During your pregnancy your body undergoes severe changes. At times you feel funny about them. But mostly the changes are frustrating. The entire pregnancy experience followed by the labor and the eventual delivery is a journey that you can never anticipate beforehand. Like every other thing, the first time you have periods after your pregnancy is also something special. The first post-delivery period or also known as the postpartum period will take you back to the days of having your first period. You will be expecting it and the more it delays the more anxious you might get.

Dodging past the social taboos, this article here is here to talk about the necessary changes that happen after pregnancy and what are the important things you must know about the postpartum period.

11 Facts About Your First Postpartum Period

1. It will be a Welcome Relief

Once it happens finally it will make you happy for sure. It is an indication that life is coming to normal now and you can slowly find the old bodily functions which you enjoyed before getting pregnant. Amidst the stresses of the early days of child birth, this will come as good news to you. It might cause some severe pain and nausea but nonetheless there is no need to get alarmed.

2. Helps You to Continue Breastfeeding

The postpartum period will indicate that your body functions are getting normal. Sometimes breastfeeding delays the possibility of a period and stops you from become fertile again. However, once the first period, after delivery, occurs the tension of remaining infertile goes. This indicates that you are fertile again, and you can carry on breastfeeding like before. Remember the physical complexities are different for different women. If you are carrying on with breastfeeding them do not pause it in between, whilst waiting for your postpartum period. Consult your gynecologist and take a decision.

3. Blood Clotting is Normal in the Beginning

There is a high chance that your period will be heavier than before, when it happens for the first time after pregnancy. You can witness blood spots in your period. There is nothing to get alarmed. However, if the blood clots continue even after one week, then you must definitely consult your doctor.

4. You can get Pregnant before your Postpartum Period

Though the chances are slim, research suggests that you can get pregnant before the first period after pregnancy. That is why you should be cautious whilst making love with your husband or partner. Use birth control. In case you are breastfeeding you should try your hands at estrogen-free birth control options.

5. Your Cycle Might Alter

Your first postpartum period is always a sign that your body is coming back to its normal self. But getting back to the pre-pregnancy orders is bit more challenging. Your period will be irregular and the cycle will change. But like all other things, you need to be patient till your body comes back to the rhythm of its own. Since you are already undergoing so much stress purchasing comfortable period underwear can be a good ploy.

6. Periods will be Heavy

Don’t get shocked if your first postpartum period is heavier than you anticipate. It is scary. But don’t get too nervous as it is normal. So you don’t need to worry. However, if it continues for a week, then you must consult your doctor. Also check whether it hurts too much. That is also not a good sign.

7. Better to Avoid Tampons

Though the choice between tampons or pads or in some cases menstrual cups is personal but during the first period post-pregnancy it is wise not to insert anything inside your lady part. This is due to the fact that your vagina is not totally healed from the injuries it has sustained during the labor and the delivery. For that reason it is important that when you are experiencing your first postpartum period it better to use something which your body can withstand.

8. Spotting Will be More

Again don’t panic if spotting occurs on a regular basis. As your body is currently undergoing lots of changes spotting is normal. It is your body’s combative mechanism for cleaning up the remains of the labor and the actual delivery of your child. But you must check how often the spotting occurs. Also how heavy it is. Anything unusual should be reported to the doctor.

9. Sometimes Cramps Can get Bad

It is very usual to feel enormous cramps during your first postpartum period. Sometimes the period cramps get more intense once you have become a mother.

10. Sometimes Cramps get Lighter

Some women do not even feel much cramp. So don’t worry if your period does not cause much cramp. It is also perfectly normal. Cramp or no cramp, the first postpartum period is always a good sign.

11. Some Signs will be Worrying

Do not take things causally if you sense that something is not right. Despite the heavy periods and the regular spotting there are few things that will indicate that your postpartum period is not right. Some of the typical signs of things going wrong are bleeding that soaks off an entire sanitary pad, bright red bleeding continuing for four days from the first day of period and blood clots which are bigger than the size of a golf ball. If anything like this occurs you should consult your doctor on an immediate basis.

The journey of pregnancy is both enjoyable as well as exhausting. Your first period after pregnancy is always an occasion to remember. But make sure that you are having the right kind of postpartum period. Consult your doctor if anything goes wrong.