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Published on: 3/5/2025

Is It Common to Have Irregular Periods After Giving Birth?

Yes, it is common for periods to be irregular after giving birth as your body adjusts and hormones change.

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Explanation

After you have a baby, many women notice that their periods don’t come as regularly as before. This is normal because your body is busy changing and healing. Hormones are very important for how your body works, and childbirth changes your hormone levels. If you are breastfeeding, your body produces a hormone called prolactin, which can also affect your cycle and may make your periods come later or less often. Even if you are not breastfeeding, it can take some time for your body to settle back into its normal rhythm. Your periods might be light, heavy, or even skipped for a little while. This change can happen slowly over several months. If you have any concerns or if your periods remain very irregular for a long time, it is a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. They can check your hormones and make sure your body is recovering well from childbirth.

(References)

  • Sharman A. Menstruation after childbirth. J Obstet Gynaecol Br Emp. 1951;58:440-5. PMID: 12255260.

  • McNeilly AS, Howie PW, Houston MJ, Cook A, Boyle H. Fertility after childbirth: adequacy of post-partum luteal phases. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1982 Dec;17(6):609-15. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1982.tb01634.x. PMID: 7165971.

  • Romano M, Cacciatore A, Giordano R, La Rosa B. Postpartum period: three distinct but continuous phases. J Prenat Med. 2010 Apr;4(2):22-5. PMID: 22439056; PMCID: PMC3279173.

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