starts ovulating again. And you ovulate before you get your period. If you are trying to prevent it, I would use some sort of protection or she can even get a form of birth control at this point (if you use birth control). Otherwise becuase she won’t know when she will start ovulating it’s better to be cautious. It’s a common misconception that you can’t get pregnant while breastfeeding but it is indeed possible.
ah thank you, one last question, what would be the appropriate timeline after having a CS to be pregnant again,is there any circumstance if she will get pregnant even 1 year after CS?
Hi Renante, you are a very attetive and caring husband. You want to let her body heal as well as possible so it isn’t recommended before six months getting pregnant again (while if you wanted to you could but to be completely healed six months is a good start), a year is great.
okay, thank you so much, this is a great conversation with you, i know now what are those action Im going to prefer handling a CS wife, once again thank you,,
Hi,
I had c section on dec16th then got my first period on jan16 and second period on feb 14th.3rd period not yet started. Is it possible to delay? Or have to consult doctor?
Hi Trisha, if you aren’t breastfeeding, generally you wouldn’t be missing a period if you were already always normal. Could you be pregnan? I would check that out first.
Hi,
I got my c section done on 19 th jan..bleeding stopped by jan 30..again started to get heavy bleeding by feb 28 which lasted for 4 days then it got reduced and stopped in next 4 days..is this my periods or post portum bleeding?
Hi Chitra, if you are not breast feeding you could have seen your period that soon as 6-8 weeks after your c-section, so this could be your normal period, but it could take a few cycles to get back to a regular period.
i gave birth last oct.2017 then got my first period last jan.18 and second last feb.13 then now i have a menstuation but the blood is just like a brown spot not like my menstruation last january and february .. is that normal ?
Hi Mikee, is there a chance you could be pregnant again? I would recommend if it was light spotting to take a pregnancy test about 5 days after your missed period.
My wife had a CS last November 16th to be precise, she saw her menses in December and January but February she saw a little drop the first she was expecting it and another drop the next day. She is doing exclusive breast feeding, is it normal?
Hi Sunday, If she is breastfeeding, most don’t see their periods that soon, but some do. If you are having unprotected sex she could also be pregnant, has she taken a test?
I had a c-section on the 26th of October, with a baby girl, and this is making it the 3rd time with c-section and I have not heard my period for 4months now, please is it normal or should I call my doctor
Hi Silver, are you breastfeeding? A lot of women while breastfeeding don’t get their period until at least they are done with that. But don’t mistake that for not ovulating if you are not trying to get pregnant.