If you've just had a baby [1], getting your period again might be the last thing on your mind. But if you are thinking about it, you might be asking yourself questions like: when will it come? Will it be different now than it was before I had a baby? How long will it last? Will it be really heavy [2]? Painful? What else do I need to know? There are so many questions you probably have, and a few answers you really, really hope to hear. To save you time and energy, we chatted with a few experts about all of it and more, so keep reading for everything you need to know if you were recently pregnant [3] and are awaiting your first period.
Breastfeeding Matters
Breastfeeding can make your period a little mysterious. "Some women get it after about six to eight weeks, and some women don't see their menses until a couple of months after they're done breastfeeding, which could be up to six months," OB/GYN Dr. Natasha Chinn, MD, FACOG [5] of Brescia and Migliaccio, tells POPSUGAR. When you breastfeed, prolactin increases [6] and can inhibit your flow. The levels do vary, though, based on the woman, but "usually the flow is lighter and may not come as frequently. The [higher] levels decrease flow," she explains.
You Can Have Sex
Yes, you can totally have sex during your period [7] after being pregnant. "If you're prone to menstrual cramps and cyst formation during the times of your period, certain positions may be more painful during this time, but it's not dangerous," says Chinn. Your best bet is woman on top or reverse cowgirl, because you have more control over the motion. "Missionary might be more painful because your partner [has more] control over the angle and speed," she says.
It'll Be Similar to Your Normal Period
While the return of your first period might be variable, typically the type of period you get will resemble the cycle you always had before conceiving, Dr. Karen Brodman, MD, [8] an OB/GYN in New York, tells POPSUGAR. So, if your period was heavy before, it'll likely be heavy again.
It'll Come After Ovulation
"Low estrogen and ovulation stops due to high prolactin," Brodman explains. "This essentially prevents ovulation, which is practical: new moms need to care for their babies and allow space between pregnancies. There's no sure way to know exactly when you'll start to ovulate again, so don't rely on nursing as contraception." That means you can get pregnant on your period, so use protection. Once ovulation occurs, your period will come two weeks later (unless you didn't use contraception and conceived), she says.
It'll Be Your "Normal" Cycle Not on Birth Control
Symptoms will be normal based on your cycle, as it was before being on birth control. "Keep in mind — if you were on birth control pills most of your life, you may not be used to your 'natural' cycle. Pills make periods lighter, give you fewer cramps, and help with acne," Brodman says. So if you aren't going back on it after pregnancy, it might be heavier, you may have more cramps, and there could be an increase in acne. However, this is based on the individual and what the period was like prior to birth control.