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Pregnancy is almost long enough for you to forget what having a period feels like. But rest assured, the first period postpartum will swoop in to remind you—potentially with a vengeance.
Over the course of nine long months, pregnancy will introduce plenty of new anxieties (though, don't worry, there's probably a pregnancy app for that). One plus for many pregnant people, however, is the nearly yearlong hiatus from having to worry about birth control side effects or stocking up on pricey period products. In all the excitement leading up to labor and delivery, it's understandable why you might not be thinking about postpartum bleeding, but knowing what to expect from the first period postpartum—including what's normal and what's cause for concern—can help make those first weeks of new parenthood much smoother.
Here's everything you need to know about what to expect immediately after delivery and when your regular cycle will likely return.
We asked the experts who would know best.
Postpartum bleeding vs. the first postpartum period
Whether you give birth vaginally or via C-section, prepare for a significant amount of bleeding in the days and weeks after delivery. Known as lochia, this postbirth vaginal discharge is not the same as the return of your regular cycle. “This bleeding contains not only blood but pieces of your uterine lining, white blood cells, and mucus to start shedding and restoring your uterine lining,” says Jessica Shepherd, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn and chief medical officer at Verywell Health. “Women may also notice blood clots but shouldn’t be alarmed. These are more likely in the beginning and will stop as well after a few days.”
There's no way to sugarcoat it: Lochia lasts a long time. Four to six weeks of bleeding and discharge after birth is common. For the first few days, you can expect bright or dark red blood and some small clots. This will likely look like an extremely heavy period, where you can expect to soak a thick pad every two to three hours, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Expect period-like cramping.
Over time the discharge will look less like blood and more like mucus, says Dr. Shepherd: “The color should change as your body starts to heal.” In the second stage of lochia, which lasts anywhere from 4 to 12 days, your flow will be pinkish brown in color and any clots should disappear. If the heavy bleeding doesn't begin to subside after several days, check in with your physician. “It is important to discuss any heavy or prolonged bleeding with your doctor,” she says.
Finally, you'll enter the third stage of postpartum bleeding, which actually doesn't contain much blood at all. Lochia alba lasts anywhere from 12 days to six weeks and is characterized by yellowish white discharge.
Can I use a tampon after giving birth?
“Women should avoid using tampons until at least their six-week check-in after labor,” says Dr. Shepherd. Pads or postpartum diapers are your best bet for dealing with lochia.
When will my regular period return after giving birth?
You can expect your normal period to return within six to eight weeks postpartum, says Dr. Shepherd. (So essentially just after lochia ends.) If you're breastfeeding, your menstrual cycle may not return for a year or more, depending on how long you breastfeed. “This is because the hormone that causes you to make milk keeps you from ovulating and having your period,” she explains.
