One of the most common issues on women’s health is menstrual cycle after pregnancy. Actually the menstrual cycle may go in different variations after childbirth, due to the changes happening in the body. These changes are normal and natural; they are different in all women, owing their hormonal composition, breast feeding, physical attributes, and other factors.

In many cases menstrual cycle after pregnancy can become irregular and erratic. The periods can be delayed by five or six months. Irregular menstrual cycle may take place for several months after pregnancy. Some women can experience heavy menstrual periods after pregnancy. It happens as the body needs some time to return to the usual functioning. PMS and menstrual cramps may precede menstrual cycle after pregnancy in some cases. In some time this generally gets rectified.

It might be hard to handle the first menstrual cycle after pregnancy. Due to the fact that the body has gone through many changes, the first menstrual cycle after pregnancy can be rather uncomfortable and painful. Women may also have PMS together with dizziness and vomiting. Lochia is often mistaken for the menstrual cycle after pregnancy but it happens right after childbirth and usually consists of the blood with tissues and mucus which lined the uterus. The lochia can be discharged for about one or two weeks.

Breastfeeding is the main factor influencing menstrual cycle after pregnancy. As the breastfeeding phenomena are new to the body, it may delay the periods in an attempt to adjust to the new condition. In case of regular nursing, the periods may not come you till you stop breastfeeding. However this is not true for each case. In fact, when a woman is nursing, the pituitary gland releases prolactin, a hormone that suppresses ovulation. This prevents pregnancy. Prolactin can cause the irregularity of menstrual cycle after pregnancy. Those who use bottle feeding together with breast feeding may have menstrual cycles 4 months after pregnancy. If a woman is bottle feeding her baby, the periods may be back in a month.

How to regularize menstrual cycle after childbirth

Though the body functions normally just in a couple of months after pregnancy, there are cases when women can have problems in getting the periods back to the normal regime. There are several ways to regularize the menstrual cycle after pregnancy. Diet and exercise are main factors on the way back to normal menstrual cycles. Mild exercising and a balanced diet rich on vegetables, fruit juices and important nutrients are what you need. You should drink plenty of water during the day. Stay away from alcohol consumption, smoking, and junk food. Avoid stress and have enough rest.

If you have difficulties with menstrual cycle after pregnancy, you should consult your doctor. Anyway you shouldn’t worry about the periods after pregnancy. Enjoy your motherhood!