Why did my periods stop during pregnancy?

Each month, your body goes through a cycle of changes to prepare for a possible pregnancy.

If you don't become pregnant, the lining of your uterus (womb) sheds — this blood is your period. If you do become pregnant, your body keeps the lining of your uterus. That's why you stop getting periods during pregnancy.

Can I bleed during pregnancy?

Even though your periods stop, you may still experience bleeding during pregnancy. This happens in almost 1 in 4 people for different reasons.

Many people who bleed during pregnancy go on to give birth to a healthy baby. However, you should immediately contact your doctor or midwife if you notice bleeding from your vagina at any time during your pregnancy.

In early pregnancy, bleeding can happen when the fertilised egg implants itself in your womb. This is known as implantation bleeding. It normally only lasts for a few days.

Bleeding during early pregnancy can sometimes be a sign of a problem with the pregnancy. For example, it can happen if the fertilised egg implants outside the uterus — this is called an ectopic pregnancy. It could also signal a miscarriage.

In the later stages of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding can have many different causes.

What can I expect after the birth?

In the first few days after birth, it's normal to have some period-like bleeding. This happens as your uterus contracts back to the size it was before pregnancy.

Bleeding immediately after birth can be heavy. It can also be bright red for the first couple of days, but gradually becomes a brownish colour before it stops after about 2 months.

Bleeding might be heavier in the morning when you get up, after breastfeeding or after exercise. If you are worried, speak with your doctor or midwife.

Uncontrolled heavy bleeding after birth, called a postpartum haemorrhage, can be serious and life threatening.

When should I see a doctor?

Contact your doctor or midwife immediately if you have recently given birth and you notice:

• blood that soaks more than one pad every 1 to 2 hours
• a sudden increase in blood or large clots
• blood that suddenly turns bright red in colour
• sweating, dizziness, weakness or trouble breathing
• any other unusual post-birth bleeding

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When will my periods return?

After birth, your periods will return at your body's own pace. It's possible for your periods to return as soon as 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth.

If you bottle feed or partially breastfeed your baby, you'll tend to start having periods sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed.

If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months. For those who keep breastfeeding, it might not return for 1 to 2 years.

There is no way to know if your periods will return the same way they were before you were pregnant. If you experience a different kind of period pain or your periods have changed, speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist what type of period pain medicine you can take if you are breastfeeding.

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Does breastfeeding affect my periods?

Not having your periods while you're breastfeeding is common. How long it lasts depends on how often you breastfeed and when you introduce other food into your baby's diet.

It's hard to predict when your periods will return after you give birth. How you feed your baby is only one factor that influences this.

Will a period affect the taste of my breastmilk?

If you notice that your baby fusses at your breast when you have your period, it might be a sign that it tastes different. Usually these changes are only for a short time.

If you are worried about anything related to breastfeeding, you can speak to a lactation consultant, a health professional who specialises in breastfeeding.

What contraception should I use and when should I start using it?

If you don't want to get pregnant, you should use contraception (birth control). All forms of contraception lower your chances of getting pregnant, so long as they are used correctly.

Once you start ovulating, you can get pregnant. Ovulation can happen before you have your first period after giving birth.

You can still get pregnant if you are breastfeeding. There are several safe contraception options you can consider while breastfeeding, such as:

• condoms
• an intrauterine device (IUD)
• the minipill
• the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)

Talk with your doctor for advice before resuming sexual activity.

When is it OK to use tampons again after pregnancy?

It's best not to use tampons until after your medical check at 6 weeks after you give birth. If your normal periods return before this, use a sanitary pad until your doctor gives you advice.

Resources and support

• If you have questions or concerns, speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician / gynaecologist.
• The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) has a wide range of information and support services for new parents.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health has a catalogue of health resources, available in more than 70 languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Strong Women Strong Babies has a diary that gives you information on how to look after yourself and your baby in pregnancy and the busy weeks after the birth.

The Koori Maternity Service (KMS) program provides access to holistic, culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.