Postpartum Cycle & Ovulation: What to Expect After Childbirth

Question
Hi Brenda! Its been 4 weeks since I've given birth to my daughter. How soon can I expect to ovulate? I'm waiting for my menstrual cycle to start. I have noticed what looks like cervical mucus with an egg white appearance at about 2 1/2 weeks that lasted up to the fourth week mark. I'm wondering if that's a sign of ovulation. We did have unprotected sex on day 26 and 30 after giving birth. We have an 11 month old which indicates I had a period 4 weeks after giving birth. Now I'm waiting to see when my period will return. I did attempt to breast feed for 2 weeks. Thank you!

Answer
Dear Nicole,

If you attempted breastfeeding for two weeks only, it would not play a part in the menstrual cycle at this point. The bleeding after delivery is called lochia. Postpartum bleeding is similar to the bleeding that occurs during a menstrual period, but is often much heavier than menstrual bleeding for the first few days. Postpartum bleeding typically begins within hours after giving birth, and will continue for about 2-3 weeks. Postpartum bleeding starts out bright red (lochia rubra). The postpartum bleeding generally stays bright red for anywhere from 3-7 days after giving birth. After that time, the color will become more pinkish, and eventually becomes an off-white or yellow-white color (lochia alba). For some women, postpartum bleeding may last for up to as many as 6 weeks after giving birth.

Women who are not breastfeeding will usually start menstruating up to 6-8 weeks postpartum. Your first period after childbirth is often much heavier and lasts a little longer than usual before returning to a more normal pattern.

However, you should know that once you do return to sexual activity, you should not consider yourself protected from pregnancy simply because you have not yet had a period. You can actually ovulate before you have your first period, which it sounds like may have occurred with you. If you do not wish to become pregnant right away again, you should make sure that any sexual activity (once cleared by your doctor) is protected.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda