How Long Is It Normal To Miss Periods After Delivery: The experience of pregnancy and delivery brings many major changes in the female body. In such a situation, the most common question in the minds of new mother women is, “When do periods return after delivery?” The answer to this may be different for every woman. Usually periods can return in 6 weeks to a year or more. It completely depends on whether the woman is breastfeeding or not, what is the hormonal condition and how quickly the body is recovering.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) of 2023, about 65 percent of women in India get their first period within 6 months of delivery. However, in women who breastfeed completely, periods can be postponed for up to 18 months. Let us tell you what the doctors say about this whole matter.
Factors affecting return of periods after delivery
Dr. Neetu Singh, Gynecologist, Maternity Clinic, Dilshad Garden, says, “The return of periods after delivery depends on many things. The most important role among these is breastfeeding. During breastfeeding, a hormone called prolactin is produced in the body, which helps in milk production and suppresses ovulation. This is the reason why women who breastfeed regularly and completely day and night, “Periods come late.” According to them, this is a natural process of the body, which helps in maintaining the gap between next pregnancies. Periods can be very painful after delivery, if there is severe problem, then a doctor should be contacted.
How to help periods become regular again?
After delivery, the body needs proper care to come back into balance. First of all, the role of nutrition and water is very important in this. A balanced and nutritious diet helps in maintaining hormonal balance and recovery of the body. Iron-rich foods like green vegetables, pulses and protein-rich foods are helpful in replacing blood loss during delivery. At the same time, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, flaxseed and walnuts help in reducing inflammation and strengthening the body. It is also important to drink enough water, because it makes all the processes of the body work better.
Exercise is also helpful
Along with this, light physical activity is also beneficial. Daily walking or light exercise improves blood circulation, reduces stress and also keeps the mood good. Postnatal yoga and light stretching exercises help in regaining the body’s flexibility, thereby improving hormonal balance and periods gradually become normal.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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