First things first. Congratulations mama!

We’re often bombarded with information about the changes our bodies go through during pregnancy, but once our baby is born the attention leaves our bodies and focuses on our little one. Because of this, we can often feel lost about our body’s natural changes post pregnancy.

The truth is, when it comes to your cycle, a lot can change after having a baby, and these changes can sometimes come as a surprise to new parents. While there’s no such thing as a “normal” postpartum period, we’re here to take out some of the guesswork and prepare you for the next stage in your pregnancy journey.

What’s the deal with lochia?

About a week after you’ve given birth, you’ll likely notice a discharge called lochia. Lochia is typically creamy white to red in colour, but it’s not to be confused with your actual period. The main difference between lochia and your period is that lochia will be lighter and more watery. It may also have a sweet smell and, unlike your period, lochia’s flow will increase when you exert yourself.

When will my period start again?

When you get your period depends on a few factors. Typically, women who breastfeed on a regular basis will get their period later than those who bottle feed only. This is because the hormone prolactin, which is needed to produce breast milk, suppresses your reproductive hormones. With an increase in prolactin you’re unlikely to ovulate, which in turn means no period.

On average, moms who fully breastfeed can expect their periods to start returning at around 6 months postpartum. If you don’t breastfeed, or don’t exclusively breastfeed, your period might return 1-3 months after giving birth.

Will my period be different?

It could be! Your first period after pregnancy could be heavier than you’re used to, and then get lighter over time. Here are some other changes you might notice:

• Small clots
• Heavier or lighter flow than usual
• Stronger or weaker cramps than usual
• Irregular period lengths

Tracking your flow both before and after your pregnancy can be a useful way to monitor the changes to your period after having a baby. This is where period tracking apps like Cycles can be very useful. Having a record of your symptoms can help you when visiting the doctor, or even for remembering what to expect after a future pregnancy.

What to watch out for

While it’s normal to experience changes in your menstruation after giving birth, there are some symptoms thatrequire medical attention. Call your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Sudden fever
• Soaking more than one pad per hour
• Continuous bleeding for over 7 days
• Trouble breathing
• Severe headache
• Very large blood clots
• Sudden and severe pain when you start bleeding

The return of your menstrual cycle after having a baby can feel like a shock to the system. Though you can expect to notice a change from your pre-pregnancy periods, it’s important to listen to your body and check up on any symptoms that seem out of the ordinary.

Find more tips for pregnancy, birth and beyond by following us @cycles.app!