QuestionI gave birth 9 weeks ago via c-section and bled for approximately 2 1/2 weeks. At 6 weeks Post Partum, my OB put me on Ortho Tri-Cyclen even though I had not gotten my period yet. Well, in a couple days I will begin to take the placebo pills and am worried because I have no menstrual symptoms. Should I have expected a period during my first pack of pills, or was it delayed by beginning the BC pills? I am worried I am pregnant even though I got a negative HPT two weeks ago.
AnswerDear Carolyn,
First of all, if you are breastfeeding, this will make a difference. Breastfeeding will delay ovulation and breastfeeding until you begin to supplement. It is nature's own type of birth control.
Each woman is different in regard to when menstruation returns. If you are not breastfeeding, your period may return as early as 4-6 weeks after you deliver your baby. Some women, after giving birth, do not ovulate and do not have menstrual periods (physiological amenorrhea) in the first couple of months immediately after delivery. It's not that unusual for menstruation not to return for up to 8 weeks.
However - in order to prevent pregnancy, you need to be using a birth control method, even before menstruation returns. This is why the doctor would have put you on the BCP without waiting for a period.
You should expect to see a period, even a light one, with the week of placebo pills IF you are not breastfeeding exclusively. If you do not get a period, you can test for pregnancy the day before you begin the next pack if you still are concerned that it might be possible you have become pregnant. If it is negative, I doubt that you are pregnant. The first period after childbirth is a bit quirky. If you do not have that period and test negative, go ahead and start your next pack and if you remain concerned, by all means contact your doctor.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
