The menstrual cycle is one of the manifestations of a complex biological process in a woman’s body, which is characterized by cyclic changes in the function of not only the reproductive (reproductive) system, but also the cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine and other body systems.

More specifically, menstrual cycle- this is the period of time from the first day of one to the first day of the next menstruation. The length of the menstrual cycle varies among women, but on average ranges from 21 to 35 days. It is important that the duration of a woman’s menstrual cycle is always approximately the same - such a cycle is considered regular.

Each normal menstrual cycle prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy and consists of several phases:

During first phase The ovaries produce the hormone estrogen, which promotes swelling of the inner layer of the uterus, and the follicle (the vesicle in which the egg is located) matures in the ovaries. Then ovulation occurs - the mature follicle bursts and the egg is released into the abdominal cavity.

In second phase the egg begins to move along fallopian tubes into the uterus, ready for fertilization. This process lasts on average three days; if fertilization does not occur during this time, the egg dies. In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the ovaries predominantly produce the hormone progesterone, due to which the endometrium (inner layer of the uterus) prepares to receive a fertilized egg.

If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium begins to be rejected, which occurs due to sharp decline progesterone production. Bleeding begins - menstruation. Menstruation is bloody discharge from a woman's genital tract, the first day of which marks the beginning of a new menstrual cycle. Normal menstruation lasts 3-7 days and during this process 50-150 ml of blood is lost.

During pregnancy, the expectant mother's body undergoes changes associated with hormonal changes, which are aimed at maintaining pregnancy, which causes physiological amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

The sequence of restoration of menstrual function

After the birth of a child, the work of all endocrine glands, as well as all other organs and systems, returns to its pre-pregnancy state. These important changes begin from the moment the placenta is expelled and last approximately 6-8 weeks. During this time, important physiological processes occur in a woman’s body: almost all changes that occur in connection with pregnancy and childbirth in the genitals, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular and other systems undergo; the formation and flourishing of the function of the mammary glands occurs, which is necessary for breastfeeding.

The normal menstrual cycle is a coordinated mechanism of the ovaries and uterus, so the process of restoring the functioning of these organs is inseparable from each other. The process of involution (reverse development) of the uterus occurs quickly. As a result of contractile muscle activity, the size of the uterus decreases. During the first 10-12 days after birth, the fundus of the uterus drops approximately 1 cm daily. By the end of the 6-8th week after birth, the size of the uterus corresponds to the size of a non-pregnant uterus (in nursing women it may be even smaller). Thus, the weight of the uterus by the end of the first week decreases by more than half (350-400 g), and by the end postpartum period is 50-60 g. The internal os and the cervical canal also form quickly. By the 10th day after birth, the canal is completely formed, but the external pharynx is still passable for the tip of the finger. The closure of the external pharynx is completed completely in the 3rd week after birth, and it acquires a slit-like shape (before birth, the cervical canal has a cylindrical shape).

The speed of involution may depend on a number of reasons: general condition, the woman’s age, characteristics of pregnancy and childbirth, breastfeeding, etc. Involution can be slowed down in the following cases:

• in weakened women who have given birth many times,
• in primigravidas over 30 years of age,
• after pathological childbirth,
• at wrong mode in the postpartum period.

After the separation of the placenta and the birth of the placenta, the uterine mucosa is the wound surface. Restoration of the inner surface of the uterus usually ends by 9-10 days, restoration of the uterine mucosa - at 6-7 weeks, and in the area of ​​the placental area - at 8 weeks after birth. During the healing process of the inner surface of the uterus, postpartum discharge - lochia - appears. Their character changes during the postpartum period. The nature of lochia during the postpartum period changes in accordance with the processes of cleansing and healing of the inner surface of the uterus:

• in the first days of lochia along with decaying particles inner shell the uterus contains a significant admixture of blood;
• from the 3-4th day, lochia acquires the character of a serous-sucrose fluid - pinkish-yellowish;
• by the 10th day, the lochia become light, liquid, without any admixture of blood, their number gradually decreases;
• from the 3rd week they become scanty (contain an admixture of mucus from the cervical canal);
• at 5-6 weeks, discharge from the uterus stops.

The total number of lochia in the first 8 days of the postpartum period reaches 500-1400 g, they have a specific smell of rotten leaves.

With slow reverse development of the uterus, the release of lochia is delayed, and the admixture of blood lasts longer. When the internal pharynx is blocked by a blood clot or as a result of a bend in the uterus, an accumulation of lochia may occur in the uterine cavity - lochiometer. The blood accumulated in the uterus serves as a breeding ground for the development of microbes; this condition requires treatment - application medications, contracting the uterus or, at the same time, also washing the uterine cavity.

In the postpartum period, the ovaries also undergo significant changes. Reverse development ends corpus luteum- a gland that existed in the ovary during pregnancy at the site of the egg released into abdominal cavity, which was then fertilized in the tube. Hormonal function The ovaries are restored completely, and the maturation of follicles - vesicles containing eggs - begins again, i.e. the normal menstrual cycle is restored.

Time frame for the restoration of the menstrual cycle

Most non-breastfeeding women begin menstruation 6-8 weeks after giving birth. Breastfeeding women generally do not menstruate for several months or during the entire period of breastfeeding, although in some of them menstrual function resumes soon after the end of the postpartum period, that is, 6-8 weeks after birth. Here you should not look for either a norm or a pathology, since the timing of the restoration of the menstrual cycle after childbirth is individual for each woman. This is usually associated with lactation. The fact is that after childbirth, a woman’s body produces the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production in the female body. At the same time, prolactin suppresses the formation of hormones in the ovaries, and, therefore, prevents the maturation of the egg and ovulation - the release of the egg from the ovary.

If the baby is entirely breastfed, that is, eats only breast milk, then his mother’s menstrual cycle is often restored after the start of complementary feeding. If the child is on mixed feeding, that is, in addition to breast milk If the baby's diet includes mixtures, the menstrual cycle is restored after 3-4 months. With artificial feeding, when the baby receives only formula milk, menstruation is restored, as a rule, by the second month after birth.

First menstruation after childbirth

The first menstruation after childbirth is often “anovulatory”: the follicle (the vesicle in which the egg is located) matures, but ovulation—the release of the egg from the ovary—does not occur. The follicle undergoes reverse development, and at this time the disintegration and rejection of the uterine mucosa begins - menstrual bleeding. Subsequently, the ovulation process resumes and menstrual function is completely restored. However, ovulation and pregnancy may occur during the first months after birth.

The restoration of menstrual function is influenced by many factors, such as:

• the course of pregnancy and complications of childbirth,
• woman’s age, proper and nutritious nutrition,
• adherence to sleep and rest patterns,
• presence of chronic diseases,
• neuropsychic state and many other factors.

Possible complications after childbirth

What problems do young mothers face when restoring menstrual function?

Regularity of the menstrual cycle: after childbirth, menstruation may immediately become regular, but it may take 4-6 months to establish itself, that is, during this period, the intervals between them may vary somewhat, differing from each other by more than 3 days. But, if 4-6 months after the first postpartum menstruation the cycle remains irregular, then this is a reason to consult a doctor.

Duration of menstrual periodcycle may change after childbirth. So, if before childbirth the cycle was 21 or 31 days, then there is a high probability that after childbirth its duration will become average, for example 25 days.

Duration of menstruation that is, bleeding should last 3-5 days. Too short (1-2 days) and, especially, too long periods can be evidence of some pathology - uterine fibroids (benign tumor), endometriosis - a disease in which the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium, grows in uncharacteristic places.

Volumemenstrualdischarge may be 50-150 ml, too small as well as too a large number of menstrual blood may also be evidence of gynecological diseases. Although in the first few months after the first postpartum menstruation there may be some deviations, they should still correspond to the physiological norm: for example, on the heaviest days, one medium pad should be enough for 4-5 hours.

Long lasting spottingbloody issues at the beginning or end of menstruation are also a reason to consult a doctor, since most often they indicate the presence of endometriosis, inflammatory diseases- endometritis (inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus), etc.

Sometimes Menstruation is accompanied by pain. They can be caused by the general immaturity of the body, psychological characteristics, concomitant inflammatory processes that arise after childbirth, and strong muscle contractions of the walls of the uterus. If painful sensations are such that they bother a woman during menstruation, force her to repeatedly take painkillers, antispasmodics, violate normal rhythm life, this state is called algomenorrhea and requires consultation with a doctor.

Although often after childbirth the opposite happens, that is, if before pregnancy menstruation was painful, then after childbirth they pass easily and without pain. This is due to the fact that pain can be caused by a certain position of the uterus - a backward bend of the uterus; after childbirth, the uterus acquires a normal position.

Often during menstruation chronic inflammatory diseases worsen- endometritis (inflammation of the uterus), salpingoophoritis (inflammation of the appendages). In this case, significant pain appears in the lower abdomen, the discharge can become very abundant, with an unpleasant, uncharacteristic odor. You should especially monitor the presence or absence of these symptoms if inflammatory complications were observed after childbirth.

Some women complain about the so-called premenstrual syndrome. This is a condition that is manifested not just by irritability, bad mood or a tendency to cry, but by a whole complex of symptoms. Among them: engorgement and tenderness of the breast, headache, fluid retention in the body and swelling, joint pain, allergic manifestations, distracted attention, insomnia.

There are many theories regarding the reasons for the development of premenstrual syndrome, but there is no single reason underlying it, and therefore there is no specific drug that would cure it completely. If a woman is concerned about such symptoms, she should consult a doctor who will prescribe appropriate treatment.

After childbirth, especially complicated ones (bleeding, severe gestosis with severe swelling, significant increase blood pressure, up to the development of convulsive syndrome, the so-called eclampsia), ovarian dysfunction may occur, which is associated with a violation central regulation- regulation of the production of pituitary hormones (an endocrine gland located in the brain). In this case, the development of eggs in the ovaries is disrupted, hormonal changes occur and, as a result, menstruation is disrupted in the form of delays, which can be replaced by bleeding. With such manifestations, you should definitely seek the help of specialists.

It is important for a young mother to know that pregnancy can occur even in the absence of normal menstruation. This happens because ovulation begins on average two weeks earlier than your period. Therefore, in order not to be faced with the fact of an unplanned pregnancy, it is necessary to discuss contraception issues at the first appointment with a doctor after childbirth or consult about this before giving birth.

Restoring menstrual function after cesarean section

Complicated labor can also lead to various violations menstruation In this regard, I would especially like to note the features of the restoration of menstrual function in women after caesarean section. Their menstruation usually occurs at the same time as after normal childbirth. However, with complications in the postoperative period, menstrual function may not be restored for a long time due to more long period involution of the uterus due to the presence of a suture, as well as a longer process of normalization of ovarian function during infectious complications. Most likely, in this case, you will need to consult a gynecologist who will select the necessary therapy.

After the birth of a baby, a young mother’s load on the endocrine and nervous system increases. When breastfeeding, the need for vitamins, minerals and microelements increases, which a woman needs for the proper functioning of the ovaries and their production of hormones. If they are deficient, problems such as scanty or painful menstruation. Therefore, women after childbirth are recommended to take multivitamins with a complex of microelements for nursing mothers and a nutritious diet, including dairy products, meat, vegetables and fruits.

In addition, caring for a newborn takes a lot of effort and time from a young mother, and it must be remembered that the lack of a full night’s sleep and lack of sleep can lead to increased fatigue, weakness, and sometimes even depression, which also negatively affects the development of menstrual function; In this connection, it is necessary to create your own regime so that the young mother has time to rest during the day, and, if possible, save night time for proper rest.

As mentioned above, the presence of chronic diseases can also negatively affect the development of menstrual function, especially diseases of the endocrine system (thyroid gland, diabetes mellitus and etc.). Therefore, in the postpartum period, it is necessary to correct these diseases together with specialists, which will avoid menstrual irregularities.

In conclusion, I would like to note that restoration of normal menstrual function after childbirth is one of the main conditions for a woman’s future health. Therefore, any problems associated with its violations should be resolved together with a doctor.

Irregular menstruation or complete absence after the birth of a child is one of the most exciting topics for new mothers. This is not surprising, because the regularity of the menstrual cycle is one of the most important indicators women's health. However, we should not forget that during pregnancy, childbirth and lactation, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes, which cannot but affect all the processes occurring in it.

Postpartum period and resumption of the regular menstrual cycle

The postpartum recovery period lasts on average from 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the uterus contracts to normal sizes and restores its epithelium damaged during childbirth. Remains of blood and membranes come out in the form of the so-called. lochia. Menstruation returns only after it ends recovery period.

The speed of recovery of the menstrual cycle depends on many indicators:

• how big hormonal imbalance mothers after pregnancy;
• how the pregnancy proceeded and whether there were any complications during childbirth;
• the general physical and psychological state of the mother;
• whether the baby is on natural, mixed or artificial feeding;
• what chronic diseases mother suffers;
• how well she eats and rests, etc.

If for some reason a woman does not breastfeed her baby, her cycle is restored much faster than that of lactating mothers. Already 2–3 months after the birth of the baby, the first menstrual flow begins. Sometimes the process begins much faster: a month after birth.

If the baby is bottle-fed, the mother's cycle recovers much faster than for mothers who breastfeed. Usually this happens almost immediately after the completion of the recovery period - 2–3 months after childbirth. However, there are cases when menstruation began a month after childbirth.

As a rule, after the resumption of menstruation, the cycle may remain irregular for up to six months - the body needs time to recover normal work all systems. However, if after this period the length of the cycle fluctuates by more than 4-5 days, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

After the birth of a child, the menstrual cycle may change significantly: it may become shorter or longer, painful, or, conversely, it will flow easier. Women who have never experienced mood swings may experience irritability and tearfulness on certain days of the cycle.

A normal menstrual cycle can last from 21 to 35 days, that is, plus or minus a week from the average of 28 days. The duration of menstruation itself can normally range from 2 to 6 days, and the volume of blood lost should be no more than 80 ml.

Dmitry Lubnin

http://www.sovetginekologa.ru/helpful/menstruacii

The resumption of menstrual regularity after the birth of a child is a sign that female body has completely restored its reproductive function and is again ready to bear a baby.

Menstrual cycle during lactation

Breastfeeding has a huge impact on the monthly cycle. The hormone prolactin is responsible for successful lactation, which suppresses ovarian function, making ovulation difficult, if not completely impossible. This is how nature makes sure that a new pregnancy does not occur, and the mother is able to fully feed her newborn child. It follows from this that it is possible that menstruation will resume only after breastfeeding is completed.

This condition is called lactational amenorrhea. Postpartum amenorrhea during breastfeeding can last for two to three years. The duration of amenorrhea in nursing mothers may correspond to different periods, but in any case, the absence of menstruation is considered as physiological disorder

(that is, disorders that are non-painful and normal for the body within its natural state).

http://simptomer.ru/bolezni/zhenskie-zabolevaniya/302-amenoreya-simptomy#header5

During breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin is released, which suppresses ovulation. About three months after giving birth, when I was completely accustomed to the role of a mother, and life was gradually returning to normal, I began to worry that my periods were still not coming. Before giving birth, I never had any problems with my cycle, so the absence of even a hint of an approaching period really puzzled me. Since my doctor couldn't say anything concrete about this, I went to one of the parenting forums and learned that as long as I was breastfeeding, almost any cycle or lack thereof would be considered normal (assuming no severe pain

, discomfort, suspicious discharge, temperature, etc.). I won’t say that this calmed me down very much, but I had a lot of worries with the baby and I simply didn’t have the strength to seriously worry about this. I took the information into account and plunged headlong into everyday chores. I breastfed for a year and nine months and never had a period during that time. Three weeks after weaning my son, my cycle returned. It became shorter by two days, but there were no problems with regularity.

Quite often the cycle begins to recover when the baby reaches about six months of age. It is at this time that children who were exclusively breastfed begin to be introduced to complementary foods, the need for milk decreases and less prolactin is produced.

Not regular cycle during breastfeeding (breastfeeding) will be more the norm than a pathology. The duration of periods can fluctuate within a few days, sometimes menstruation may not occur at all, and then return again in the next period. The discharge may differ from prenatal and be very slight (“smeared”). The cycle can be constant for a certain time, and then begin to change again. But if significant fluctuations (up to 5 days) continue after the end of the lactation period, you need to see a doctor.

Reasons for prolonged absence of menstruation after breastfeeding

It is unlikely that anyone will be able to accurately answer the question of when your regular cycle will be restored after weaning your baby. Menstruation is a multi-level process that involves all systems of your body. And if any of them have still not returned to normal after pregnancy and breastfeeding, this will certainly affect the cycle. In 80% of women, their first menstruation begins within 6 weeks after completion of breastfeeding. Experts recommend consulting a doctor if menstruation still has not returned three months after weaning your baby.

Consultation is also necessary if, after the third or fourth cycle, menstruation lasts less than 3 or more than 5 days, the discharge is very scanty (less than 50 ml) or there are large clots in it.

A long delay in menstruation after cessation of lactation can be caused by a number of serious reasons:

• in which the release of estrogen is insufficient;
• cystic changes in the ovaries;
• infectious diseases;
• general exhaustion of the body;
• tumors in the uterus and ovaries;
• inflammatory processes of the genital organs.

However, first of all, you need to exclude the possibility of a new pregnancy. It is important not to forget that fertilization occurs during ovulation, which on average occurs 2 weeks before the start of menstruation. Therefore, regardless of whether your menstrual cycle has returned and how regular it is, use protection if you are not ready for a new pregnancy.

In case of prolonged absence of menstruation, the first thing to do is to exclude the possibility of a new pregnancy.

If the pregnancy test is negative and your period does not start, go to the doctor as soon as possible.

How to improve your menstrual cycle after childbirth

No matter how trite it sounds, try to eat nutritiously: eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains. A balanced diet combined with sufficient fluids will help bring your hormonal levels back to normal faster. Get as much rest as possible and spend time fresh air. Light physical activity will also have a beneficial effect on your physical and psychological state.

Stop taking hormonal contraceptives - they can increase hormonal imbalance. Until your cycle is restored, opt for condoms.

Traditional methods of restoring the menstrual cycle

If disruptions in the menstrual cycle are not caused by serious pathologies, you can try to normalize it with the help of folk remedies.

1. Melissa has long been considered a “female” plant and often has many useful properties. It relieves spasms and pain, has a positive effect on lactation, cleanses the intestines and normalizes sleep. The phytoestrogens contained in the herb will help restore hormone levels and regulate the menstrual cycle. To prepare the infusion, pour one tablespoon of dry or fresh herbs into a glass hot water(not boiling water!) and leave for half an hour. Drink warm. Since lemon balm has sedative properties, it is better to take this infusion before bed and, preferably, an hour or two after meals. Drinks with lemon balm are not recommended for women with low blood pressure.
   

   Melissa has long been considered a “feminine” herb.

2. Royal jelly (or white honey) is truly a treasure trove useful substances, therefore recommended by doctors as aid for a number of diseases, including various female ailments. Regular use of this product will strengthen the immune system, improve the functioning of the nervous system, normalize digestion and help restore hormonal balance. Royal jelly can be purchased at different forms: tablets, solutions, glucose mixtures, granules or honey with the addition of a product. Therefore, when taking it, you need to focus on the instructions for the drugs. Most often, white honey is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, as it has tonic properties. Contraindications to the use of royal jelly are kidney disease, allergic reactions to bee products, increased blood clotting and infectious diseases in the acute phase.

   Royal jelly comes in different forms

3. Dates are rich in vitamins, including vitamin E, which has a beneficial effect on hormonal levels. In addition, they are an excellent substitute for sweets, which should be limited during lactation. To get the effect, you need to eat 5-6 fruits daily for a month.

   5-6 dates a day have a beneficial effect on the body of a nursing mother

Although the proposed folk remedies much safer than drugs, they should be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother with caution and one at a time, so as not to cause an allergic reaction in the baby.

Medicines

It is important to remember that there is no 100% safe drugs for the treatment of any ailment during lactation. Even vitamin complexes, intended specifically for nursing mothers, can only be taken after consulting a doctor.

If you are concerned about the duration, pain or nature of discharge during lactation, you need to visit a gynecologist.

To treat serious menstrual disorders, hormone-containing drugs that are incompatible with breastfeeding are usually prescribed. And only the doctor after full examination may prescribe you one or another treatment regimen and, if necessary, recommend ending lactation.

Every woman is unique. Therefore, it is impossible to say exactly when her menstrual cycle will resume. Do not panic and look for terrible illnesses if your periods do not return while you are breastfeeding. It’s better to visit a qualified specialist who will dispel all your fears and doubts.

And this happens due to the characteristics of feeding. It is important how a woman feeds her baby: breastfeeding or formula feeding.

When does the cycle return?

In women who are not breastfeeding or have a mixed diet, the menstrual cycle is restored from 6 to 8 weeks after birth. In breastfeeding women, the time frame for the restoration of menstrual function may vary. If there are no additional supplements, supplementary feeding or introduction of complementary foods, menstruation may be absent for up to six months or until sufficient amounts of solid food are introduced.

But the method of lactational amenorrhea, i.e. the absence of ovulation in a nursing woman, today cannot be considered 100% effective. Since women often have endocrine dysfunction. Therefore, the onset of menstruation in a nursing woman is possible from about six months of the child’s life. Although there may be earlier and later periods.

If the child’s diet contains more than 100 ml of formula, then the return of menstruation is possible within 3-4 months from the date of birth. Accordingly, it becomes possible to become pregnant.

First period after childbirth

The first time menstruation is usually non-ovulatory. The follicle matures in the ovary, but usually no egg is released from it, and it itself undergoes reverse regression. There is a rejection of the mucous layer of the uterus with a visual manifestation - menstrual. This does not always happen, and for some women ovulation occurs even before their first menstruation. Accordingly, the possibility of early and unplanned pregnancy after childbirth increases. This is especially likely for women who do not breastfeed. It is possible for them already 2 months after birth.

The timing of the first period after childbirth is influenced by many factors:

age;
the state of the woman’s body;
during the previous pregnancy;
childbirth (operative or natural).

To restore menstruation it is important: good nutrition with a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins, daily routine, adequate sleep, availability chronic pathology genital area and body, state of the nervous system. In an exhausted and twitchy woman, menstruation usually occurs later and is complicated.

After caesarean section

Caesarean section is usually performed in case of complicated childbirth, which, one way or another, leaves an imprint on the course of further menstruation. Typically, menstruation occurs at the same time as in women after natural birth. But when emergency operations and complications of the postpartum period, they may recover later and take longer to adjust due to the suture. Sometimes a consultation is required to select corrective therapy.

You should immediately consult a doctor if you have significant pain in the lower abdomen, heavy discharge with an unpleasant or unusual odor. These may be signs of exacerbation of chronic inflammatory processes that occur after childbirth and are sluggish.

Difficulty with menstruation

After childbirth, women may face certain difficulties. Even if earlier, before pregnancy, there were no abnormalities in menstruation. First of all, menstruation can occur over a period of up to six months and be irregular, differing on average by 3-5 days. If even after six months the cycle is not established, this is a reason to visit a gynecologist.

In addition, your menstrual cycle may change, becoming longer or shorter. But usually women report clearer and more regular menstruation after childbirth. However, for most women, menstruation becomes longer and heavier due to the regulation and stabilization of hormonal levels. After childbirth, menstrual pain usually goes away. And if it occurs, a doctor’s consultation is necessary to rule out inflammatory processes.

Regular and painless periods are one of the indicators of a woman’s health. They serve as an indicator of the ability to give life to a person. Their absence during pregnancy and in most cases during breastfeeding makes it possible for a young mother to give her vitality only to the baby who has recently declared his presence in this world. The arrival of menstruation indicates that the woman is able to conceive and bear a child again.

What is the menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a multifaceted biological process in the female body, affecting the functions of both the reproductive system and others (cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine and others). A cycle is the period of time between the first day of menstruation and the last day before the next period. Its duration should be regular (from 21 to 35 days), approximately the same each time. Each such cycle prepares a woman for pregnancy. It consists of the following phases:

1. Preparing for ovulation. The ovaries produce the hormone estrogen, which causes the inner layer of the uterus to swell and the follicle (the bladder containing the egg) to mature.
2. Ovulation. A mature follicle bursts and the egg leaves it into the abdominal cavity. Usually occurs in the middle of the cycle.
3. Readiness for fertilization. The egg begins to move through the fallopian tubes into the uterus. This process lasts on average three days. If fertilization does not occur during this time, the egg dies. The ovaries produce large quantities of the hormone progesterone, thanks to which the endometrium (inner layer of the uterus) prepares to receive a fertilized egg. If pregnancy occurs, there are no periods.
4. Menstruation. If fertilization does not occur, the endometrium begins to be rejected, which occurs due to a sharp decrease in progesterone production. Bleeding begins.

Restoring the menstrual cycle means the possibility of a new pregnancy for a woman

In many countries before, and in some even now, girls and women during their periods are treated in a special way. Some believe that a woman becomes unclean. So, some of our compatriots, even now, during critical days don't go to church. In some eastern countries, girls are prohibited from cooking food, touching idols, performing homework so as not to desecrate anything.

In other regions, it is or was previously believed that women have special powers during menstruation. Thus, in the 16th century, the Korean general Gwak Cheu during the war wore red clothes dyed with the menstrual blood of virgins. The general believed that the dark feminine yin energy turned his clothes into armor inaccessible to enemy fire - the personification of the male yang energy.

How to distinguish periods from lochia and postpartum bleeding

After childbirth, a woman experiences bloody discharge, abundant at first, and then increasingly scanty. This discharge has nothing to do with menstruation and is called lochia. Immediately after birth, lochia is very abundant. But after a few days they become similar to light periods, after which they gradually decline. After about a month and a half, they disappear without a trace.

Sometimes lochia stops faster, but the uterus does not have time to return to its original size (a noticeable tummy remains). This may indicate that the uterus contracts poorly or is in spasm. cervical canal. Such pathologies are diagnosed using ultrasound diagnostics. Blood that is too dark in the form of clots may also indicate similar problems. Its color indicates that it was in the uterus for a long time and managed to oxidize.

If the uterus seems to have contracted, lochia has almost stopped, but suddenly appears copious discharge blood, and less than five weeks have passed since birth, which means bleeding has begun. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. The reason for this situation lies in a piece of placenta remaining in the uterus. Pathology is diagnosed using ultrasound and confirmed by hysteroscopy or curettage.

Video: doctor talks about discharge after childbirth

When to expect your period after childbirth

The monthly cycle of a young mother is restored gradually: for some, a month and a half after giving birth (but not earlier), and for others, after a year, which depends on many factors. But first of all, it depends on the woman’s hormonal background.

The level of hormones in the body is subject to changes, and the onset of menstruation depends on the quantity in which they are present in the body. If a woman is breastfeeding, her body produces large quantities of prolactin. It suppresses the work of the ovaries, thereby preventing the restoration of the menstrual cycle. This is how nature makes sure that feminine forces are directed towards the baby that has already been born, and not towards a new pregnancy. If for some reason the mother completed breastfeeding, this is a sign for the body that the woman is free and can prepare for a new pregnancy. This is why, in most cases, mothers whose children are fully breastfed do not menstruate. The cycle is restored soon after the baby is transferred to artificial or mixed feeding or complementary foods are actively introduced.

Thus, most often the recovery time of the cycle depends on the nature of the baby’s diet:

• if a baby under one year old is completely breastfed, receives milk on demand at any time of the day, and complementary feeding is only a supplement to mother’s milk, menstruation should be expected when the baby turns one year old and “adult” food takes the main place in his diet;
• if the baby is actively fed from 5–6 months, gradually replacing breastfeeding with solid food, menstruation will appear when the baby is seven–eight months old;
• when the child is on mixed feeding, discharge will most likely begin three to four months after birth;
• In mothers of bottle-fed babies, menstruation appears one and a half to two months after birth.

The hormone prolactin, produced in large quantities in the body of nursing mothers, inhibits the functioning of the ovaries and the resumption of menstruation.

U modern woman Over the course of her life, she has about 450 menstrual cycles. A few centuries ago this figure was lower - about 160 cycles. And in ancient times - about 50. This is due to the fact that they used to give birth to many children and breastfeed them for a long time.

What else affects the onset of menstruation?

Of course, other factors also influence the onset of menstruation, although to a much lesser extent than lactation:

• the presence of diseases complicates recovery after childbirth, which means that menstruation is delayed;
• difficult pregnancy and complications of childbirth slow down the recovery process, so you will have to wait longer for the arrival of menstruation;
• the level of other hormones is interconnected with the production of prolactin, and therefore the onset of menstruation;
• correct balanced diet, the intake of sufficient quantities of necessary microelements and vitamins contributes to the full functioning of the body and the speedy restoration of the monthly cycle;
• adherence to sleep and rest patterns promotes recovery processes;
• presence of stress, depressed emotional condition negatively affect reproductive health and restoration of the menstrual cycle;
• use hormonal contraceptives can make adjustments to the functioning of the hormonal system: along with stimulating the production of progesterone, their use reduces the amount of prolactin. Therefore, it is possible for menstruation to begin as quickly as possible, but at the same time, a decrease in the amount of milk produced;
• age and number of births affect the functioning of the reproductive system. A young, unworn body returns to normal faster;
• excess weight does not contribute to the timely onset of menstruation;
• The body of women who have given birth several times, as well as those who gave birth for the first time after 30 years, usually takes longer to recover after childbirth.

Recovery after caesarean section

Restoring the menstrual cycle does not depend on whether the baby was born as a result of a natural birth or after a cesarean section. However, in some cases, recovery may be delayed due to complications in postoperative period: inflammatory processes in the uterine cavity, as well as in the suture area. Otherwise, the method of delivery does not matter.

Restoring the menstrual cycle after a cesarean section, if it passed without complications, is no different from recovery after a natural birth

Features of the menstrual cycle after childbirth

After childbirth, menstruation may have a completely different character than before childbirth, although this is not necessary. It happens that their frequency, duration, and nature of discharge, their intensity, change. They are often not as painful as they used to be.

Restoring the cycle takes some time. The first periods after childbirth do not immediately become regular, equal in duration, and do not always occur with the same frequency. The body needs time to adjust to new way. On average, this takes two to three months.

Table: what should menstruation be normally?

Often, before the onset of menstruation, a woman experiences premenstrual syndrome (PMS), even if it was uncharacteristic for her in the prenatal period. This condition is characterized by:

• mood swings;
• irritability;
• sleep disorders;
• absent-mindedness;
• swelling and mild soreness of the mammary glands;
• fluid retention in the body, edema;
• joint pain;
• allergic reactions.

Many women determine the approach of menstruation by changes in their well-being.

Pain, heavy discharge and duration of menstruation are usually much greater in winter than in summer.

How to help the body recover

During pregnancy and after the birth of a baby, the load on all organs and systems (especially the nervous and endocrine) of a woman is very large. The following will help restore the cycle and ensure the proper functioning of the body:

• proper sleep and rest;
• peace of mind, tranquility;
• proper, balanced nutrition, taking vitamins;
• active lifestyle, full walks in the fresh air.

How does menstruation affect breast milk?

Mothers whose cycle has returned are often worried about how changes in their body will affect lactation. With menstrual flow, the amount of the hormone prolactin in the body sometimes decreases, which reduces milk production. At the same time, the quality, taste, and composition of milk remain the same. It is worth putting the baby to the breast more often so that he remains full and calm, and also drink more fluids.

Menstrual flow in a young mother does not affect the quality of her milk in any way, but can slightly reduce its quantity

Table: menstrual cycle disorders

Such violations are rare, but in order to prevent them in time, all women who have given birth are given an ultrasound examination and tests are prescribed, and are also recommended to regularly visit a gynecologist, especially in the first time after childbirth. By ignoring these recommendations, a young mother puts both her health and the health of her future children at risk.

Restoring the menstrual cycle after childbirth is one of the conditions for a woman’s physical well-being. Healthy lifestyle, positive attitude and timely consultation with a doctor in case of concern will help make the process easy and natural.

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Menstruation after childbirth - irregular cycle, delay, features

One of critical issues The question that women ask about their health after pregnancy and childbirth is the establishment of the menstrual cycle, because menstruation is perhaps the main indicator of women’s health.

After the birth of a child, against the background of renewal of processes occurring in general in a woman’s body, changes occur in her menstrual cycle.

Your periods may be delayed, irregular, or even disappear for a while. But you don't need to panic because this is all natural and normal. The speed of restoration and establishment of a woman’s menstrual cycle after childbirth depends on her physiological parameters, hormonal levels, the presence or absence of breastfeeding, stress, etc. In our article we will discuss menstruation after childbirth - irregular cycle, delay, features.

Features of menstruation after childbirth

As practice shows, the menstrual cycle after childbirth can become somewhat unpredictable and have a number of features. There is no specific time frame within which menstruation should begin after the birth of a child. The time of its onset is purely individual.

Many women note that for several months after giving birth they experience irregular menstrual cycles, and the periods themselves are sometimes very difficult. This is due to the fact that the female body needs some time to return to normal functioning.

Bloody discharge from healthy women should last no more than 3-7 days. Very short (a couple of days) or, on the contrary, too long menstruation, ending in bleeding, can indicate problems in the woman’s reproductive sphere - uterine tumors (fibroids), endometriosis (proliferation of endometrial tissue outside the uterus).

The volume of menstrual blood also matters. Normally it is 50-150 ml. Too much or too little menstrual flow also indicates pathology. The length of your cycle after childbirth may change. If before the birth of a child a woman’s cycle was, for example, 20-30 days, then after childbirth this figure can average out and amount to 25 days.

Often, mothers who have recently given birth develop the so-called premenstrual syndrome, in which the woman becomes very irritable, tearful, sometimes experiences dizziness, insomnia, increased feelings of hunger, and even bouts of nausea.

Some women notice the appearance of menstrual pain that they did not experience before giving birth. These pains are usually caused by the body's unpreparedness for full restoration, psychological instability, inflammatory processes in the pelvis or strong contractions of the uterus. If during menstruation a woman constantly has to take painkillers and antispasmodics, she should definitely see a gynecologist.

Quite often the opposite situation occurs. After childbirth, women who previously suffered from severe pain during menstruation become painless. This is due to a change in the position of the uterus in the pelvis, which removes obstacles to the normal outflow of blood.

If a woman has any concerns about her period after childbirth, she should contact her gynecologist, but, as a rule, all the borderline conditions described above go away on their own within a few months.

Features of menstruation after childbirth while breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has a great influence on the menstrual cycle after childbirth. A woman’s body begins to function in previously unknown conditions. The pituitary gland sharply increases the production of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for the secretion of breast milk and the lactation process.

Precisely because high content prolactin menstruation after childbirth may for a long time absent. Nature, thus, takes care of the mother and baby and devotes all the body’s strength to feeding the child, suppressing ovarian function, blocking ovulation and thereby making it impossible for a new pregnancy to occur in an exhausted body.

A peculiarity of menstruation after childbirth with regular breastfeeding is that menstruation may not occur until breastfeeding is completed. The arrival of menstruation is delayed due to the fact that during breastfeeding the pituitary gland produces the hormone prolactin, which suppresses ovarian functions, for example, ovulation, which prevents the onset of a new pregnancy during breastfeeding. Prolactin can act as a cause of irregular menstrual cycle after childbirth.

Irregular menstrual cycle after childbirth

If a woman does not breastfeed her baby, then her first period after childbirth comes in about 2-3 months. For mothers whose children are mixed-fed, i.e. lactation is present, but not on demand; menstruation begins on average after 4-5 months.

The method of delivery does not affect the time of arrival of the first menstruation and the establishment of the menstrual cycle. True, in women who have undergone postpartum complications in the form of bleeding, sepsis, endometritis, etc., menstruation may come a little later than expected, since these processes inhibit the restoration of the uterus due to damage from inflammation.

Irregular menstrual cycles after childbirth are quite common. Often after the birth of a child, menstruation becomes irregular: periods sometimes come, sometimes they don’t come, sometimes they are delayed for several days, sometimes they begin earlier than before.

The cycle can be established up to 4-6 months, but if after this period the interval between the arrival of menstruation varies by more than 5 days, this is a reason to consult a doctor for advice. Resumption of regular menstruation after childbirth is a sign that female body She has completely restored her reproductive function and is ready for a new pregnancy.

Delayed menstruation after childbirth

As mentioned earlier, the restoration of menstruation after childbirth is influenced by many factors, including:

• the general condition of the mother’s body;
• her psychological state;
• the presence or absence of a proper sleep and rest regime;
• stressful situations;
• nutrition;
• complications received during childbirth.

On average, the restoration of the menstrual cycle after the birth of a child occurs 2-3 months after the end of spotting. bloody discharge(lochia). If after this time a woman’s menstruation has not begun, she begins to worry about the delay and possible pregnancy.

Sometimes it happens that menstruation has already begun after childbirth, menstruation was regular for some period of time, and then problems began. This is a typical situation when breastfeeding a baby. But if cycle disruptions continue after cessation of lactation, you should consult a doctor, since such delays in menstruation after childbirth may be a sign of a number of diseases.

A prolonged delay in menstruation after childbirth can be caused by the following reasons:

• insufficient production of the hormone estrogen, which is caused by hormonal imbalance in organism;
• Availability cystic changes in the ovaries;
• past infectious disease;
• general weakening of the body of a nursing mother associated with chronic lack of sleep or stress;
• inflammatory processes occurring in the genitals;
  the presence of a tumor in the uterus or ovaries;
• new pregnancy;
• Sheehan's syndrome or pituitary apoplexy.

First of all, when determining the reasons for a delay in menstruation after childbirth, it is necessary to exclude a second pregnancy. After all, a woman can easily conceive a child again before the first menstruation appears after pregnancy, since menstruation comes almost 2 weeks after ovulation, which is quite enough for fertilization.

If the pregnancy test is negative, and the gynecologist did not reveal any pathologies during examination, tests and ultrasound, the woman should contact an endocrinologist, since long delay menstruation after childbirth can be a symptom of the development of Sheehan syndrome, when the pituitary gland occurs pathological changes, causing disruption of the production of the hormone prolactin. This syndrome can be caused by heavy bleeding during childbirth or other postpartum complications.

To ensure a speedy recovery, women after childbirth are advised to carefully monitor their health, take vitamins, and light gymnastics, devote enough time to rest, walks in the fresh air and sleep, as well as eat well. A daily routine and rational activity will be the key to quickly getting into shape, establishing the cyclic and hormonal process and regularity of menstruation.

Remember that it is not always long delay menstruation after childbirth or cycle failure are dangerous, but in any case it is not advisable to self-medicate. For any questions or problems arising with reproductive system, seek advice from specialists.