Periods After Delivery: How many days after delivery is it normal to not have periods, and when is it necessary to see a doctor?:Breastfeeding and Periods: One of the biggest questions new mothers face is when their periods will begin. Let's find out what doctors have to say about this.

News Topical, Digital Desk : The experience of pregnancy and childbirth brings about many major changes in the female body. Therefore, the most common question in the minds of new mothers is, "When do periods return after delivery?" The answer to this question can be different for every woman. Typically, periods can return anywhere from 6 weeks to a year or even more. This depends entirely on whether the woman is breastfeeding or not, her hormonal status, and how quickly the body recovers.

According to the 2023 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), approximately 65 percent of women in India get their first period within six months of delivery. However, in women who exclusively breastfeed, periods can be delayed for up to 18 months. Let's find out what doctors have to say about this.

Factors Affecting the Return of Periods After Delivery

Dr. Neetu Singh, a gynecologist at the Dilshad Garden Maternity Clinic, explains, "The return of periods after delivery depends on many factors. Breastfeeding plays a crucial role. During breastfeeding, the body produces a hormone called prolactin, which helps in milk production and suppresses ovulation. This is why women who breastfeed regularly and fully, day and night, experience delayed periods." According to her, this is a natural process of the body, which helps maintain the gap between the next pregnancy. Periods after delivery can be quite painful; if there is a severe problem, one should consult a doctor.

How to help regularize periods again?

The body needs proper care to restore balance after delivery. Nutrition and hydration play a crucial role in this. A balanced and nutritious diet helps maintain hormonal balance and aids in the body's recovery. Iron-rich foods like green vegetables, pulses, and protein-rich foods help replenish blood lost during delivery. Meanwhile, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, flax seeds, and walnuts, help reduce inflammation and strengthen the body. Drinking adequate water is also essential, as it helps all bodily processes function optimally.

Exercise also helps

In addition, moderate physical activity is also beneficial. Daily walking or light exercise improves blood circulation, reduces stress, and improves mood. Postnatal yoga and gentle stretching exercises help restore flexibility, improving hormonal balance and gradually easing periods.